Kevin Durant Gets Honest About Failed Nets Trio with Kyrie Irving and James Harden
At his introductory press conference in Phoenix, Kevin Durant answered handfuls of Nets-related questions. When he reflected on the "special four years" of his career with Brooklyn, he choked up a bit.
"It was a lot of ups and downs. We didn't accomplish what we wanted to. I get emotional talking about it because it was a special four years of my career coming off an Achilles," Durant said. "They helped me through a lot. They got a bright future."
One of those Nets-related questions Durant answered was why his previous 'Big 3' with Brooklyn did not work out. His response was what everyone will think about years down the line.
"We just didn't get on the court enough. I think when you see James, Kyrie and myself, it was amazing basketball for 17 games though," Durant joked. "In order for you to win a championship and be a great team, you just need more time on the floor."
The 'Big 3,' who all now play on different teams and forced their way out of Brooklyn, combined to play a total of only 16 games in just over a single year span. Outside of injuries to Durant and Harden, the main component of one of the biggest NBA's 'What If's' in league history was Irving's vaccination refusal. His decision resulted in the now Dallas Mavericks guard playing in only 29 regular season games during the 2021-22 season.
"It's another story about why we didn't get out on the floor together, but we didn't get enough time on the floor. Those are Hall of Fame players I learned a lot from every day," Durant said. "I wish them the best as well. It just didn't work out."
