Since he first broke into the League because the No. 2 total decide within the 2007 NBA Draft, Kevin Durant has had his fair proportion of battles in opposition to a few of the biggest gamers of his technology. Hall of Famers within the current and future like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Tracy McGrady, and Paul Pierce.
When he thinks about who he sought out for recommendation on find out how to attain their degree of superstardom and legendary standing, KD identified the sport Kobe put him on to as an up-and-coming centerpiece on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Really, just don’t be a crybaby,” Durant mentioned Wednesday, per ESPN. “I used to be at that age at 23 the place I assumed the world revolved round me. And I do know we’ve talked quite a bit about Kobe; he was actual humble in how he approached the sport, how he approached his teammates, simply life basically. So I discovered simply from watching his actions.
“He was an example; he didn’t say much, but he was an example just by how he moved, and I try to emulate; like I said, him and Mike are two dudes I emulate on and off the court what they do, and I know it will make me better.”
The topic and recollections of the Black Mamba got here up as a result of Hornets head coach Steve Clifford in contrast th two former Finals MVPs to one another. He particularly known as out how the 2 legendary hoopers are “very similar in terms of the way work,” how they’re “both students of the game,” and he’s observed that Durant and Bryant are each passionate and “care deeply about the results more than they like individual numbers.”
When Durant heard about Cliffords’ evaluation, he was appreciative.
“It’s hard to fill them shoes and be a Kobe Bryant,” Durant mentioned. “But Kob is somebody I’ve been around and still study to this day. And basically, I just try to copy everything he does, same with Michael Jordan. Those two guys just set the tone for everything you want to be as a basketball player. So I just simply try to copy them as much as I can.”
Another Kobe disciple and an in depth buddy and teammate of Durant additionally discover the similarities. Irving observed the sacrifices Durant and Bryant made within the pursuit of greatness. Irving additionally mirrored that for Bryant and Durant and gamers chasing greatness, there are similarities like “the hours that are put in,” in addition to “the way that they prepare” and, after all, “how serious they take what they do.”
“And they’re very competitive, Kobe and KD. Obviously, with Kob transitioning in the last few years, he would definitely be giving us some gems to continue on, and you can tell that K got a lot of advice from him and watched him a lot.”