In a surprisingly candid moment, NBA superstar Kevin Durant reflected on his tumultuous tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, sharing his belief that the team was building something “special” despite the well-documented “dysfunction” that ultimately led to the breakup of the Nets’ star-studded trio.
Durant Still Feels the “Love” in Brooklyn
Speaking before the Nets hosted his Phoenix Suns, Durant expressed gratitude for the enduring support he continues to receive from Brooklyn fans, even after his unceremonious exit. The former MVP noted the enthusiasm of the Barclays Center crowd, saying:
“A lot of people in those stands still supported, still came out and cheered loud as hell for the game of basketball and for the Nets, so that’s what stood out the most.”
– Kevin Durant
This heartfelt sentiment underscores the deep connection Durant forged with the Brooklyn faithful during his relatively brief but eventful stint with the franchise.
Untapped Potential of the Nets’ Big 3
Durant, alongside fellow superstars Kyrie Irving and James Harden, formed one of the most talented trios in NBA history. However, a combination of injuries, personal absences, and off-court distractions limited their time together on the hardwood. Still, Durant remains confident in what could have been:
“I think basketball-wise, chemistry-wise, camaraderie-wise, teamwork-wise, I thought it was the perfect, ideal situation.”
– Kevin Durant
This tantalizing “what if” scenario will forever linger in the minds of Nets fans, as they ponder the championship potential of a fully realized Durant-Irving-Harden partnership.
Flashes of Brilliance Amid the Chaos
Even with the constant turmoil swirling around the team, Durant pointed to the moments of on-court magic that showcased the Nets’ immense potential. He specifically highlighted the scintillating stretch immediately following Harden’s arrival in early 2021:
“That first year when James got here halfway through the season, that was some of the most incredible basketball that I’ve seen, I’ve played in.”
– Kevin Durant
These fleeting glimpses of greatness only serve to heighten the sense of unfulfilled promise that haunts the Nets’ ill-fated superteam experiment.
Building a “Special” Culture
Perhaps most intriguingly, Durant spoke glowingly about the team culture that was blossoming behind the scenes, even as the Nets navigated a seemingly endless series of public relations firestorms:
“The locker room, the bus rides, the plane rides, the hotels, that was the culture we were building and a lot of people didn’t get to see it but I wish they could have. It was special.”
– Kevin Durant
This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the Nets’ saga, hinting at a hidden dimension of camaraderie and shared purpose that sustained the team through its most turbulent moments.
Lasting Memories Despite Unfulfilled Dreams
While the Nets’ grand ambitions ultimately went unrealized, Durant believes the fans will still cherish the memorable moments and indelible performances:
“It didn’t culminate into a championship, but people who had season tickets, who get into their car in the cold, come down and watch us play, still remember some moments, some regular-season games, a couple playoff games.”
– Kevin Durant
This bittersweet reflection encapsulates the complex legacy of Durant’s time in Brooklyn – a tenure marked by sky-high expectations, flashes of unparalleled brilliance, and the lingering ache of what might have been.
As the Nets embark on a new chapter, the echoes of the Durant era will continue to reverberate through the halls of the Barclays Center, a poignant reminder of the fine line between dynastic ambition and unfulfilled potential in the high-stakes world of the NBA.
