Kevin Durant admits Phoenix Suns have the ‘all of the items’ to compete for an NBA title

Kevin Durant was down-to-earth and uncooked throughout his official introduction because the Phoenix Solar, expressing his love for his former teammates together with a need to convey a championship to Phoenix.

Durant, who referred to himself as “among the best gamers to ever play this sport,” spent a lot of the press convention emphasizing the necessity to work arduous whereas downplaying the hype round a title push.

“I’m extra involved with what we do day by day,” Durant mentioned. ‘The issues that you simply don’t see, I believe that’s what actually brings championships.

“I’m actually wanting ahead to getting again on that path to try to do it once more. I wish to exit and present each night time that we now have an opportunity to win.’

Durant was joined by new proprietor Mat Ishbia in addition to president of basketball operations James Jones at half court docket for the prolonged information convention the place he answered questions on his previous, current and future.

Kevin Durant was launched to reporters as a member of the Suns on Thursday afternoon.

“I really feel like I nonetheless need to show myself,” Durant mentioned of the right here and now. “I wish to put good issues within the film day by day. That’s the one factor that worries me at this level in my life.

‘I really feel like we now have all of the items to succeed. Now we have guys who’re skilled in what’s the last spherical… we now have guys who can do virtually every thing on the court docket. So, we now have to place it collectively. I actually wish to do the job,’

Unsurprisingly, Durant was requested to sum up his time in Brooklyn, which was met with boos from the partisan crowd.

‘There have been lots of ups and downs, however I beloved the routine. Everybody in Brooklyn beloved the grind too, so I constructed a household there,” he mentioned. They may at all times be a part of my journey. We didn’t obtain what we wished to realize so far as profitable a championship.

“Everybody there did our greatest day by day, no matter what was happening within the media, no matter was happening with our teammates. All of us who had been in that fitness center, we squealed.

James Harden (L), Kyrie Irving (R) and Kevin Durant did not convey a title to Brooklyn

‘So, I like these guys. I get emotional speaking about it as a result of it was a particular 4 years in my profession,” she mentioned, a lump in her throat. ‘They helped me quite a bit. So yeah, it was horrible how issues turned out… however I want them the perfect sooner or later. They’ve a vivid future.

When requested to elaborate extra on why the Nets did not get near a championship, Durant admitted that “we simply didn’t get on the ground sufficient,” referring particularly to the trio of himself, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

“I believe whenever you noticed James, Kyrie and me, it was unimaginable basketball for [16] video games, however so that you can win a championship and be an awesome group, you simply want extra time on the court docket.’

‘It’s one other story about why we didn’t sit on the court docket collectively, however we simply didn’t have sufficient court docket time. These are Corridor of Fame gamers that I realized quite a bit from day by day and I want them the perfect as properly. It simply didn’t work.

As to when Durant will kind his personal trio in Phoenix, with Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the two-time champion is unclear.

Devin Booker (R) and Durant are poised to imminently kind one of many deadliest duos within the NBA.

Durant joined his fellow Phoenix Suns on the sidelines Tuesday night time in opposition to Sacramento

‘I don’t know, I hope quickly. I hope you may really feel my enthusiasm. However I’m going to observe the coaching workers and observe the schedule they gave me. Hopefully quickly after the [All-Star] break.’

Talking concerning the Irving commerce to Dallas, Durant revealed that he was “upset” when it occurred, however was unaware of Irving’s “scenario with the group.”

‘I believed we had good momentum. We had been lastly constructing the tradition we at all times wished. I felt like each sport we had been constructing our chemistry, however I didn’t know what was happening with Kyrie and his scenario with the group.

‘It was a blow to our group, he merely took away our id… With out him we didn’t have a transparent id. So, that was arduous for me to swallow.

“I beloved enjoying with these guys all yr…it was arduous to not end the season, however I attempted to maneuver as quick as I may.” All of it occurred in a short time, however I’m glad it turned out this fashion.

The pair seemed to be on their option to difficult for the highest spot within the East forward of their respective trades.

Ishbia opened the proceedings from a bench, like Durant and Jones, admitting it was “a special occasion for Phoenix.” The sentiment was actually echoed by the fervent crowd in attendance.

Durant, dressed all in black, drenched within the raucous environment, chanting ‘KD!’ echoing all through the sector repeatedly.

“I actually don’t suppose I deserve all this,” he mentioned of the reception. I respect the nice and cozy welcome, however I’ve extra issues to do.

In its 54 years of existence, Phoenix has by no means gained an NBA championship, with Durant now the centerpiece, expectations, externally at the very least, are set with eyes set on the Larry O’Brien trophy.