Expectations for Kevin Durant’s teams have been sky-high for virtually his entire career. As he enters his first full season with the Suns, he acknowledges that anything short of an NBA title will be considered something of a letdown.
Speaking to Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson of NBA Today on SiriusXM this week, Durant tried to play down the championship-or-bust mentality around Phoenix in 2023–24, while acknowledging that the team will be “pounced on” if they fall short, given the level of talent on the team.
“I understand that it’s a part of expectations and the talent level that we have on our team. I don’t even look at it like that. It goes without saying, I always feel like we should be winning every game, and championship is always the goal,” said Durant.
“Obviously if we don’t win the title we’ll get pounced on”
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 6, 2023
Kevin Durant talks about the expectations for the Suns this season.
Hear more from @Suns Camp https://t.co/IHMBxr3V1a…
@TermineRadio | @JumpShot8 | @KDTrey5 | @SiriusXMSports pic.twitter.com/1fEuJzoDGP
“But I don’t even talk about it. I think the development of our team, and seeing where we are and how quickly can we come together," he added. "I think that’s the most important thing. Obviously, if we don’t win a title, we’ll get pounced on, like you said. … Individually, as players, we’re just looking to get better and do our jobs the best we can do.”
The Suns, who acquired Durant from the Nets ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, finished fourth in the Western Conference at 45–37, falling in six games to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets in the conference semifinals.
With Durant entering his first full season in Phoenix alongside Devin Booker and the team’s latest superstar acquisition, Bradley Beal, Durant is correct about expectations for the squad. SI Sportsbook has the Suns as the co-favorite, alongside the Nuggets, to come out of the West at +260.
