When asked about the San Antonio Spurs string of success over
the past two decades, Kevin Durant came off as a player who pined for the kind
of coaching consistency and excellence that the Spurs have enjoyed during that
span.
“Having a very good coach is probably the most important thing
in this league,” Durant stated at a
recent shoot around.
That’s what they have,” he continued, alluding of course to
Gregg Popovich. “No matter how many moving parts they have on the team, he
always stays consistent with what he does.”
Durant stressed that it takes more than on-court talent to
succeed in the NBA, something he has learned the hard way paired next to fellow
All-Star Russell Westbrook on the Thunder.
“You can have all the great players you want, but you have to
have somebody to orchestrate it. [The Spurs] have great players, but they also
have a great coach to put them in positions that utilizes all their strengths
as individuals.”
These comments, which don’t necessarily sound like a ringing
endorsement for current Thunder coach Billy Donovan, come at an interesting
time, as Durant is set to hit the market as a free agent this summer. Virtually
every team will be a suitor, and Durant’s obvious affinity for Popovich will
undoubtedly cause some to wonder if there’s potential for a union between the
two. It seems like a long-shot, but nothing can be ruled out at this point.
