Steve Nash formed a good relationship with Kevin Durant during Durant’s three-year stint with the Golden State Warriors. Nash worked as a player-development consultant with the Warriors and had an opportunity to get to know Durant, not only as a player but also as a person.
Durant’s stay at Oracle Arena was a huge success as the team went to three consecutive NBA Finals, winning two titles in the process. Also, Durant won two NBA Finals MVP awards. Despite this success, Durant opted to leave the Warriors and join the Brooklyn Nets.
Nash was surprised with Durant’s decision, but he fully understands as well.
“I think I would have thought he would have had such a great experience there that he wouldn’t want to leave,” Nash said. “That would be the surprise.” “Kevin’s a thoughtful — I don’t want to say complicated — sophisticated, he’s continually pushing himself and searching for whatever it is that’s out there that’s going to fulfill him and excite him,” Nash continued.
We agree on your take about Kevin Durant, Steve Nash. 🤜🤛#WeGoHard #Nets pic.twitter.com/kdTOvTDXWf
— Nets Nation (@NetsNationCP) September 5, 2019
“I think maybe that part of it was underestimated that he would leave in three years, because that’s what led him there in the first place.
“He wanted something higher, bigger [when he left OKC for the Warriors]. He wanted to experience something different where he would be pushed in new ways, and it’s kind of the same thing that’s happening now.”
There were speculations that Durant left Golden State because the Warriors will always be Stephen Curry’s team. However, Nash thinks that Durant opted for a move because he wanted a new challenge.
“I think that plays a role [in him leaving], but I don’t think it’s everything for Kevin,” Nash said. “I think it’s probably overplayed by the media. I think in some ways, Kevin just wanted a change. … I think him constantly seeking a new challenge and new opportunity and new experience; there are a lot of layers to him. I think he loves to explore.”
