Kevin Durant had an edge Thursday when he spoke with the media for an exit interview following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season ending.
According to The Oklahoman, Durant, who is recovering from season-ending foot surgery, was surly as he talked about all the stuff he’s heard while he’s been out.
“I’m definitely pissed,” Durant said via The Oklahoman. “I’ve heard a lot of stuff over this time I’ve been injured from everybody, from different people. So I can’t wait for the first game (of next season).”
Durant’s Thunder lost a tiebreaker to the Pelicans for the final Western Conference playoff spot and therefore will not be in the postseason for the first time since 2008-2009, which was just his second season in the league. Asked if he would be watching the playoffs, he said “hell no.”
While he’s been out with an injury, Durant has been following the Thunder on TV during their road games. That hasn’t been the most pleasant experience for him.
“I couldn’t really enjoy it as much because when I watch TV I hear all this you comparing two teammates together all the time. It’s kinda tough to watch it sometimes. Then I hear everything about if Russ playing well, I’m getting traded and all this other stupid stuff.”
That was a reference to teammate Russell Westbrook, who emerged as an MVP candidate with Durant out most of the season. People have been trying to pull them apart for years, but they have maintained a close bond and appear likely to remain in OKC as teammates for the future. But one thing is important to note about this surly Durant: the man likes to have a chip on his shoulder when he plays, so he needs to see some of that criticism in order to fuel him. He just needs to balance it so he’s inspired more than angered/stressed by it.
