Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets have discussed potentially reducing Durant’s workload, but the 37-year-old made it clear he isn’t interested in playing fewer minutes simply because of his age.
Durant was asked about head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone considering a reduction in his minutes during Rockets media day. Before the reporter could even finish the question, Durant jumped in, “Why?”
When asked whether he would be comfortable with playing fewer minutes this season, Durant explained exactly why he wants to remain on the floor whenever Houston needs him.
“I mean, it’s been the same message from me for a long time, man. Like, I’m better on the court. The team is better when I’m on the court. Now, if we handle our business the first three quarters, then, or earlier in the game, then maybe. But just for the sake of getting my minutes just because he’s older or he played a lot of minutes, that’s what I’m supposed to be training for, is to play the long haul, play 48 minutes a night. But I get the concern. But if the game needs me to be out there, I want to be out there.”
Durant’s stance comes after another massive workload last season.
He averaged 36.4 minutes across 78 regular-season appearances, finishing second in the NBA with approximately 2,840 total minutes. Durant still produced at an elite level, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 52.0 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three.
Houston’s concern may have increased after Durant suffered an ankle injury shortly before the playoffs. He went on to miss five of the Rockets’ six games during their first-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Durant will turn 38 during the upcoming season, but his message to Houston is pretty straightforward.
He understands why the Rockets want to protect him, but he doesn’t want a predetermined minutes restriction. If Houston can put games away early, Durant is happy to spend more time on the bench.
If the Rockets need him, though, he wants to be on the court.
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