
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 14, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 14, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Slim Reaper has been having a blast in his fourth Olympic appearance. Kevin Durant is currently ranked fifth in the MVP race, leading the squad with 18.5 points and 2 rebounds. Not only that but KD hasn’t missed a shot from beyond the arc so far in the tournament. It is safe to say that Durant has been the master at international games. The veteran has been a part of the USAB team for a while and this time around, he is like a mentor to one of his teammates.
Anthony Edwards is almost like a student of the game playing alongside his favorite player. The 22-year-old has praised the Slim Reaper multiple times and has been quite vocal about it. On the other hand, there has been quite a bit of criticism surrounding Kevin. Whether it’s about winning his two championships in Golden State or playing for new franchises, Durant may just be among the most hated superstars. But then again, his image is reflected by his teammates and how the younger generation views the two-time champ.
And for the most part, those are the only opinions he respects. “You hear what I’ve meant to them and their careers. Then you hear what other people say about me sometimes, and they don’t understand my impact. But when you talk to the players, they give you a whole different story, which is pretty cool. It always comes down to what the guys on the floor are saying about you. Those are the opinions I really respect.”, said Kevin Durant.
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Kevin Durant on his impact on basketball being recognized by the next generation of NBA players:
"It's pretty cool when you hear it from the real players, the guys actually putting in the work, that are trying to make it to the NBA. You hear what I've meant to them and their… pic.twitter.com/ygEpCpCC8L
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) August 2, 2024
Durant has shown his haters what he’s capable of in recent years. Yes, he hasn’t had much playoff success, but he still is a dominant and versatile player, as seen in Paris recently. Of course, as players, the youngsters have a lot of respect for what Durant has accomplished. The Slim Reaper was a prodigy himself back in the day. Now, as a veteran, he gets to witness someone like Anthony Edwards follow a similar path. ANT is already an All-Star and is one of the most dominant youngsters in the league, as he proved in the postseason. Now teaming up with his idol, ANT is one of the key players on the squad’s quest for gold.
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Kevin Durant and ANT would be a great duo in the league
Coming off the bench with the second unit, ANT and Durant have been phenomenal. The second-quarter lineup outscored the Puerto Ricans, 39-16 in the second quarter to get hold of the game. This dominant run was led by Kevin Durant and ANT putting up a combined 20 points in the second. The chemistry between the two comes from the respect they have for one another. Edwards has been a fan of Durant’s game ever since his childhood. Now, as a young prospect, he is aware of what KD is capable of, especially when he’s in the red, blue, and white uniform.
He has certainly learned the game well and his achievements do reflect on KD, being his idol. By the time the Olympic tour comes to an end, Kevin Durant might just be the best player to have ever played for Team USA. He’s the all-time leading scorer, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and has some of the best starts to Olympic games in history. If the Americans manage to win gold, Durant will become the only male basketball player with four gold medals.
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It will be interesting to see KD win another gold, as Team USA qualifies for the Quarter-Final round. What are your thoughts on Kevin Durant’s credibility from the critics’ perspective? Do you think he’s one of the most hated players? Let us know in the comments.
Before you go, do not forget to check out Essentially Sports’ latest exclusive, featuring bg12 x Silas Demary Jr. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
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