As the landscape of basketball continues to evolve, we’re starting to see star players making their mark off the court in new and significant ways. Just recently, Trae Young made headlines announcing his role as the assistant general manager for the Oklahoma Sooners’ men’s basketball program, following in the footsteps of Steph Curry, who has taken on a similar role at Davidson. This trend of NBA stars stepping into leadership positions with their alma maters could indicate a new wave of player involvement in college programs—and you can bet Kevin Durant is a name that springs to mind as a likely candidate to follow suit.
Let’s face it: the Phoenix Suns are in a bit of a pickle this season, and with questions hanging over Durant’s future, it’s intriguing to think what a transition to a role like assistant general manager at Texas might look like. As we know, Durant isn’t just any player; he’s a franchise cornerstone and a game-changer. If and when he decides to step away from professional play, the allure of aiding in the development of aspiring athletes at Texas could certainly appeal to him.
As for Trae Young, his new responsibilities include guiding player personnel planning and contributing to strategic roster management. His involvement doesn’t stop there either; he will assist in building the brand of individual players capitalizing on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, evaluating talents in the transfer portal, and supporting fundraising efforts for the program. His passion for his alma mater shines through in this role, and it speaks volumes about the ways athletes can leverage their success to give back.
Speaking of Durant, let’s take a trip down memory lane to his one illustrious season with the Longhorns, where he made headlines with his remarkable statistics—averaging over 25 points and 11 rebounds per game, showcasing the type of talent that led him straight to the NBA. It’s clear that his connection to Texas runs deep, and his impact continues to resonate even years later.
Should Durant take on an assistant GM role at Texas, the synergy of his seasoned NBA experience coupled with his extensive leadership skills would be a boon for the program. Just imagine the insight he could bring to helping student-athletes develop their profiles, attract top-tier talent to the program, and create a style of play that mirrors the modern NBA’s competitive edge.
Durant’s legacy as a player is solidified, but if he were to channel that energy into guiding the next generation at Texas, it would not only keep him close to the game he cherishes but also provide him an avenue to give back to the program that launched his Hall of Fame career. With more stars likely to follow the examples set by Young and Curry, the future of college basketball could be richer than ever—especially with the dedicated involvement of former legends like Durant. The game is evolving, and so are the roles that these athletes play.
