But he returned, which not only confirmed his dedication, but also gave glimpse to an understanding of his own greatness: the determination and mind-set to match the “once in a lifetime” ability. To craft a masterpiece, it takes both the awareness and the ability.

“Kevin’s got a real good understanding of what he’s supposed to do,” SuperSonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said.

Durant purchased a home on Mercer Island, an affluent suburb of Seattle located across Lake Washington, and lives with his mom, Wanda Pratt, and two cousins. He is very much a teenager. Durant loves to play video games, shop for clothes, and watch episodes of “Entourage.” He once referred to the home theater system as the best invention in the world. And on more than one occasion on SuperSonics media day, Durant answered questions regarding the team’s future in Seattle with this: “I’ll let the proper authorities handle that.”

A teenager, yes, but also a teenager with a lottery contract and endorsement deals with Nike and Gatorade. Despite the perks, Durant isn’t about to let his game rest.

“He loves the game,” Barnes said. “It’s a passion that he has. He never looks at basketball as work. He wants to be coached. There’s no doubt about that. The greatest thing about him is his willingness to learn.”

Barnes recalled the time last year when he told Durant that he was the worst defensive player he had ever coached.

“And he actually said to me, ‘Help me get better,’” Barnes said.

Durant recently acknowledged that he has to get stronger and continue to acclimate himself to the speed, size and increased physical nature of the NBA game. Don’t, however, expect his learning curve to be steep.

Only 10 players in the last 20 years have averaged better than 20 points per game as rookies (see chart). Given his skill as well as available scoring opportunities vacated by Allen and Lewis, Durant is almost certain to join that list. The bigger question is how much will his performance improve Seattle’s fortunes. All 10 aforementioned players sparked an increase in victories for their teams.

Regardless, Durant’s road to the land of the NBA’s elite will be shorter rather than longer.

“In five years, he’s going to be one of the best players in that league,” Barnes said. “And if it happens earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

On one side, even though they won’t come right out and say it, the SuperSonics cleared their roster to build around Durant. And thus, success this season — and beyond — will be largely dictated by him, his nightly performances and his ability to lift the play of his teammates.

On the other side, Seattle is very protective of Durant. Carlesimo talked of limiting minutes, of being selective in how and where they play Durant. Even the SuperSonics’ media relations department, which implemented a more stringent policy regarding player interview availability this season, is closely managing the requests for Durant’s time.

Regardless of what is thrown his way, however, the kid can handle it. In Seattle, Durant is nearly 3,000 miles from Seat Pleasant, even farther away from the day — not quite yet a teenager — when he told his mom he wanted to play in the NBA.

Was there ever really another stage for him?

“I just play the game,” Durant said. “That’s what I’m here to do.”

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