Kevin Durant is one of the most decorated NBA players to have ever lived and could be the greatest Team USA basketball player in history as well. The all-time USAMBB leading scorer was asked by Andscape about the value of winning an Olympic Gold medal compared to an NBA Championship. Durant's answer put equal importance on both achievements.
“You don’t compare them. It’s two different things. It’s two different mountains you got to climb. It’s high peaks in both of them. So obviously, in our world, an NBA championship is more respected. But in some parts of the world, the Olympic level is more respected... So, I value both because winning is important. So, I love my USA Basketball family and we will see if we can go get another one.”
Durant emphasized how much pride he takes in representing Team USA at a stage like the Olympics.
“I love representing the United States. You go around the world and you talk to people from different countries and you see how interested they are to know what our culture is like in the United States... So many people actually want to move to the United States, so we’re very respected around the world. Also very hated, too. But for the most part, we just try to go out there and represent your country and where you come from to the best of your abilities and your family.”
Durant stole the headlines during the USA's opening Olympic win of the season, defeating Serbia by 26 points . Durant had 21 points at the half and ended the game with 24 points on 8-9 shooting, missing just one shot all game. His offensive explosion made the win undeniable and reiterated the value of Durant on this roster as a 36-year-old.
Kevin Durant Looking Forward To The NBA Season
The Olympics will consume all of KD's attention right now but the NBA season isn't far away from tipping off. The Phoenix Suns will hope their Olympians Durant and Devin Booker pick up invaluable lessons ahead of a season where the Suns are hoping to overcome the negative reputation of having been swept in the first round.
Durant has shared his excitement for the next season, warning fans and teams from underestimating them just because they were swept last season.
“I’m excited about the season, Bud, his staff, our team. We’re getting another year to just get comfortable with one another. Also, we have been underestimated so far this summer since the season ended with a sweep. We deserve to be underestimated as a team, but I’d like that we’ll be able to play a more chip on our shoulders coming in here next [season] to prove some people different.”
Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season, proving he's still one of the most elite players in the NBA. With reinforcements like Tyus Jones heading to the franchise, Phoenix will hope they can finally emerge as a real contender in the West after their 2021 Finals collapse and embarrassing 2022 Playoff elimination.
Related: Kevin Durant Goes Back And Forth With Fans About Implementing FIBA Rules In The NBA
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