Kevin Durant is officially a member of the Golden State Warriors. He was introduced at a press conference today that featured the revelation of a few things that weren't clear beforehand.
The entire press conference lasted just under a half hour and there were a few interesting takeaways. While not everything we learned (like Durant talking to Russell Westbrook) made the cut. With that in mind, here are four thins we learned from Kevin Durant's press conference.
4. Kerr Is Feeling Confident About Getting Better
This might be a bit obvious, but Kerr and the Warriors are feeling confident about the addition of Durant. Their whole goal was to get better and Kerry thinks they've done that.
"That's the idea," Kerr said during the press conference. "That was the idea of bringing him here. We knew what kind of team we already had and we knew we could get better. We lost in the Finals. We want to get better ... we You can't do much better, you can't do any better, than adding KD to the current crew ... It's going to be a lot of fun once we get rolling."
We already knew this, but it's clear it's championship or bust for the Warriors in 2016.
3. Durant Feels Comfortable With The Warriors
Durant said that he felt comfortable when he spoke with Stephen Curry, Draymond Geen, Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson. But Durant also showed he was too. Early in the press conference, Myers was speaking about Durant's character and mentioned that Durant exceeded his expectations as a person once he was able to really meet him. It was a bit of an odd comment, although well-intentioned. But Durant poked fun at it later, saying Thompson had exceeded his expectations as a person. It's a baffling statement when viewed out of context, but it drew laughter from the media. Coming from a just-signed player, it showed that Durant is comfortable with his new organization.
2. What Jerry West Told Durant
Much was made about Jerry West placing a call to Durant to help convince Durant to join the Warriors. Durant addressed his conversation with Jerry West at the press conference.
"We just talked about the Warriors and how I'd be a great fit and how I'd love the guys and the whole organization," Durant said. "Nothing more than that. I know it's Jerry West and I know he's the logo and you're expecting a sexier conversation, but it was more so about the team and how I'd fit in and how great the coaching staff is."
West's talk with Durant might have had impact, but it doesn't appear to really be the game-changer that some had made it out to be.
1. KD Did This For Himself
Durant said many times that he knows many fans, especially those from Oklahoma City, aren't happy about his decision. But Durant stressed the move to the Warriors is what he wants to do. It's not about making others happy or showing his "loyalty." This was what Durant wanted and he made sure it happened. Durant's taken plenty of flak for his decision, but he's happy and comfortable with it.
BONUS: Durant's Plans For His Next Free Agency
This happened after the actual press conference, when Durant split off to talk to reporters more, which is why it's in the bonus category.
Durant on his 1+1 deal: "Ya I plan on being here." Says he doesn't want to go through another free agency... https://t.co/9BnarjVKGP
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) July 7, 2016
The Warriors can afford to re-sign both Curry and Durant next offseason. Unless this year is a disaster, Durant and Golden State might not be a one-time thing.
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