Kevin Durant is one of the most talented basketball players of our time. He has won multiple championships and awards, and has been a key player for several teams. However, one interesting aspect of his career is that he has had multiple coaches over the years. In fact, he has had four different coaches in just one year. This article explores Durant's experience with changing coaches and how it has affected his career.
1. Scott Brooks: Durant's first coach in the NBA was Scott Brooks, who coached him from 2008 to 2015. During this time, Durant won four scoring titles and was named the league's MVP in 2014. Brooks was fired in 2015 after the Thunder failed to make it to the NBA Finals.
2. Billy Donovan: After Brooks was fired, the Thunder hired Billy Donovan as their new head coach. Donovan coached Durant for just one year, during which the Thunder lost in the Western Conference Finals. Durant became a free agent after the 2015-2016 season and signed with the Golden State Warriors.
3. Steve Kerr: With the Warriors, Durant was coached by Steve Kerr, who had already won two championships with the team. Durant won two championships with the Warriors and was named the Finals MVP both times. Kerr and Durant had a good relationship, but Durant decided to leave the Warriors after three seasons.
4. Kenny Atkinson: After leaving the Warriors, Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Atkinson was the head coach of the Nets when Durant signed, but he was fired in March 2020. Jacque Vaughn took over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
5. Playing Style: Durant is known for his versatile playing style, which allows him to excel under different coaches and systems. However, changing coaches frequently can still have an impact on a player's development and performance. Each coach has their own philosophy and approach, which can influence a player's role and responsibilities on the team.
6. Team Success: Durant has been fortunate to play for several successful teams, but coaching changes can still affect team dynamics and chemistry. When a new coach comes in, they may want to implement their own strategies and make changes to the roster. This can cause uncertainty and tension among players, which can affect their performance on the court.
7. Personal Growth: Despite the challenges of changing coaches, Durant has continued to grow and improve as a player. He has adapted to different systems and played alongside different teammates, which has helped him develop a deeper understanding of the game. Durant's ability to thrive under different coaches is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
In conclusion, Kevin Durant's experience with changing coaches has been a fascinating aspect of his career. While it can be challenging to adjust to new coaches and systems, Durant has proven himself to be a versatile player who can excel under different circumstances. His ability to adapt and grow as a player has made him one of the greatest basketball players of our time.