The art of leadership in the NBA is often debated, but according to Kevin Durant, the way to bring out the best in a team is not just about vocal presence, but about living by example. Durant cited his own experience playing for Team USA alongside Stephen Curry and LeBron James, as well as his interactions with the next generation of NBA stars, including Anthony Edwards, as evidence of his theory.
Edwards, only 23 years old and with no NBA championships, is already being hailed as a future superstar. However, Durant believes that true leadership is not just about winning, but about dedicating oneself to the sport. “All he [Edwards] cares about is basketball, so that’s leading right there,” Durant said. “If your best player only cares about basketball, that’s a way of leading.”
Durant has taken Edwards under his wing, mentoring him through workouts and film sessions during their time together on the USA team. Edwards’ dedication to the sport, his work ethic, and his passion for the game have impressed Durant, who believes that Edwards has a special talent.
The lack of leadership criticism surrounding Edwards is a stark contrast to Durant’s own career. Many have questioned Durant’s ability to lead, suggesting that he is not vocally assertive enough to be an effective leader. However, Edwards disagrees. “I think it’s bulls–t,” he said. “All he [Durant] cares about is basketball, so that’s leading right there. If your best player only cares about basketball, that’s a way of leading.”
The shift towards more mentorship and leadership among the NBA’s big three – Durant, Curry, and James – may be a sign of change in the way the sport is approached. Gone are the days of the traditional “king of the mountain” mentality, where leaders guarded their status and treated younger players with disdain.
Now, the league’s superstars are embracing their role as mentors, showing the next generation the importance of hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. As Durant pointed out, “I respected that he [Edwards] loved watching me play. I really appreciate that. You never know who’s watching you when you do this. And for you to impact somebody as great as him, it makes me feel like I’m doing something right out here every time I walk into the gym.”
While Edwards is still learning from the best, he believes that the support of Curry and Durant has been instrumental in his growth as a player. “I used to watch these guys on TV and I never imagined being in this position,” Edwards said. “Being on the court with these guys, going against them is a dream come true. And the fact that they’re rooting for me is another plus.”
As for Durant, he is already reaping the rewards of his mentorship. In a league where many players struggle to make a name for themselves, Edwards has been able to learn from the best and is slowly but surely becoming a dominant force. And as long as Durant continues to take on a leadership role, it’s likely that he will continue to inspire future generations of NBA stars.