Atlanta Hawks’ Kevin Huerter Reveals How Kevin Durant Gave Him His Welcome to the NBA Moment
Follow Us
Over the years, the NBA has produced future stars of the sport. Atlanta Hawks’ Kevin Huerter is no different, showing why he is the next big thing in basketball. The shooting guard has tremendous discipline on the court and possesses the ability to reach greater heights. However, being intimidated in your days of youth is very common. And with stars like Kevin Durant on tour, intimidation would be putting it mildly.
Kevin Huerter’s welcome to the NBA
The 22-year-old had a steady 2020-21 season with the Hawks. Wearing the No. 3 jersey, Huerter started 49 of the Atlanta Hawks’ games during the regular season. Still blooming from his rookie seasons, Kevin averaged around 12 points and 3.5 assists during the year. Recently, the youngster from New York made a special appearance on a podcast with Dallas Mavericks‘ JJ Redick.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Tokyo Olympics 2020: USA and China Top the List of Favorites to Win This Year
Trending
Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets
April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT
Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics
April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
Joel Embiid Banned By Empire State Building After Dangerous Incident On Court With Mitchell Robinson
April 26, 2024 02:59 AM EDT
“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment
April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT
“It’s Just Basketball”: LeBron James Rambles About Anxiety After Lakers Fall To Nuggets At Home
April 26, 2024 07:55 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“Yeah, there was,” Huerter responded upon being asked if there was a moment of a reality check when he started in the NBA. “Back to my rookie year, we’re on a road trip, I think. At this point, I’m coming off the bench. I think I was the second wing off the bench. So we get in the game, playing the Warriors in Oracle.”
Huerter ‘freaked out’ while guarding Kevin Durant
The 19th overall pick from the 2018 draft admitted that he had mini butterflies in his stomach during the game against the Warriors and said, “Kevin Durant is on the team. So I like switched onto him and right away I’m like ‘I’m guarding Kevin Durant.’ So obviously freaking out a little bit.” However, Huerter soon got his act together. He said, “I try to pressure him and he loses the ball, and it goes out to half court.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Huerter then assumed that his big moment had already arrived, before Durant retrieved the ball and showed the youngster who the boss was. Huerter said, “He catches it, looks up at the shot clock, there’s six seconds left. And takes three dribbles, gets to around 18-feet, hits me with a quick shoulder to the chest, just fades away, and bangs a two. And as he’s going back to defense, he’s just backpedaling and goes ‘welcome to the league bro.'”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kevin Durant is undoubtedly an intimidating figure, and the dynasty that he built with the Golden State Warriors is simply awe-inspiring. He is one of the most talented athletes to have graced the sport and continues to work his magic at the age of 32.