Kevin Durant is officially a member of the Golden State Warriors. Durant was introduced at a press conference featuring head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Bob Myers today, marking his first official day as a member of the Warriors. The other members of the Big Four, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, were not present.
The entire press conference lasted just under a half hour, and featured questions from the media. Durant had plenty to say, but we've narrowed it down to the best quotes. That includes one quote from Kerry. With that in mind, here are The Five Best Quotes From Kevin Durant's Introductory Press Conference With The Warriors.
5. Durant On Speaking With Russell Westbrook
Durant was asked if he had spoken with Russell Westbrook about his decision to leave the Thunder. Here's Durant's response.
"I talked to him. I talked to him awhile. It's tough ... I'm sure he wasn't happy about the decision, but he respected it as my friend. The relationship is great. We had great years and that's something you can never take away from us ... I just tried to focus on me."
Durant also mentioned that he thought Westbrook would talk again soon.
4. Durant On "Taking The Easy Way"
When Durant announced he was leaving for the Warriors, many accused him of taking the easy way to an NBA Championship. Durant doesn't agree with that.
"Nothing in this league is easy. There are no shortcuts. We've still got 82 games to play ... this is the hardest road. I don't know anybody here. I've never lived in this community, never played for this team ... It's not the easy situation because I'm out of my comfort zone."
Durant also said there would be an adjustment period as he develops on-court chemistry with his new teammates. The same was true when LeBron James went to the Miami Heat.
3. Durant On Leaving OKC
Durant spent his entire NBA career with the Thunder/SuperSonics. He said it wasn't an easy decision to leave for the Warriors.
"It was difficult, being in a place for so long with the relationships that I've built. It was hard. I went back-and-forth for two or three days. It was tough. I've been there for so long ... those nine years, you can't erase. That love doesn't fade, those memories don't erase ... We knew a lot of attention was going come with it, but we stuck with what I wanted to do. That call to OKC was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. Tears were shed, but this is a new journey for me. I trusted my gut and I trusted my instincts. It's not a popular decision, but I can live with it."
One of the reporters mentioned that Durant's decision was a popular one for Warriors' fans, which resulted in a few laughs from the media present.
2. Kerr On The Former Warriors
In order to afford to sign Durant, the Warriors needed to let several players leave or trade them. Kerr thanked them at the end of the press conference.
"I want to say thank you to Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes. To Leandro Barbosa, Brandon Rush and Festus Ezeli. That's a lot of really good people who are moving on, who helped us win a championship, who helped us create what is here and what is represented by the photos on the wall here. But this is the NBA and players move on ... but it's always important to remember the relationships that have been built and the fact that those don't change once people change uniforms."
The press conference ended on Kerr's statement.
1. Durant On Being A Hero Or A Villain
One reporter asked Durant if he felt guilty about leaving the Thunder. Here's his response.
"We live in this superhero comic book world where you're either villain or a superhero in this position. I know that. I know I haven't changed as a person or treat other people differently because I decided to play basketball in another city. I understand the fans from Oklahoma City and fans around the world are upset, but I made a decision based upon what I wanted to do and how I felt."
If you missed Durant's press conference with the Warriors, you can watch it again here.
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