In a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, Kevin Durant engaged in a candid conversation with NBA legends LeBron James and Steve Nash, shedding light on his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly following their 2012 NBA Finals appearance. Durant expressed his belief that the Thunder’s front office wasn’t fully prepared for the rapid rise of the team after their Finals run, which ultimately led to missed opportunities, including the controversial trade of James Harden to the Houston Rockets.
Durant reminisced about that pivotal moment in the Thunder’s history, noting that the team’s success came much sooner than anticipated. “We sped up the timeline. All of us. Each individual player, Serge [Ibaka], you didn’t know, he came out of nowhere. He came out here being the best shot blocker in the league,” Durant stated. At just 21 years old, Durant was averaging an impressive 30 points per game, while Russell Westbrook, at 22, was already an All-Star, and James Harden was making waves as the Sixth Man of the Year.
The dynamics within the Thunder’s organization during that period were complex. Durant suggested that the front office, led by general manager Sam Presti, may have been caught off guard by their sudden success. “I don’t know exactly what Sam was thinking or the owner, but my theory is that I don’t think they were ready exactly for us to be contenders every year,” he explained. The lack of foresight in retaining key players, especially after such a successful season, left the team vulnerable to changes that would ultimately alter its trajectory.
Reflecting on the aftermath of their Finals run, Durant emphasized the importance of building on success. “Since we reached the Finals, you’re supposed to upgrade and fine-tune and make changes around,” he said. He pointed out that losing a key player like Harden without adequately replacing him was a misstep. “You can’t just pull one of the key figures off the team and expect us to continue what we were doing. So I think they were kind of shocked at how fast, how good we got so fast,” Durant remarked.
The Thunder’s management and coaching staff were relatively young and inexperienced at the time, which may have contributed to their decision-making challenges. Durant noted, “Sam Presti was probably what, 30-something years old? He was young. Everybody was young, trying to figure stuff out, trying to understand what this landscape was.” This lack of experience could have led to confusion and hesitation in making crucial decisions that would shape the future of the franchise.
As Durant transitions to his new role with the Houston Rockets, the excitement surrounding his arrival has been palpable. “Yeah, they’re happy now, man. We’ll see how it goes when we start playing,” he said, acknowledging the enthusiasm of Rockets fans. After nearly two decades in the league, Durant expressed his eagerness to continue playing at a high level. “I just want to keep it going,” he said, reflecting on the joy of still being able to compete at this stage of his career.
The conversation also touched on the differences between fan interactions online and in person. Durant remarked on the challenges of online interactions, stating, “It’s way tougher online, for sure. You get the real person in person.” He acknowledged that online personas can sometimes distort reality, making it easier for fans to express their thoughts without consequences.
As Durant embarks on this new chapter with the Rockets, he carries with him the lessons learned from his time with the Thunder. The experience of navigating the highs and lows of an NBA career has equipped him with valuable insights that he hopes to apply moving forward. The anticipation for the upcoming season is building, and fans are eager to see how Durant will impact Houston’s quest for success.
In summary, Kevin Durant’s reflections on his time with the Thunder provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of team dynamics and the challenges of maintaining success in the NBA. As he prepares to contribute to the Rockets, his experiences will undoubtedly shape his approach and influence the team’s future endeavors. NBA fans across the United States are looking forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds for one of the league’s most prolific scorers.