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Kevin Durant led Team USA in the medal round on Tuesday, then took the time to talk about the Nets’ return to Brooklyn from the draft to free agency.
The Nets made five picks in the NBA Draft last Thursday, including two in the first round. Then that same night Durant scored 29 points to lead the US team to a 95-81 victory over Spain, halfway around the world his Nets lost Jeff Green in free agency but managed to retain the Blake Griffin departure center.
“Very excited to get Blake back,” Durant said. “Very excited about the young guys we have. Well, I don’t want to call them young guys – the men we recruited. Cam [Thomas] and Day’Ron [Sharpe], then we got three second round picks in [Marcus] Zegowski, Kessler [Edwards] and [FSU’s RaiQuan Gray].
“So I can’t wait for these guys to be part of the program. And I can’t wait to learn and help them grow as much as possible and welcome them to Brooklyn. I can’t wait to play with them.
He will also star with James Johnson and Patty Mills, who made free agent deals on Tuesday after Durant spoke.
But moments after leading Team USA into the medal round – now just two wins away from claiming his third Olympic gold – Durant spoke about how important it was to bring Griffin back. The veteran started every playoff game at center and is keeping the roster intact for next season as the Nets are currently favorites to win the title.
“To have Blake back, I’m so excited,” Durant said. “I mean, as soon as the season was over I would tell him we want him to come back and tell him that, you know, we should try to do it again. And I was happy to see that it was done.
Nets chief executive Sean Marks had hoped to keep Griffin and Green, although that likely never happened. And after having to settle for five consecutive minimum contracts for the veterans – something Green openly said baffling – Durant’s longtime friend landed a two-year, $ 10 million contract in Denver.
“Blake and Jeff meant so much to us last year, and it was good to be with them. But it’s a business, you know? Guys have families and lives that they’re trying to live, ”Durant said. “So for him to get that deal, it was something he looked forward to and happy for him, and he can’t wait to see him again and play against him again.
“But we’re moving forward, you know? Advance. And the guys are stepping up and that’s just our mentality since I got to Brooklyn. So, I can’t wait to replay it and build on what we did last year. And so it’s great to have continuity in your locker room in the NBA, especially in this profession. Because guys could be swapped out in seconds; so it’s good to have that continuity.
The Nets may have some continuity in the starting lineup and up front in the rotation, but the back of the roster will see some changes. With five draft picks coming up – as well as other free agents – there will be a learning curve.
“I think it will be a period of adjustment. It’s a different game than it was in college, ”Durant admitted. “Talking to the coaching staff you can just tell these guys love to play. I think it will be a fun transition for them, and I can’t wait to help out as much as possible.
“Feed yourself on this young energy as well. We really need it in our locker room. So I’m super excited to have them. I can’t wait to see what they do in their careers, but especially starting in the summer league so I’m definitely going to watch them and support them, give them as much advice as possible and be right there for them.
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