Kevin Durant, a luxury advisor for Ryan Dunn

It is the meeting between the oldest member of the workforce and the youngest. At 36, Kevin during took under his wing Ryan Dunn22 years old, upon his arrival in Arizona, after being recovered by the Suns on the evening of the Draft (28th choice of nuggets).

“KD” did not hesitate to invite the future rookie to come and train in Los Angeles, upstream of the team's takeover camp. With on the program for the rookie: one-of-one in front of his new teammate and incidentally legend of the game. We knew worse in terms of matters to acclimatize to the atmosphere of the big league.

“” The fact of being a rookie who can go see him and ask him questions, train with him, see how he approaches the game, both mentally and physically, and to be able to dissect many things with him, is great “, qualifies Ryan Dunn to Andescape, who devotes an article on this relationship.

Change your routine

A time present in the five of the Suns because of its defensive qualities, the first year said to try to incorporate elements of the routine of its elder in its own. “” And to continue to learn from him. I am a sponge, I absorb as much information as possible. And what is good with Kevin is that he won't let you sit behind. He wants you to be aggressive, that you trust your abilities and that you know that you can play. »»

Nothing more natural for Kevin during the time, over time, a reference on which many young players are based, starting with Anthony Edwards who almost worships him.

“” It's pretty cool to see these guys watch me grow up and admire my game, respect it, more than anything. I always wanted to be respected by NBA players for my work ethics and my talent in general. Receiving this respect from the young generation is a lesson in humility. I'm honored “, Smarts the veteran who intends to be called” Uncle “(” UNC “) or” OG “(” original gangster “).

Anthony Edwards goes “too far” with him

“” Ant [Edwards] is the one that goes too far with the OG and the UNC. But it is only love. I always appreciate being surrounded by young talents in this league. I feed on them. We feed each other “, Continues Kevin during who grew up admiring LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant.

At 19, “KD” was a member of the “Select Team” which participated in the preparation of the “Redeem Team”, sent to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, whose three giants mentioned above were members.

“” I had to study them when I was a child, not just looking at them for fun. I had to imitate what they were doing, otherwise I would have had problems with my coaches. I had to reach the level they had in the league. When I saw them, I didn't know what to say. I remained silent, I listened and I took advantage of the moment. Do not annoy them. Be a little brother Remember Kevin during.

Years later, he advocated another attitude to his rookie. “” He also tells me not to sit and look at me, and if I have something, to take it, to be aggressive and to be this guy. It is therefore one of my brothers with whom I built a great relationship and I am happy to have it as a veteran », Finish Ryan Dunn.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.