Kevin Durant’s rise to NBA stardom began with the validation and encouragement he received from neighborhood friends, not scouts or coaches. Growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the constant invitations from kids on his block to join their basketball games played a crucial role in building his early confidence in the sport.

Before becoming a two-time NBA champion and league MVP, Durant was an ordinary child seeking acceptance and approval within his community. The support from those closest to him provided the foundation for his belief in his abilities long before he gained official recognition.

The Early Impact of Community and Peer Support

Appearing on the Mind The Game Podcast, Durant shared that his friends first saw his talent and potential, even when he was unaware of it himself. Their repeated requests for him to play gave him a unique and powerful sense of self-assurance.

My friends start to knock on my door, ‘Can KD come play today?’ Like, that’s how I started to feel confident in myself,

KD said.

This consistent encouragement mattered deeply. As Durant understood how children interact, he knew being left out could quickly diminish confidence. The fact that he was regularly invited reassured him that he belonged and had talent worth recognizing.

Durant further explained,

Everybody around me kind of understood what this was before me. So, I started to become more enlightened and open my eyes to what this is. As I’m 10, 11, 12, 13…I just hit the ground running.

The Role of Local Spaces in Supporting Young Talent

Durant expressed appreciation for the neighborhood rec center, which offered a safe and accessible place for kids to practice and develop their basketball skills. This local resource became more than just a facility; it was a hub where he formed lasting friendships and improved his play.

I was just grateful to have a rec center in my neighborhood that provided a space for the kids.

The rec center’s influence extended beyond basketball. Durant credits the community environment it fostered as a major factor in shaping his life’s path and relationships.

Reflecting on his journey, Durant said,

Most of the people I’ve met come from hooping. I travel this world because of that. So, everything just stems back to that.

Community Support as a Foundation for Success

Kevin Durant acknowledges that his early circle of friends and neighborhood support were essential in helping him recognize and embrace his potential. Their belief in his talent provided the confidence needed to pursue basketball at the highest levels.

This story highlights how local communities and peer encouragement can serve as powerful catalysts for young athletes, fostering growth long before formal attention arrives. For Durant, the combination of friendship, access to resources, and early recognition created a foundation that helped launch a remarkable professional career.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?

A. Kevin Durant scored over 50 points in one game against the Hawks on April 2, 2022.