Joe Lacob: "Three years ago, we were thrilled with the arrival of Kevin Durant, a transformative NBA player and one of the best to ever play the game. He provided our fans and franchise with numerous highlights during his stay here – two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, three trips to the Finals, unparalleled efficiency – and carried himself with class and dignity both on and off the court. His commitment to our community was evident each day, including last season when his philanthropic efforts earned him the NBA’s annual Community Assist Award. Today, as he starts a new chapter in his incredible career, we thank KD for all his contributions, for being an integral part to one of the most prolific runs in NBA history and wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame journey. As long as I am C-Chairman of this team, no player will ever wear #35 for the Warriors again."
Warriors Co-Chairman and CEO Joe Lacob released a statement Monday saying no Golden State Warriors player will ever wear Kevin Durant’s number ‘35’ again, as the team bodes farewell to the two-time Finals MVP heading to the Brooklyn Nets.
During his three seasons with the Warriors, Durant averaged 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on .524 shooting and anchored the team to back-to-back NBA Championships in 2017 and 2018 as the Finals MVP.
Before his catastrophic Achilles injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Durant had been averaging 32.3 points in the playoffs and putting together one of the greatest postseasons of all time.
Six other players have had their numbers officially retired by the Warriors, the likes of Wilt Chamberlain (#13), Tom Meschery (#14), Alvin Attles (#16), Chris Mullin (#17), Rick Barry (#24), and Nate Thurmond (#42).