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Kevin Durant: A ‘Blessing’ to Play in New York

By William Lee

Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Durant calls playing in New York “a blessing” but does not have much to say about impending free agency.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant will be hitting unrestricted free agency this summer.

So of course, it goes without saying that the New York media will fall all over themselves drooling over the possibility of the Knicks getting the former league’s Most Valuable Player. Something that Durant is well aware of, as per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"“They link everybody with New York City,’’“It’s one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s not a bad thing. It’s a great city. Great place to visit, great place to live, I’m sure. But they link everybody, not just me.”"

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Truer words were never spoken. Whenever any impending free agents visits Madison Square Garden for a matchup, there is guaranteed to be articles about said impending free agent possibly joining the New York Knicks. Look no further than ESPN New York, where their feature article prior to the Thunder game was “Knicks have no shot at landing Kevin Durant … or do they?”

Although, Durant does admit to enjoying playing basketball in New York City.

"“I spent some nice time up here playing basketball in New York City. Some of the most memorable times in my life was coming up here, playing outside, just getting the pure love of the game up here. I remember that, always going to remember that the rest of my life and tell my kids about that when I get older. I come from Maryland. We know how big basketball is here.”"

When Durant mentioned “playing outside” in New York City, the thought of Durant scoring 66 points in Rucker Park during the summer of the 2011 NBA lockout immediately comes to mind.

Durant says that it is a “blessing” to play in New York, whether it is outdoors or in MSG. The bright lights of the “Big Apple” has always been prominently showcased in pop culture, something that Durant is also well aware of.

"“Of course I enjoy playing here and the Garden. Every movie you watch, you had a scene playing basketball in the Garden. Everything reverts back to being in the Garden, whether [it’s] musicians, basketball players. To play here is just a blessing.’’"

So could the bright lights of the “Big Apple” be alluring enough to steal Durant from Oklahoma City? Nahhh… no way… I shared my thoughts (click below) on these silly rumors last year already, and I still stand by them.

More knicks: Kevin Durant Trade Rumors? Keeping It 100

Even though Durant says he enjoys playing in New York and called it a “blessing” to do so, the seven-time All-Star quickly deflected any free agency questions.

"“I haven’t thought about that,”“I’m enjoying every moment, and told that to myself before the year. It’s easy for me to stray off the path and think about the future. I pray when I get out of bed to stay in the moment and enjoy the moment. This stuff goes by quick. It’s my ninth season, and I can remember my first game at Madison Square Garden like it was yesterday.”“We’ll worry about that stuff when I get there. I know that’s what people want to hear — the information [on my future]. I’ll tell you everything you need to know when that time comes.’’"

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Of course, Durant has to say that he is only focused on this season. It would be a bad PR move otherwise… Also, the Thunder are the only other legit title contender outside of the two juggernauts; Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

Although, Durant is human and admits to having thought of free agency just a little.

"“The season moves along so quickly,’’“Every chance I get alone, I’m either on the plane [or] in the city thinking about the game the next day. I can’t totally just say I haven’t totally thought about it at all, but I haven’t sat down and put a lot of time into what I’m looking for. I’ve been focusing on the season and teammates and how I can be better as a player and leader. Everything else comes after that and the season.’’"

That little glimmer of hope is all people need to hear to start daydreaming.

Durant threw some praise the Knicks’ way prior to Tuesday night’s matchup, calling New York a “good team”.

"“They’re a good basketball team,’’“They got from top to bottom good players. They did a good job of filling the roster with Porzingis a great add, Robin Lopez, [Arron] Afflalo, Derrick Williams. They’re playing well right now and you can credit Fish for a lot of that.’’"

Of course, Durant gave praise Derek Fisher – the two were former teammates on numerous occasions. Durant believes in Fisher’s coaching ability and is happy for his success in New York.

"“I know Fisher is a great basketball mind, great motivator and he’d make a great basketball coach no matter what the record is,’’“I was happy to see him gets his first job so early after retirement. Just to lead those guys, everybody respects him here. You want the players’ respect from everybody. He gets that from a lot of people.’’"

Notice nothing about Xs and Os… Fisher may be a great motivator but is not a great strategist. It remains to be seen if ties to Fisher will help the Knicks’ chances. Even though New York’s chances of landing Durant are slim to none… it will definitely be an interesting summer to watch. Even if it is a 1-out-of-1,000,000 chance.

Next: Kevin Durant Calls Kristaps Porzingis 'a Unicorn'

All Knick fans are saying “so you’re telling me there’s a chance”.

YEAHHHH

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