Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards demonstrate why NBA superstars are now embracing the next generation.
As Kevin Durant stood by his locker, he took a moment to reflect on the influences in his career.
While LeBron James inspired Durant to earn two Finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018 with the Golden State Warriors, and Stephen Curry remains a fierce competitor, Durant chose to highlight a different player entirely.
“I’d say Ant,” Durant expressed to FOX Sports, referring to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. “Just because of his energy every day. The pace that he plays at. The pace that he works out at. The s— that he talks. He gives everybody energy.”
At just 23 years old, Edwards has yet to make an NBA Finals appearance, while James and Curry boast a combined eight championships. However, the dynamic player, often likened to a young Michael Jordan, was not surprised by Durant’s praise.
“He’s telling the truth,” Edwards replied, beaming. “That’s like my big brother, man. I love KD. He’s my favorite player of all time, so I appreciate that, for sure.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr observed this bond during the Olympic Games in Paris, where Durant, Curry, and James welcomed Edwards into their circle as they pursued gold.
Kerr, who played alongside Michael Jordan, noted the difference in how legends interact with rising stars today compared to his playing days.
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(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Despite being regarded as one of the greatest players in history, Durant often faces criticism for his leadership abilities.
Edwards, who spent the summer training with Durant, swiftly dismissed this narrative.
“I think it’s bulls–t,” Edwards stated confidently.
Working alongside Durant, Curry, James, and Bam Adebayo, Edwards absorbed their intensity and dedication to the game.
“All he cares about is basketball, so that’s leading right there,” Edwards explained. “If your best player only cares about basketball, that’s a way of leading. I think people view leadership as just being vocal. I think there are multiple ways in being a leader. He’s definitely a great leader.”
Edwards elaborated on his experience.
“He was a leader for me at the USA because that was my first time doing it and I wasn’t used to it. I definitely went under his wing and just followed everything he did. He’s dope to me, man. I don’t really care what anybody says about him.”
For Edwards, learning from Durant was a dream come true. The first NBA game he attended featured Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder against the Atlanta Hawks, and he wore No. 35 to honor his idol.
Durant embraced Edwards, recognizing the potential in the young player, especially after their playoff encounter last season.
In that series, Edwards showcased his talent, averaging 31 points, eight rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, leading the Timberwolves to a sweep over the Suns.
Despite the competitive banter, Durant admired Edwards’ confidence and chose to mentor him instead of viewing him as a rival.
Their bond strengthened during the Olympics.
Durant learned about Edwards’ struggles, including the loss of his mother, Yvette, to cancer when he was just 14. This shared experience of loss created a deeper connection between the two players.
“My mom loved KD,” Edwards shared. “He was her favorite player growing up. Every time there was a game on the TV, the only way she’d watch it was if KD was on it.”
Durant, who values family deeply, resonated with Edwards’ story.
Having faced his own challenges growing up, including the absence of his father, Durant empathized with Edwards’ journey.
“I kinda got a feeling for understanding how he grew up, the obstacles that he had to go through,” Durant explained. “That means a lot in the Black community. That makes you dive straight into your work.”
While many past superstars kept their distance from rising talents, Durant chose to guide Edwards.
He viewed Edwards not as a competitor, but as a younger brother.
“I respected that he loved watching me play,” Durant stated. “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.”
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Historically, this level of mentorship was not common. When Michael Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, he faced a different environment.
Legends like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were not inclined to share their winning strategies.
“Back then, there was kind of a king of the mountain mentality,” Kerr noted. “You didn’t want to give up that mantle. So, they weren’t ready to just hand it over.”
Kerr believes this mindset made Jordan’s path to success more challenging.
Jordan had to navigate his own growth without guidance from established stars.
“That’s why it took Michael seven years to win a championship,” Kerr remarked. “But guys today are ready to help lift up someone like Anthony Edwards before he wins a championship.”
(Photo by Erick W. Rasco /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
LeBron James also faced his share of challenges when he entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2003.
He had to learn how to cope with the immense pressure of being labeled “The Chosen One.”
James developed his game independently, ultimately leading him to multiple championships.
Like Jordan, James climbed the ranks without much support from established players.
James acknowledged the lack of mentorship from previous generations.
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Edwards recently reached out to Curry for advice.
When he entered the league in 2020, Edwards was known for his ability to drive to the basket, but his shooting was under scrutiny.
Determined to improve, Edwards practiced shooting multiple times daily and sought guidance from Curry.
Curry willingly shared his expertise.
“I don’t want to give him too much of the knowledge,” Curry joked, “but you want to give back a little bit of the wisdom that you gain over the course of your career.”
Curry’s guidance has proven effective, as Edwards is now achieving career highs in scoring and shooting percentage.
“Every time that b—h leaves my hands, cash,” Edwards exclaimed.
Warriors star Draymond Green observed that younger players view Curry and James as “mythical superheroes.”
Players often approach Green for introductions to Curry and Durant, surprised by their down-to-earth nature.
Green noted that while Durant has a “mythical” reputation for his scoring ability, he also comes across as relatable.
“He just gives you the bro next door vibes,” Green said. “I think that automatically makes everybody else comfortable.”
While players may seek Green’s help to connect with Curry and Durant, he laughs off requests for LeBron’s contact information.
“No, you can’t get ahold of Bron,” he stated.
James, while not as accessible, has shown support for emerging talents like Edwards and Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
He aims to be a mentor and inspiration for the next generation.
“I would hope that we are some of a mentor-slash-inspiration on how to play the game,” James expressed. “So, we would hope that we left an imprint on the younger generation that’s coming up.”
(Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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For Edwards, the backing of established stars has been invaluable. They not only offer a front-row seat to observe their work ethic but also insights into their mindset.
In a league where many young talents struggle to succeed, this mentorship helps him understand what it takes to excel.
“I’m super happy, man,” Edwards expressed. “I used to watch these guys on TV, and I never imagined being in this position. 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.”
For LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, who assisted Team USA over the summer, witnessing the superstars embrace the next generation was a refreshing change from his early days in the league.
“Yeah, and it should be that way,” Lue remarked. “I think you’ve got to pass something down to every generation.”
Lue noted that this support significantly impacts players like Edwards, who improves through observing and learning from the best.
“I think it was good for Ant just to see how KD works,” Lue said. “Every time KD is on the floor, he’s doing stuff at game speed, taking game shots, nothing is wasted.”
For Durant, mentoring Edwards was a rewarding experience.
Seeing Edwards’ enthusiasm reminded Durant of his own early days in the league.
“His personality, just how he approaches the game, how much he loves the game,” Durant noted. “We have similarities.”
Edwards recognizes his fortune in receiving guidance from his idol, who genuinely wants him to succeed.
This mentorship contrasts with the past, where established players often kept their distance from newcomers.
Edwards is determined to learn from these experiences, aspiring to reach the heights of his mentors.
“He’s the greatest to me,” he said.
