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Kevin Durant’s agent’s comments reveal how important he is to Nets’ leadership

ByJordanna Clark|
Dec 7, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills (8) and forward Kevin Durant (7) celebrate with their team bench during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills (8) and forward Kevin Durant (7) celebrate with their team bench during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant wouldn’t be where he’s at today if he had only focused on himself. He’s one of the greatest players to ever play the game, which is why he’s currently neck-and-neck with Steph Curry in the 2021-22 MVP race. KD’s not too concerned about that, though. He’s more worried about leading the Brooklyn Nets to their first NBA title.

Regardless of what Oklahoma City fans may have to say about Durant, he focuses on the betterment of his team. He’s not afraid to speak up in defense of his teammates. It’s no secret that James Harden has been far from his best this season, but KD defended him and took the blame for Brooklyn’s 111-107 loss to Chicago last Saturday.

Durant’s not going out every game and putting on a show so that he can try to surpass Curry in the MVP rankings. He’s doing it so that the Nets can win. That’s why Brooklyn’s 19-8 and in first place in the East.

KD’s not a stat-padder. He doesn’t need to be one because his game is so natural. Winning MVP for the second time would be nice, but that’s hardly a worry for the four-time scoring champ. He just wants the Nets to meet expectations.

Kevin Durant is more focused on the Brooklyn Nets than the MVP race.

If there’s one person that knows what goes on inside of KD’s head, it’s his manager, Rich Kleiman. Ever since Durant signed with the Nets in 2019, he’s been closer to Kleiman, who resides in Manhattan.

Kleiman spoke out about KD’s priorities in a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio and told us all we needed to know.

"“When he feels like he didn’t play the right way, or the team didn’t play the right way, even if they won, that’s the kind of stuff that seems to bother him more than he didn’t get the shots or he’s no longer the No. 1 candidate in the MVP race throughout the year,” Kleiman said. “I think that’s less important.”"

Durant’s the kind of leader Brooklyn needs, especially with Kyrie Irving currently being out of the picture. The Nets have been faced with adversity, and KD’s been there to help dig them out of the hole that they’re in.

Although Brooklyn looks good on paper, the team is underperforming as a whole. Based on what Kleiman said, that has to be bothering Durant, especially considering how poorly the Nets played without him in Houston. Is it any coincidence Durant is having one of the best seasons of his career at age 33 as a result?

We don’t want to jinx anything, but if KD can find a way to win his third championship this year, it’s going to further solidify his place in the history of the NBA. And with his seemingly newfound leadership mentality, it’ll add another layer to his legacy.