Kevin Durant has joined the Houston Rockets, marking the fifth team in his career, aiming to help the franchise clinch their first championship in three decades. His previous two teams, the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns, attempted to build star-packed squads around him, but Durant never quite fulfilled the expectations of being a championship contender.
In a podcast featuring Steve Nash, LeBron James, and Durant, they reflected on Durant’s time under Nash’s coaching for just over two years. Durant mentioned that beyond the unlucky missed three-pointer in Game 7 against the Bucks, injuries and numerous distractions severely impacted their chances. Durant recalled a conversation about long-term commitments and how, despite secure contracts, the surrounding environment was problematic, with general managers, coaches, and players moving on or creating upheaval.
Nash admitted he couldn’t coach as much as he wanted, and Durant agreed there were too many distractions which hindered success. Durant described that period as one of the best in Brooklyn but felt the commitment was lacking from some, causing turmoil. Issues like Kyrie Irving’s absence, James Harden’s frustration, trade requests, and refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 contributed to a fractured team, despite Durant and Nash’s efforts to maintain professionalism.
The podcast also touched on how injuries played a major role in the team’s underperformance. Nash recognized he should not have played with a hamstring injury during their 2021 playoff run. Durant emphasized that problems went beyond injuries, mentioning inconsistent locker room unity and how Nash often had to act more like a principal than a coach to manage the situation.
Fan Take: This inside look at Durant’s journey highlights the challenges even the most talented players face when team dynamics and off-court distractions come into play. It’s a reminder to basketball fans that building championship-winning teams requires both talent and stability, and that the road to glory is never just about individual skill.
