Kevin Durant, the superstar forward for the Phoenix Suns, has reflected on his tumultuous tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, describing it as “an important part of his life”. Durant, who joined the Nets in 2019 alongside Kyrie Irving, experienced various highs and lows during his time with the team, including a lengthy injury layoff, internal team conflicts, and a disappointing playoff exit last season.
Speaking to reporters during a recent media session, Durant acknowledged the challenges he faced while playing for the Nets, but emphasized the invaluable lessons he learned from the experience. “I wouldn’t change my time with the Nets for anything,” Durant said. “Yes, there were difficult moments, but those are the moments that shape you as a player and as a person. I learned so much during my time there, about myself, about my teammates, about the game of basketball and how to handle adversity.”
During his two seasons with the Nets, Durant averaged 27.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earning All-NBA honors both years. However, his first season with the team was plagued by a ruptured Achilles tendon that kept him off the court for the entire season. Despite the setback, Durant made a triumphant return to action in the 2020-21 season, leading the Nets to the second seed in the Eastern Conference and a deep playoff run.
However, the team ultimately fell short of expectations, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in a grueling seven-game series in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Durant played heroically in the series, scoring 48 points in Game 7, but his efforts were ultimately in vain.
Despite the disappointment, Durant said he had no regrets. “You can’t control everything in sports,” he said. “Sometimes things don’t go your way, and you have to accept that. But you have to keep pushing forward and keep working hard, and eventually, things will come together. I believe that with every fiber of my being.”
Now, Durant looks forward to a fresh start with the Suns, where he joins a stacked roster that includes perennial All-Stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The team looks poised to make a run at the championship this season, and Durant is excited about the opportunity. “I’m grateful for my time with the Nets, but I’m also excited for this next chapter of my career,” he said. “I want to do everything I can to help this team win, and I think we have the talent and the mindset to make that happen. It’s going to be an exciting season, and I can’t wait to get started.”
