What years were KD’s prime?

I think his prime was short because of injury.

Yes he averaged 30 points on 65% TS in the 2012 Finals against PEAK Lebron and Wade. But I think that was pre-Prime.

I think his real prime started in 2014 at age 25. Most players don’t enter their prime till 25-27 years old. LeBron didn’t put it all together till 27 years old.

2014 - Wins MVP

2015 - shatters foot, no playoffs

2016 - beats 67 win Spurs. Losses in 7 to 73 win Warriors. Keep in mind no one in NBA history has beaten two 65+ win teams in a single playoff run.

2017 - FMVP

2018 - FMVP

2019 - achillies rupture

After his achillies rupture at age 30 his prime ended. Yes he was still great but not the same. He lost a significant amount of strength and explosiveness. He lost weight and lower body strength. Pre-achilles he was solidly viewed as a top 1-3 player. Post-injury he dropped to top 5-7.

So in total KD really only had 4 prime years when he was healthy. In those 4 years he won 2 championships, 2 FMVPs and an MVP.

His injury is so unfortunate. He probably had a good 4-6 more prime years as a top 3 player in the NBA if he did get the worst possible basketball injury.

Remember that next time you criticize KD for not winning outside of Golden State. He literally only had 2 prime years outside of Golden State. Both of those years he was great but had to face an all time great team.

2014 - Spurs were on a mission. KD lost in 6. Don’t forget Ibaka missed game 1 and 2. OKC wasn’t already thin. Without Ibaka three of their starters combined for 7 points. Seven points COMBINED for 3 starters. Don’t forget PEAK Lebron lost to that same Spurs team in 5. No one was beating that team.

2016 - beat 67 win Spurs. Pushed 73 win Warriors to 7. Again no one has ever beaten two 65 win teams in a playoff run. Keep in mind OKC wasn’t already thin starting THREE non-shooters (Adams, Russ, Roberson) and was closing games with Dion Waiters. This was a 56 win Thunder team. Expecting KD to beat those two juggernauts with a 56 win team is ludicrous.