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Golden State Warriors to retire Kevin Durant’s jersey

By Tony Pesta

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 29: (Editor's Note: This image has been converted to black and white.) Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 29, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 29: (Editor's Note: This image has been converted to black and white.) Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 29, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have made the decision to retire Kevin Durant’s No. 35 jersey.

Kevin Durant played only three seasons for the Golden State Warriors, but his impact was enough to earn a rare achievement for an NBA player. After two championships and two Finals MVP’s, the Warriors have elected to retire Durant’s jersey number, restricting any future player from every wearing his number again.

This should come as somewhat of a surprise. It isn’t very often that a player manages to get his jersey retired after playing just two complete seasons for a team. Still, Durant accomplished more in these three seasons than most players do in an entire career.

Since joining the Dubs, Durant has averaged 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He was named to three All-Star teams, three All-NBA teams and of course won two Finals MVP awards.

The Warriors have reached the NBA Finals in each of the previous five seasons, and this feat wouldn’t have been possible without Durant. He has elevated his game when the Dubs needed him most, putting up 29.6 points per game for his playoff career in Oakland.

Now, Durant prepares to embrace a new chapter in his basketball life. His decision to join Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets is one that shook the entire league. While many fans might feel betrayed by this move, the Warriors front office clearly has nothing but respect for KD.

This is rightfully earned. Durant sacrificed his reputation to join the Dubs. He became the most hated player in the league and was tormented relentlessly for his decision. Still, he embraced the fan base and helped lead the Warriors to the top of the mountain.

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The Dubs will honor Durant the best way possible, by retiring his jersey forever. This makes Durant the only active player in the NBA to have his jersey retired by a franchise, adding to his ever-growing legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.

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