Durant: Willing to come off the bench for a championship team. I don’t think this will happen, but I can do the job.

On October 30, Durant’s career has entered a stage of “coexistence of reflection and acceptance”. His recent comments show that even one of the top scorers in basketball history understands the value of adapting. The 37-year-old Rockets forward said he is willing to come on as a substitute in the future if he can help a team that can compete for the championship.

"Of course I would. If the team I'm on is strong and I realize that I'm no longer capable of being a starter, then I'll accept a backup role," Durant said on the podcast. "I don't think that's going to happen, but I just It's an objective expression of my attitude. I want to be a part of a good team, so if such a scenario occurs in the future and I know that it's time to step down as a substitute, then I believe that I can also fulfill this role."

For a player of Durant's level, this statement is extremely rare. The two-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star has long been labeled as "the dominance of the starting core." But his willingness to accept a more minor role just reflects his clear understanding of his own situation and his consideration of extending his career.

Previously, Durant signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Rockets. This contract can keep him in Houston until the 2027-28 season at most - when he will be 40 years old.

Durant’s mentality perfectly fits the Rockets’ lineup structure of “veteran leadership + youthful vitality”. Under the guidance of coach Uduka, the Rockets have been committed to balancing two advantages: on the one hand, Durant's experience on the court, and on the other hand, the momentum of new stars such as Shen Jing and Amen.

Earlier this week, the team made a lineup adjustment and included Okogie in the starting lineup. This adjustment helped the Rockets win their first win of the season, beating the Brooklyn Nets 137-109. In this campaign, Durant contributed 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

The experience of a serious Achilles tendon injury in 2019 completely reshaped Durant's outlook on life. He was told that "this injury could end his career," but not only did he come back strong, he also became more mature - he learned how to take care of his body to extend his NBA career.

Whether he continues to be the starter in the future or eventually becomes a substitute, Durant's core goal is very clear. He said that his "legendary career" is not about winning many championship trophies, but about setting an example for the next generation of players in Houston and the entire league.