Kevin Durant Feels the OKC Thunder Season Wasn’t Wasted

Despite his team coming up considerably short of expectations, largely due to Russell Westbrook’s knee injury, Kevin Durant is taking a philosophical approach to things. KD says the season wasn’t a waste, and envisions a very bright future for the OKC Thunder. Per the Oklahoman: “It began when he was asked if this season was a wasted year of his life. But after Kevin Durant provided a level-headed and mature response, filled with perspective and void of hyperbole, his answer seemed to almost sell short his competitive spirit. ‘Nothing’s ever a wasted year for me. It’s basketball,’ Durant said. ‘I’ve grown so much as a man since the beginning of the season. I’ve grown so much as a leader. Nothing is ever wasted.’ Durant, speaking Thursday at his season-ending news conference with reporters a day after the Thunder lost in Game 5 of its Western Conference semifinal to the Memphis Grizzlies, went on to say there are more important things in his life. ‘Of course the ultimate goal in this league is to win a championship. But I’m never going to say I wasted a year,’ Durant said. ‘I’m blessed to even wake up and do something I love every day. So it’s never wasted. We take that for granted a lot. But that’s something I’m not going to do. I enjoy playing this game. I enjoy playing for this city, my teammates. So every day I get to see those guys and go through some tough times and laugh and argue, it’s never wasted. I’m just blessed to be here. And I’m never going to take it for granted.’ […] Following his response, Durant was then asked what he would say to possible critics who might hear his outlook and question his competitive fire. ‘I don’t give a damn. I’m going to be who I’m going to be,’ Durant said. ‘I’m not Kobe Bryant. I’m not Michael Jordan. I’m not LeBron James. I’m not Magic Johnson. I’m me. I’m not going to ever compromise myself, my integrity and what I believe in for winning some basketball games and winning a championship. That’s just not I how I was brought up.'”