Kevin Durant Shares the Recommendation Kobe Bryant Gave Him

Since he first broke into the League because the No. 2 total decide within the 2007 NBA Draft, Kevin Durant has had his justifiable share of battles towards a number of the best gamers of his technology. Corridor 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 the right way to attain their stage of superstardom and legendary standing, KD identified the sport Kobe put him on to as an up-and-coming centerpiece on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.

“Actually, simply don’t be a crybaby,” Durant mentioned Wednesday, per ESPN. “I used to be at that age at 23 the place I believed the world revolved round me. And I do know we’ve talked lots about Kobe; he was actual humble in how he approached the sport, how he approached his teammates, simply life normally. So I discovered simply from watching his actions.

“He was an instance; he didn’t say a lot, however he was an instance simply by how he moved, and I attempt to emulate; like I mentioned, him and Mike are two dudes I emulate on and off the courtroom what they do, and I do know it would make me higher.”

The topic and reminiscences 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 referred to as out how the 2 legendary hoopers are “very related by way of the way in which work,” how they’re “each college students of the sport,” and he’s observed that Durant and Bryant are each passionate and “care deeply concerning the outcomes greater than they like particular person numbers.”

When Durant heard about Cliffords’ evaluation, he was appreciative.

“It’s exhausting to fill them footwear and be a Kobe Bryant,” Durant mentioned. “However Kob is any person I’ve been round and nonetheless research to at the present time. And principally, I simply attempt to copy every little thing he does, similar with Michael Jordan. These two guys simply set the tone for every little thing you need to be as a basketball participant. So I simply merely attempt to copy them as a lot as I can.”

One other 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 which can be put in,” in addition to “the way in which that they put together” and, after all, “how critical they take what they do.”

“And so they’re very aggressive, Kobe and KD. Clearly, with Kob transitioning in the previous few years, he would undoubtedly be giving us some gems to proceed on, and you may inform that Ok acquired a variety of recommendation from him and watched him lots.”