It is just seven games into the NBA season, but Kevin Durant has already seen a huge workload for the Phoenix Suns. He has performed excellently so far, leading his side to an early 6-1 record and averaging 27.1 points per game. However, at 36 years old, Durant is playing a total of 39.3 minutes per game, which the Suns will need to reduce in order to maximize his effectiveness later in the season.
The Suns Need to Reduce Kevin Durant’s Workload
Long-term Thinking
Last season, the Suns were fortunate to lean on Durant’s healthiest season since 2018-19, in which he played 78 games. In the 2023-24 season, he missed just seven games, appearing in 75 total. However, the team would be naive to rely on a similar level of availability this time around. Due to injuries, former head coach Frank Vogel was forced to overuse Durant in the early stages of the season in the absence of others. Overall, he played 37.2 minutes per game, the fifth-highest mark in the league. This season, that figure has increased to 39.3 minutes per game. Only Tyrese Maxey has played more at 41.0.
The next highest on the Suns is Devin Booker, who has averaged 36.6 minutes through seven games. Booker missed a lot of the beginning of last season with an ankle injury, as did Bradley Beal, leaving a lot of the workload on Durant’s shoulders. This has not been the case so far this year. While Beal has missed two games with an elbow issue, Booker has been fully healthy.
Such is the impressiveness of Durant; his excessive playing time did not affect his stats later in the 23-24 season. In fact, during the sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, he averaged 26.8 points on 55.2% shooting. During those four games, he played 42.0 minutes per game. But that’s where the Suns’ season ended. A deep playoff run could have led to a breakdown further down the line, something they will have to consider this season as they aim for a stronger finish. Durant also appeared for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, playing 22.2 minutes per game. A lack of off-season is another reason the Suns should monitor his workload.
Durant Looks as Good as Ever
While there may be concerns over Durant’s increasing minutes, he has played fantastically, scoring at least 30 points in four of the opening seven games. His production is simply too valuable for a team that continues to win. Through seven games last season, the Suns had a losing record, a big difference compared to this season. In addition, he is benefiting from a healthy team around him and better roster construction, particularly the play of new point guard Tyus Jones.
The Suns are winners of five games in a row, with Durant perhaps the most important factor. In their most recent victory, he provided the game-winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers to cap a 35-point outing. Booker has had an inconsistent start to the campaign, but his displays have been masked by the quality of Durant. Should the 36-year-old continue this level of play, he could become an early consideration for the NBA MVP award. Nevertheless, a slight reduction in Durant’s minutes would be wise to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
