“Kevin Durant: Would He Have Been Greater in Another Sport?”
For over a decade, Kevin Durant has been a household name in the world of basketball, a towering figure both literally and figuratively. His silky smooth jump shot, versatility, and dominance on the court have earned him multiple NBA championships, MVP awards, and a reputation as one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen. But what if, in some alternate reality, Durant hadn’t chosen basketball as his path? What other sport might have captured his attention and unleashed his otherworldly athletic talents?
While Durant’s love for basketball is undeniable, he has occasionally dropped hints about his passion for other sports, fueling speculation about what he might have pursued had he not been born with the unique blend of height, skill, and basketball IQ that made him a superstar on the hardwood. The question begs to be asked: What sport would Kevin Durant excel in if he hadn’t picked up a basketball?
The Road Not Taken: A Dream of Gridiron Glory
Growing up in the Washington, D.C., area, Durant wasn’t just exposed to basketball. Like many young American athletes, football was a part of the culture, and it wasn’t long before he began to imagine himself under the bright lights of a football field. Standing at 6’10” with a wingspan that stretches nearly 7’5”, Durant would have been a matchup nightmare on the gridiron.
In interviews, Durant has occasionally expressed his fascination with the NFL, particularly the idea of being a wide receiver. “I think I could’ve been a good receiver,” Durant once said, his eyes lighting up at the thought of streaking downfield, towering over defensive backs and snatching deep balls out of the air with his giant hands.
It’s easy to imagine. Durant’s speed, combined with his height and reach, would make him a unique weapon. Picture a 6’10” receiver lining up against 5’11” cornerbacks. His long strides would make it difficult to catch him in open space, and with his hand-eye coordination—honed over years of perfecting his shot—it’s not hard to envision Durant reeling in passes and leaping into the end zone.
Of course, football’s physical demands are vastly different from basketball’s. The violence of the game—the hits, the tackles, the collisions—poses a question: Could Durant’s wiry frame have withstood the punishment that comes with playing in the NFL? While his body is built for finesse and endurance, the constant battering of football might have forced him to bulk up or switch positions. Perhaps Durant could have thrived as a tight end, utilizing his size in a more controlled physical environment.
Tennis: A Surprising Love
Though football seems like an obvious answer for many, Durant has also revealed a softer spot for a sport that is, on the surface, drastically different from basketball: tennis. In recent years, Durant has been seen at numerous tennis matches, particularly during the U.S. Open, and has spoken about his appreciation for the sport’s blend of strategy and athleticism.
But could Kevin Durant have truly excelled on the tennis court? Given his height, one might initially think tennis isn’t ideal for someone of Durant’s stature. However, when you look at towering tennis players like Ivo Karlovic (6’11”) or John Isner (6’10”), Durant’s height could have been a unique advantage, especially when it comes to serving. His reach and ability to cover ground with fewer steps could have made him a force on the baseline, and with proper training, his natural coordination and agility could have translated well to the sport.
Imagine Durant as a tennis player, launching 140-mph serves with his wingspan and moving deftly across the court with the fluidity he displays on the basketball court. His mental toughness and competitive nature, traits that have carried him through many playoff battles, would likely serve him well in tennis, where individual fortitude is everything. And let’s not forget: in tennis, like basketball, height doesn’t automatically make you cumbersome. Durant’s footwork, developed over years of cutting through defenses and sidestepping defenders, could have allowed him to outmaneuver smaller, quicker opponents.
Soccer: A Global Dream?
Another sport that intrigues Durant, and one where his unique physical attributes might have created a phenomenon, is soccer. Growing up in America, Durant was more likely to play football or basketball, but the global rise of soccer has clearly caught his attention. Over the years, Durant has been seen attending soccer matches, supporting international tournaments, and even following major European clubs.
The idea of Kevin Durant as a soccer player, while unusual to imagine, isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. In soccer, height isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, especially in positions like goalkeeper or forward, where size can be an asset. Durant’s height and reach would be intimidating for strikers in the goal, allowing him to cover a vast area, but more fascinating is the thought of Durant as an offensive player—a center forward in the style of Zlatan Ibrahimović.
At 6’5”, Ibrahimović has shown that height can be a lethal weapon in soccer, particularly when combined with skill and precision. Durant, with his agility and eye for the ball, could theoretically play a similar role. His long legs and surprising speed might allow him to cover the pitch quickly, while his height would make him a dangerous target for crosses and set-pieces.
Golf: A Quiet Passion
It may come as a surprise to some, but Durant has also hinted at a love for golf—a sport that seems completely at odds with his public persona as a fierce, ultra-competitive basketball player. Yet, the tranquility and individual focus required in golf may appeal to Durant’s personality. Golf is a sport where precision, patience, and mental toughness are the keys to success, qualities Durant has in abundance. His height would certainly present challenges, requiring a unique swing mechanics, but his dedication to mastering his craft could have translated well.
Golf also represents a sport where physical limitations, such as wear and tear on the body, are less of a factor compared to basketball or football. Durant, who has battled injuries in his career, might have found solace in the slower pace of golf, a place where longevity is often the reward for discipline and skill.
The Basketball Player Who Could Do It All
Though we’ll never know for sure which of these sports Durant would have truly excelled in, one thing is clear: his athletic prowess and mental fortitude would have made him a contender in any arena. Whether catching touchdowns in the NFL, blasting serves on a tennis court, or scoring goals in a packed stadium, Durant’s unique combination of skills and mindset would have likely found success, no matter the stage.
But fortunately for basketball fans, Durant chose the court. And in doing so, he has built a legacy that will stand the test of time, a player whose talent transcends the game and leaves us all wondering—what might have been if his heart led him elsewhere?