As the leader of the Big Three, Kevin Durant urges the Phoenix Suns to enter a new era of excellence. “I’m still the Slim Reaper.”
PHOENIX: NBA stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal stayed behind to practice mid-range shots after a demanding team practice on Tuesday afternoon. The Phoenix Suns had lost the majority of their roster, but the Valley’s new Big Three couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get in extra practice together before Tuesday’s regular-season opening against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the Bay Area.
After moving to Brooklyn, Durant instilled this mindset in his teammates, something he has continued to do since his arrival in February.
The “Slim Reaper” is motivated by a never-ending desire to live up to his moniker in Year 16 and demonstrate that, even at 35, he is still among the best in the league. The moniker alludes to his lean build and calculating attitude to his aggressive output. Some onlookers question whether Durant can continue to produce at the same caliber as he did when he was younger.
Durant declared, “I believe I’m still the ‘Slim Reaper.'” “I believe I can represent that moniker. I still have a little frame. After nearly a thousand games, I am familiar with the level of physicality in the league. I know what my body needs to be successful in the world. All I have to do is play as hard as I can.
Before the 2023 trade deadline, Durant, a two-time Finals MVP who is starting his first full season in the Valley, was dealt from the Brooklyn Nets to the Suns. In 2023, he scored 27.7 points per game on average for the Suns during the regular season and playoffs.
Durant is not the first player to begin a new season in a new building. Being on his fourth NBA franchise, the future Hall of Famer is no stranger to handling increased expectations. It was also nothing unusual for him to adjust to new colleagues, even ones with superstar caliber of skill, so working extra after practice.
Durant is not the first player to begin a new season in a new building. Being on his fourth NBA franchise, the future Hall of Famer is no stranger to handling increased expectations. It was also nothing unusual for him to adjust to new colleagues, even ones with superstar caliber of skill, so working extra after practice.
Durant advised, “Just try to keep it at the preparation.” “I just need to do my share and prepare as best I can. After I accomplish my work as well as I can, everything else will fall into place.
Working with some of the world’s top players is always enjoyable. Iron sharpens iron, that’s how it is. We expect a lot from one another. Receiving some post-package labor is always pleasant. The more days we can accumulate, the better.
As Durant’s career developed, he received master instruction in expectations management. As he developed from a teenage prodigy to an accomplished veteran, he maintained his fortitude by accepting new positions and consistently enhancing his own performance.
As Durant’s career developed, he received master instruction in expectations management. As he developed from a teenage prodigy to an accomplished veteran, he maintained his fortitude by accepting new positions and consistently enhancing his own performance.
Durant, who has played in four NBA Finals and won two championship rings, brings a formidable background to Phoenix. As a member of the Golden State Warriors, whose teams during that time are regarded as some of the best ever, he won both rings in Oakland. The majority of observers, oddsmakers, and fans predicted that the Warriors would win the NBA Finals. Durant is not interested in engaging in the comparison game because the scenes are so dissimilar.
Durant remarked, “I try not to compare teams, man.” “I don’t think any squad in the league’s history can compare to the championship teams I’ve been a part of. I find it difficult to compare teams before the season begins.
The Oklahoma City team that drafted the phenomenon teamed him up with Russell Westbrook and James Harden early in his career. Before getting back together with Harden in 2021, Durant headed another Big Three group in Brooklyn while he was paired with Kyrie Irving.
With Beal in the starting lineup, the Suns’ attack should pose a challenge to most NBA defenses. Due to their combined scoring prowess, Durant, Booker, and Beal will force opponents to hunt for solutions.
Durant remarked, “You can’t watch over all of us at once. “A double-team is commanded by guys like Booker. Because I, Bradley, command a double-team, the back end will be difficult. All we need to do is play essentially sound ball.
Following the significant squad change this past offseason, Durant’s primary objective is assembling the ideal combination of talent and chemistry during practice sessions.
In the offseason, the Suns fired head coach Monty Williams and hired Frank Vogel, who guided the Los Angeles Lakers to a 2020 NBA title. Further changes occurred when the Phoenix Suns traded three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, Landry Shamet, and picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for beloved guard Chris Paul.
Damian Lillard was involved in a three-team transaction that sent former first overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Suns acquired guard Grayson Allen and center Jusuf Nurkić. Not only is Durant adjusting to new faces, but the entire revamped squad is.
The team is trying to find a new point guard, or a means to replace Paul, after he left. One strategy has been to use a “point guard by committee,” since the club has multiple ball handlers at different positions.
In reference to the offensive, Allen stated, “I feel like things are flowing very well.” It’s been fantastic to see the committee increase the tempo with the point guard. Simply having several people in lanes, several guys in the corner, and several guys delivering it. It has been quite risky.
