New Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant has drawn a ton of criticism for deciding to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for their conference rivals earlier this summer.
Now, one win away from bringing home gold for Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Durant is looking to move forward with another accomplishment while setting his sights on an NBA title in Oakland.
Unfortunately for Durant, his latest comments might create a rebirth of the criticism he saw back in July.
Speaking to reporters during the Summer Olympics, Durant had this to say.
“I told myself before I left my room, I’m at my best if I don’t care if we win or lose,” Durant said, via USA Today Sports. “It might be different for other players. But for me, I’m more free and aggressive, and it’s way more fun for me if I don’t care about the outcome. I know if I go out there and be who I am, the outcome will dictate itself.”
These are some interesting comments to say the least. Durant is specifically talking about how his game changes when he’s not pressing. The comments came after Durant put up a game-high 27 points against Argentina in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
They also come after he had been mired in a major cold streak from the field, hitting on just 9-of-26 shots during the team’s previous three games.
Some might point to these comments as a way to indicate Durant doesn’t care much about winning. Though, that would most definitely be a foolish stance.
Instead, it’s all about him getting right prior to a game and going into a contest in the right frame mind.
Following an 82-76 win over Spain in the semifinals, Durant and Team USA are one victory away from bringing home gold. Something tells us he’ll care about winning then.