Kevin Durant’s reputation has taken a bit of a hit this summer, as the Brooklyn Nets superstar requested a trade from the franchise and later rescinded his request.
People have criticized Durant for how he’s handled things, but there are many that have come out in defense of the 12-time All-Star as well.
Former NBA big man Amar’e Stoudemire recently defended Durant, saying that he’s an “egoless” player and wants to win.
“It’s always been ups and downs with coaches and star players”
Former Nets Assistant Coach Amar’e Stoudemire is very confident things will be fine this season with Kevin Durant and Steve Nash #NetsWorld@AmareIsReal | @JumpShot8 | @LegsESPN pic.twitter.com/tI5697RSC9
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 1, 2022
“Steve [Nash] is a egoless player,” Stoudemire said. “Kevin Durant is also egoless player. He wants to win. He wants to make his teammates better.”
Of course, Stoudemire is familiar with both Nash and Durant. The six-time All-Star spent many seasons playing alongside Nash on the Phoenix Suns. The two formed an iconic duo, but they were never able to lead the Suns to an NBA title.
Following his lengthy playing career, Stoudemire joined the Nets as an assistant coach a little after Nash was hired to be the team’s head coach in September 2020. That’s where the 39-year-old, who is no longer with team, became familiar with Durant.
Nash and Durant are hoping to lead the Nets to some success in the upcoming season. Brooklyn had a miserable 2021-22 season that culminated in it getting swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
The Nets have some things to look forward to this season. Kyrie Irving is set to return to the team, and Ben Simmons looks primed to finally make his Nets debut after being acquired in a trade last season. Brooklyn has made some nice additions to the roster this offseason as well, including T.J. Warren and Royce O’Neale.
Things could end up going very well for Nash, Durant and the rest of the Nets, but their campaign could also implode just like it last season. It’ll be interesting to keep an eye on them as the season proceeds.
