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How tall is Kevin Durant? Basketball player lied about his height

Kevin Durant was previously listed as being 6 ft 9 in by the NBA but told women he was 7 ft tall

Full Name	Kevin Wayne Durant
Date of Birth	29 September, 1988
Age	34 (as of 2023)
Place of Birth	Washington, D.C.
Height	6 ft 10 in (208 cm) approx
Weight	109 kg (240 lbs) approx
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Net Worth	$200 million
Siblings	Tony Pratt, Brianna Pratt, Rayvonne Pratt
Dating history	Cassandra Anderson, Monica Wright, Lana Rhoades, LeToya Luckett

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kevin Durant’s height has currently been mentioned as 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m or 208 cm). His height has always been a topic of interest among his fans.

The Phoenix Suns’ player’s striking personality is not just the reason behind his popularity. Many fans previously suspected he was taller than his listed height of 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m or 206 cm), which has now been increased to 6 ft 10 in (208 cm) by NBA.

Durant is also a great player with three years of experience with the Golden State Warriors before playing with the Brooklyn Nets for four years. Earlier this year, the Brooklyn Nets traded Durant to the Phoenix Suns at his request.

With his successful career and his earnings of “ over $40 million off the court annually,” along with investments in “more than 80 companies through his firm 35V,” according to Forbes reports, his professional and financial status is clear to all.

However, his height has been a subject of doubt in the past and has caused a lot of confusion.

Why was Kevin Durant listed as 6 feet 9 inches?

Kevin Durant’s height is actually 7 ft (2.13 m or 213 cm) with shoes on. However, since 2019, NBA made it the norm to record players' heights without shoes.

During a KNBR interview in 2016, he reportedly disclosed to Bob Fitzgerald, “I was recorded at 6 ft 10 in and three-quarters (2.1 m or 210 cm) with no shoes, so with my shoes on I'm 7 ft (213 cm).”

His explanation for the lie was, "I just like messin' with people."

Speaking further about his height, Durant shared with Wall Street Journal, “But really, I’ve always thought it was cool to say I’m a 6-9 small forward.”

He added, “Really, that’s the prototypical size for a small forward. Anything taller than that, and they’ll start saying, ‘Ah, he’s a power forward.’ ”

However, when it comes to women, the stats of Kevin Durant’s height changes. He reportedly revealed, “When I’m talking to women, I’m 7 ft. In basketball circles, I’m 6-9.”

Is Kevin Durant taller than LeBron James?

With Kevin Durant’s height listed as 6 ft 10 in and LeBron James reportedly at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m or 206 cm), it is clear Durant is an inch taller than the basketball small forward. Besides, James’ weight is reportedly approximately 250 pounds (113 kg), whereas Durant weighs 240 pounds (109 kg).

What did Kevin Durant say about Chris Paul?

Kevin Durant took a dig at Chris Paul’s height in 2015 after having a game-saving block against him. He said at the time, “He's 6 ft (1.83 m or 183 cm) [tall]. I'm 6-11 (2.11 m or 211 cm).”

How tall is Chris Paul?

As per NBA, Chris Paul’s height is indeed 6 ft (1.83 m or 183 cm). He reportedly comes under the list of the shortest NBA players.

Kevin Durant’s early life and childhood in DC

Durant was an infant when his father left the family, leading to Wanda and Wayne's eventual divorce. Durant's grandmother, Barbara Davis, played a pivotal role in raising him.

By the age of 13, Durant's father reappeared in his life, accompanying him to basketball tournaments across the country. Durant has a sister, Brianna, and two brothers, Tony and Rayvonne.

Durant and his siblings were raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, situated on the eastern outskirts of Washington, DC.

During his upbringing, Durant harbored a desire to play for his cherished team, the Toronto Raptors, featuring his favorite player, Vince Carter.

Engaging in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball within the Maryland area, Durant shared the court with future NBA players such as Michael Beasley, Greivis Vasquez, and Ty Lawson, maintaining a lasting friendship with Beasley.

Throughout this period, he adopted the jersey number #35 as a tribute to his AAU coach, Charles Craig, who tragically lost his life at the age of 35.

After completing two years of high school basketball at National Christian Academy and one year at Oak Hill Academy, Durant underwent a notable growth spurt of 5 inches (13 cm) before his senior year at Montrose Christian School, starting the season at 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m).

Before the season began, he committed to the University of Texas at Austin, despite considering other prominent universities such as the University of Connecticut, University of North Carolina, Duke University, University of Kentucky, and University of Louisville.

Durant explained his choice of a college with a lesser-known program by stating, "Wanted to set my own path."

At the conclusion of his senior year, Durant received accolades, being named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 McDonald's All-American Game.

Widely recognized as the second-best high school prospect of 2006, following Greg Oden, Durant expressed that he would have entered the 2006 NBA draft if not for the one-and-done rule introduced by the NBA, a decision influenced by his favorite team growing up, the Toronto Raptors, holding the first overall pick.

NBA Rookie of the Year 

Durant emerged as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, selected by the Seattle SuperSonics, after Greg Oden went first to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Making his debut in the regular season, the 19-year-old Durant showcased his talent with 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals against the Denver Nuggets.

Notably, on November 16, he clinched the first game-winning shot of his career in a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.

By the conclusion of the 2007–08 NBA season, Durant's outstanding performance earned him the title of NBA Rookie of the Year. 

MVP Season

In the January stretch of the 2013–14 season, Durant showcased an outstanding performance by averaging 35.9 points per game.

He achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 30 or more points in 12 consecutive games, including a career-high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors. Later in April, Durant surpassed Michael Jordan's record by scoring 25 points or more in 41 consecutive games.

The Thunder concluded the season with 59 wins, and Durant earned the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) title with impressive averages of 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

However, the beginning of the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs presented challenges for Durant, particularly against the physical play of the Grizzlies, where he struggled with a 24 percent field goal conversion in game 4. After trailing the series 3–2 in five games, The Oklahoman labeled Durant as "Mr Unreliable." 

Durant responded emphatically by scoring 36 points in a Game 6 victory. Oklahoma City eventually advanced past Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers but faced defeat against the Spurs in the Conference Finals after six games.

First NBA Finals 

Before the commencement of the 2010–11 season, Durant announced on Twitter that he had inked a five-year contract extension with the Thunder, valued at approximately $86 million. For the second consecutive year, he secured the NBA scoring title, boasting an average of 27.7 points per game.

Guided by Durant's leadership, the Thunder achieved 55 wins and clinched the fourth seed in the Western Conference. In the 2011 NBA playoffs, Oklahoma City advanced by defeating the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, setting up a Conference Finals clash with the Dallas Mavericks, which they lost in five games.

During the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season on February 19, Durant achieved a career milestone by recording his first 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets.

At the All-Star Game, he notched 36 points and earned the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award. Concluding the season with a scoring average of 28 points per game, Durant secured his third consecutive scoring title.

The Thunder won 47 games, securing the second seed in the Western Conference for the 2012 NBA playoffs. In the first round against the Dallas Mavericks, Durant showcased his clutch ability by hitting a game-winner with 1.5 seconds remaining in Game 1.

Oklahoma City went on to triumph over Dallas, the Lakers, and the San Antonio Spurs before facing a defeat against the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals. Durant led all players in the Finals with an impressive 30.6 points per game, achieving this on a 54.8 shooting rate.

In the 2012–2013 season, Durant concluded with a scoring average of 28.1 points per game, falling short of defending his scoring title.

However, with a remarkable 51 percent shooting rate, a 41.6 percent three-point shooting rate, and a 90.5 free throw shooting rate, he became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club. Ending the season with a 60–22 record, Oklahoma City secured the first seed in the Western Conference.

In the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets, Westbrook suffered a torn meniscus, sidelining him for the remainder of the postseason.

In Westbrook's absence, Durant assumed increased responsibility, achieving a career-high average of 30.8 points per game throughout the playoffs. However, Oklahoma City was eventually eliminated in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies in five games.

Kevin Durant’s beginnings in Phoenix Suns

On February 9, 2023, the Nets orchestrated a trade, sending Kevin Durant and TJ Warren to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. Though Durant wished to retain his No 7 jersey from his time in Brooklyn, the Suns had retired the number in honor of Kevin Johnson. Consequently, Durant announced his return to the No 35 jersey, the number he had worn throughout his college and professional career before joining the Nets.

After being sidelined since January 8 with a right knee injury, Durant made his Suns debut on March 1 against the Charlotte Hornets, contributing 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in 27 minutes and aiding the Suns in a 105–91 victory. On March 3, against the Chicago Bulls, Durant continued his efficient performance, scoring 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting and climbing to 13th on the all-time scoring list, surpassing Oscar Robertson.

In a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on March 5, Durant led all scorers with 37 points, going 12-of-17 from the field and securing a narrow 130–126 victory with a game-winning jump shot with 11.7 seconds left. Prior to his anticipated home debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 8, Durant suffered a left ankle injury during pregame warmups, leading to his last-minute withdrawal.

The Suns later announced a left ankle sprain, and Durant would be re-evaluated in three weeks. Returning on March 29 against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing the last 10 games, Durant contributed 16 points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes, aiding the Suns in a 107–100 win during his home debut. In eight games with Phoenix, Durant maintained an unblemished 8–0 record, averaging 26.0 points in 33.6 minutes per game and playing a pivotal role in the Suns securing the fourth spot in the Western Conference.

Durant also concluded the regular season with shooting percentages over 55% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and over 90% from the free-throw line, making him the first player in NBA history to achieve such shooting splits in a season.

On April 16, Durant made his Suns playoff debut, nearly recording a triple-double with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and a playoff career-high 11 assists in a 115–110 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. In Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Clippers, Durant led the Suns with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in a 129–124 win, propelling the Suns to a 3–1 series lead.

Four days later, in Game 5 against the Clippers, Durant scored 31 points in a 136–130 win, securing the series victory. In Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Nuggets, Durant surpassed Karl Malone to claim seventh place for NBA postseason scoring.

Four days later, Durant recorded 39 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in a 121–114 Game 3 win. Despite the Suns eventually losing the series to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets in six games, Phoenix was the only team to win more than one game against the Nuggets in a single playoff series throughout Denver's entire championship run.

Kevin Durant’s season with Thunder

Kevin Durant made his debut for the Thunder on December 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans. In the 2015–16 season, Durant and Westbrook achieved several historic milestones together, becoming the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996, accomplishing this feat in a victory over the Orlando Magic on October 30. Durant's annual averages included 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, guiding the Thunder to 55 wins and the third seed in the West.

During Game 2 of the first round in the 2016 NBA playoffs against the Mavericks, Durant scored 21 points but struggled with a 7-of-33 shooting performance, marking the worst postseason shooting display of his career in terms of both percentage and number of misses. After overcoming Dallas, Oklahoma City faced the Spurs in the second round, trailing 2–1 to start the series. In Game 4, Durant matched his playoff career high with 41 points, contributing to a Thunder win. Although they defeated the Spurs in six games, setting up a matchup with the record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals, the Thunder, despite taking a 3–1 lead, were ultimately eliminated in seven games, with Durant delivering 27 points in Game 7.

Kevin Durant's achievements and awards

Kevin Durant boasts an impressive array of achievements and awards throughout his illustrious basketball career. His accolades include being a two-time NBA champion (2017, 2018), a two-time NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018), and winning the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2014.

Durant's remarkable talent has earned him a spot in the NBA All-Star game ten times consecutively from 2010 to 2019, where he was named the MVP in 2012 and 2019. Additionally, he has secured six All-NBA First Team selections (2010–2014, 2018) and three All-NBA Second Team honors (2016, 2017, 2019). Durant's early career achievements include NBA Rookie of the Year (2008) and being part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in the same year. He has claimed the NBA scoring champion title four times (2010–2012, 2014).

Durant's college performance earned him recognition as the consensus national college player of the year (2007), a consensus first-team All-American (2007), and the Big 12 Player of the Year (2007). His impact is also commemorated by the retirement of his No 35 jersey by the Texas Longhorns.

Durant's international success is highlighted by winning the FIBA World Championship MVP in 2010. He has been named the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year twice (2010, 2016) and was honored as the McDonald's All-American Game MVP in 2006. Additionally, Durant received recognition as a first-team Parade All-American in 2006 and a second-team Parade All-American in 2005.

Fan theories about Kevin Durant’s height 

Four months ago, a discussion emerged on Reddit where internet users debated Kevin Durant's height. "People always say Kevin Durant is taller than he says he is (6'9) but is that true?" a user asked. "People are always like "KD is really 7 feet he just lies so he doesn't have to play center". But, when you look up his draft anthropometric stats, he's literally listed at 6'9" barefoot, and I doubt the people measuring him would be in on his scheme. Unless he grew after age 19 I think he's being honest."

A user replied, "He's probably 6'10 or 6'11 but he does look taller because of his slender frame. When I watched him in-person in Brooklyn, he did look like he was the tallest guy on the floor or the same as Claxton (who's listed at 6'11)."

Another wrote, "He’s listed at 6’10” barefoot nowadays, which I think is correct. He has a 7’5” wingspan which makes him seem even taller than he is." Someone else claimed, "No, KD is not seven feet tall. But with shoes he's 6'11", and for a long time he was one of the few players that tall who insisted on listing his height when barefoot. That's probably because he's unusually tall for a small forward, but that's his favorite position."

"I met him one time, he certainly seemed 7 ft. I went to high school with a guy who was 6'8" and KD struck me as significantly taller. Also his fingertips pretty much hang down to his knees, and when he shook my hand his last couple knuckles were past my wrist. Left the encounter with the thought of "what is the purpose of this body if not to play basketball?" a user wrote.

Kevin Durant’s height compared to other NBA icons

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan stands at a height of 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm or 1.98 m), while Kevin Durant surpasses him at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m or 208 cm), indicating a noticeable 4-inch height difference. This height contrast makes it clear that Durant is taller than Jordan. Michael Jeffrey Jordan, often referred to by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and retired professional basketball player. He enjoyed a prolific fifteen-season career in the National Basketball Association from 1984 to 2003, securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.

Shaquille O'Neal

The esteemed NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal stands at an impressive height of 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm or 2.16 m), while Kevin Durant, in contrast, stands is 6 feet 10 inches. This makes Durant three inches shorter than O'Neal. Over his illustrious 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), O'Neal played for six teams and achieved the remarkable feat of winning four NBA championships. Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest basketball players and centers in the history of the sport, O'Neal hails from Newark, New Jersey.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bean Bryant served as a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his impressive 20-year career in the National Basketball Association. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm or 1.98 m), Bryant's stature is notably surpassed by Kevin Durant, who stands tall at 6 feet 10 inches, signifying a 4-inch height difference between the two players.

How old is Kevin Durant?

Kevin Wyart Durant is 35 years old. He was born on September 29, 1988.

How many rings does Kevin Durant have?

In his career, Kevin Durant has secured two championship victories.

Is Kevin Durant married?

As of December 2023, Kevin Durant remains unmarried. It is worth mentioning that Durant was on the brink of marriage back in 2013 during his tenure with the OKC Thunder. At the age of 24, Durant was engaged to former WNBA player Monica Wright. However, a marriage did not materialize, and the couple decided to go their separate ways.

How tall was Kevin Durant in high school?

Kevin Durant experienced a growth spurt of 7 inches in his initial three years of high school, ultimately reaching a height of 6'9" by his senior year.