Kevin Durant on Authenticity, the‌ NBA Platform, adn Future Aspirations

NBA superstar kevin durant emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself, both on and off the court, during a conversation wiht CNBC’s Andrew Ross‍ Sorkin at the CNBC Sport and Boardroom’s game Plan conference ⁤on ⁢Tuesday. ‌

“That’s when you be who you are,” Durant stated. “Don’t ⁣try to change your personality. ⁢Don’t try too hard. Just be exactly who you are, showcase⁢ your game, and then people are going ⁢to gravitate towards you.”

Durant, a two-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist widely considered one of the league’s all-time leading scorers, believes focusing on his game was paramount to his success. He explained, “I was catering to the basketball community, ⁣and that is just going out there and playing my game. I just felt like ⁤my game speaks for itself.” He highlighted the reach​ of ⁢the NBA – “the ​second-most watched sport in the world,⁤ full ⁢of billions of people” – as​ providing ⁣a sufficient platform for ⁤his talent to shine.

This confidence in his ‌abilities, durant added, is “probably why I was so confident in moving​ around the league, so much that I⁣ feel like I can do this anywhere.” ​He‌ has played in six different cities throughout his career, including Seattle (later‍ relocating to Oklahoma City) and most recently, Houston.

Rich kleiman, Durant’s business partner, elaborated on their decision-making process regarding team moves, stating that business opportunities weren’t the primary driver. “We weren’t sitting there⁢ in June going what business is there ‍for​ us in Houston, as opposed‍ to what business there would be for us in Miami,” Kleiman explained. Instead, they⁢ prioritize ⁢building lasting ⁢relationships, citing existing connections​ with owners like Tilman and Patrick Fertitta (houston Rockets), Joe Tsai (Brooklyn Nets), and Joe Lacob (Golden State Warriors).

Kleiman further noted that Durant’s ‍approach of letting his ⁢performance speak for itself has translated​ into the business world.​ “I think⁣ what Kevin has been able to do⁢ is show that⁢ there’s a different blueprint you can take, that less can be ⁣more, and ⁤that⁢ your game can speak for itself,” he said.

Looking ahead,⁤ Durant expressed interest in ‍competing in​ the 2028 Olympics, but only⁤ if he can contribute meaningfully. He stated he doesn’t want ‌to‍ simply “come sit on the end of ​the bench and get you a fifth [gold medal].”

Durant also indicated a desire to eventually become an NBA team owner, acknowledging the challenges posed by rising valuations. He already holds ⁤ownership stakes in MLS’s Philadelphia union and a professional pickleball​ team. kleiman ⁢believes Durant’s​ relationship-building skills and understanding of brand growth would be invaluable in⁤ an‍ ownership role,particularly as team ownership structures become more diverse and require strategic expertise to generate revenue.