Kevin Durant Influence Takes Over NBA Draft 2024 – 5 Top Prospects Who Idolized the Ex-MVP Growing Up

Gone are those days when Michael Jordan single-handedly influenced a generation. Now it’s the time for his successors. Following the legend, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James emerged as the poster boys of the league, shouldering the game to the youngsters. Amidst the stronghold that these legends had on the fans and game, it’s quite hard for other stars to win over the hearts. But for Kevin Durant, it didn’t seem to be an arduous task.

The 2024 NBA Draft class has a bunch of first-round picks who definitely seem to be heavily influenced by the Slim Reaper. Going by the draft tradition, every rookie was asked their favorite player, and many lips uttered ‘KD’. Let’s take a look at some of the players who idolize the 2x NBA Finals MVP.

1. Alex Sarr

The 7 ‘1 Frenchman made a lot of noise even before the draft day. With a ton of experience playing across the globe, the analysts opened a separate tab for Sarr well before his NBA draft. And, as expected, the Washington Wizards drafted him as the second overall pick. Speaking to Shams Charania, Sarr opened up about his favorite player. He said, “Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Kevin Durant and Giannis.”

The 19-year-old indeed had a reason behind his favorite picks. He added, “Tall guys, they can do pretty much everything on the court and they don’t really let themselves just be put in a box.” Notably, the Wizards which recently lost Kristaps Porziņģis, Sarr could heal some of the damage. With his large wingspan, Sarr could bring a KD-like play to the team.

2. Cody Williams

OKC Thunder star Jalen Williams’ brother, Cody Williams, also found a spot on the list. Despite having a brother to look up to, Williams also had his eyes set on Durant. He even credited his brother for making him love the game in an interview with Rylan Stiles. In the same interview, he said, “Growing up, I watched like Kevin Durant and Brandon Ingram. Just because I am a skinny slender guy… Definitely like Kevin Durant a lot, just because I looked up to him.” 

Moreover, the 10th overall pick of the Utah Jazz moved mountains months before the conversations about the drafts began. BuffsBeat’s Jason Jones speaking of the Colorado star, said, “For the next few months, if not longer, Cody Williams will be the name most people will hear the most… You can’t help but pick up on the 19-year-old and the similarities with Kevin Durant. His game is smooth, and he makes it look effortless.”

3. Dalton Knecht

The 23-year-old had a tough time at the Draft day. The experts calling the event were surprised that the talented guard didn’t get picked early until the LA Lakers roped him in as the 17th pick. Following the draft, Dalton Knecht immediately turned into a talking point in the NBA because of the LeBron James effect. A few months ago, King James, speaking of the college talent, praised Zach Eddey and Knecht. And, boom, the Lakers trade him in.

However, Knecht, despite his respect for Bron, seemed to be more influenced by Kevin Durant. The rising star even called KD the best baller of all time in an interview for Slam. Above all, he even made a massive decision by shifting to Tennessee to play under the coach Rick Barnes. Speaking of it, he said, “He coached my favorite player, Kevin Durant, and also Coach Barnes is a legendary Hall of Fame coach, so why not go there?” 

4. Ja’Kobe Walter

The 6 ‘5 guard, bearing the names of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, had a teary-eyed moment when the Toronto Raptors drafted him as pick #19. Walter had a bunch of players who influenced him. In the interview with Shams Charania, he listed his role models from the NBA: KD, Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, Tracy McGrady, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Ironically, Ant-Man himself idolized the Suns’ superstar.

And, speaking of his talent, Walter said, “I’mma give everything I got. Unselfish player. I think I am the best shooter in the draft.” If not for KD’s height, Walter definitely sounds like him.

5. Jalen Bridges

Out of the players who idolized KD, Jalen Bridges is the luckiest. Despite going undrafted into the league, he got the chance to play. That too, he will play alongside his idol. The Phoenix Suns worked out a two-way contract with the rising star to represent the Suns’ G-League affiliate, Valley Suns.

And, of course, growing up, he watched KD in action. Moreover, he also has an interesting twist to his idol’s story. Initially, the Miami Heat superstars Dwyane Wade and LeBron James stole his heart until Bridges picked up the ball. He said, “I grew up matured a little, started playing basketball & seen I had a future, ever since then my Favorite player has been Kevin Durant gravitated towards whatever team he played for.”

We have reached the end of the list. Four of these rising stars will have the opportunity to go against their idol in their rookie season. Especially after Ant-Man’s antics at the 2024 playoffs, the NBA world can witness much more drama in the coming years.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.