Kevin Durant Hints at Having “No Friends” in the NBA? Drake Song Raises Eyebrows

There has been an overriding notion within the basketball community that modern NBA players are too friendly with each other. This perceived camaraderie is thought to result in players not competing as fiercely against each other. However, if Phoenix Suns’ star Kevin Durant is to be believed, then there are “no friends in the industry.” 

Following a fiercely competitive game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin Durant posted a cryptic story on his Instagram account. He posted a screenshot of the songs “No Friends in the Industry” by Drake and “Endurance Runners” by Curren$y and the Alchemist. Many fans found Durant’s cryptic post surprising and puzzling, as it came out of the blue. However, it wasn’t a big shocker for those who watched the Suns vs Timberwolves match last night.

In a high-stakes game, the Phoenix Suns came out on top against the Minnesota Timberwolves by a scoreline of 125-106. This win was pivotal for the Suns, as it allowed them to secure the 6th seed. Although the scoreline indicated a commanding victory for the Suns, the game was littered with various flashpoints between the two sets of players. It all kicked off late in the second quarter when Bradley Beal appeared to have knocked the ball out of Anthony Edwards’ hand. Both players got into a shoving match before both the benches were cleared.

According to Sheldon Wohlman of Clutch Points, “Bradley Beal had extra words for the Timberwolves’ bench after a Suns timeout. Finch and Edward both took exception to whatever Beal had to say.” For their transgressions, both Beal and Edwards were handed a technical. While this match may have forced Kevin Durant to suggest that there are no friendships in the NBA, he shares a close bond with former NBA player Michael Beasley.

Kevin Durant’s childhood friendship with Michael Beasley

Several fans may not know this could be Kevin Durant, but he has known former New York Knicks star Michael Beasley since they were 11 years old. During an interview with ESPN’s Chris Haynes, Beasley stated that KD was one of his “first real friend,” during his childhood in Maryland. Both Durant and Beasley were destined for the NBA from a very young age.

Beasley even shared a story about an incident that made him certain that KD was destined for the NBA. He said, “All the dudes on the mic were saying, ‘Get this kid an agent.’ He 12. Everybody else out there 25. ‘Get this kid an agent.’ Cross, cross, 40 feet. I knew for a while.” Durant made his NBA debut in 2007 after being drafted as the 2nd pick by the Seattle SuperSonics. Meanwhile, Beasley entered the league a year later in 2008, also as the 2nd pick, when he was selected by the Miami Heat.

However, their fortunes have been very different since entering the league. While Kevin Durant has risen to superstardom and attained legendary status in the league, Michael Beasley’s career petered away because of his unprofessional attitude. He became a journeyman, suiting up for various teams such as the Heat, Knicks, Bucks, and Lakers. Michael Beasley’s career is a cautionary tale for every high-potential hooper.