When Russell was out, you stepped your game up for me, for the team. There were nights where you made me look way better than I am. You clean up so many of our mistakes, man, and we appreciate that. From everybody on the team, we appreciate that, man, and I thank you so much for giving me confidence when I didn't have it, for always being there when I wanted to talk to you, when I wanted to call, for arguing with me all the time, making me better, and realizing I'm not always right. Thank you, man. I appreciate you.
Kevin DurantI told Grant Hill back there โ I just got done playing against him โ as a second grader I had a Pistons Grant Hill jersey. That was the first time I walked into a gym. Thatโs when I fell in love with the game. My mom, I think she just wanted to get me and my brothers out of the house for a few hours. When I walked into the gym, I fell in love with the game.
Kevin DurantI've learned that it's harder to try to put on this goody two-shoes persona when that's not me.
Kevin DurantI want the younger kids, the basketball players in high school and college to hear from me and let them know that when you come to the league, this is what happens and this is how I feel as an NBA player. And it's not all peachy keen.
Kevin Durant