[ad_1]
Kevin Durant was a thunderbolt addition to the Golden State Warriors lineup in 2016. The Warriors’ environment friendly small ball system that was led by Stephen Curry made KD much more deadly. Durant transitioned easily into the Warriors’ setup and his teammates ensured that he received the ball every time he needed it. After that, all the pieces was computerized.
Not less than, Shaun Livingston’s testimony on The Knuckleheads podcast claims so. Livingston, who spent three seasons with KD within the Bay, recalled how the already elite Warriors offense instantly soaked in Durant’s high-IQ skillset.
For Livingston, the Dubs’ actions on the time have been akin to telepathy. Everybody just about knew what they needed to do, which allowed KD to carry out on the highest stage. Their tandem labored seamlessly.
Durant’s teammates simply handed over the ball to him in clutch moments, letting him do his factor. In Livingston’s personal phrases,
“You carry a unicorn to what now we have, it was simply telepathy. All of us are simply transferring prefer it’s string music. Then you definately received him within the fourth, we simply out right here watching him like, ‘Simply give this man the rock.’”
It was nonetheless an enormous change for the Warriors as a result of they have been accustomed to watching Curry take management within the last quarter. However Curry took a backseat to permit KD take cost throughout sure conditions. Livingston relayed that it was potential due to the Dubs guard’s humble nature and lack of ego.
Thus, Durant may play freely due to the Warriors’ long-time PG’s unselfishness.
In the meantime, similar to Livingston confirmed like to KD, Durant additionally acknowledged Livingston’s basketball acumen.
KD knew about Livingston’s post-basketball chapter
Shaun Livingston retired from the NBA in 2019, the identical yr that KD left for the Brooklyn Nets. The Warriors named Livingston as Director of Gamers Affairs and Engagement in September, 2020. In February of 2021, KD and his Brooklyn Nets have been on the Chase Heart, the primary time Durant returned to the Warriors’ house flooring after his departure.
Earlier than the sport, he sat down Kerith Burke on The Dubs podcast to debate his pre-game sentiments. Throughout the sit-down, Durant revealed how he knew that Livingston would transition to an NBA government position.
“I seen that one coming. He has at all times been very savvy relating to understanding the sport, understanding what’s coming subsequent within the sport. It looks as if the proper transition for him. Dwelling within the bay, staying within the bay, being part of the group. Glad for him.”
This narrative sums up the shut bond that Kevin Durant shared along with his teammates in his three-year Dubs tenure. He shared the ground with a number of the most clever basketball gamers of all time. The presence of a communicator like Livingston will need to have additionally helped him modify easily to the squad.
[ad_2]
Source link
