It’s unclear whether the Nets will present a video tribute to Kevin Durant when he returns to Barclays Center on Wednesday. What’s clear is that he doesn’t want that.
“stop it” Durant tweeted Sunday afternoon.. “The night would be better without it.”
Nets host Durant’s Suns Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.
In parts of three seasons with the Nets, Durant appeared in just 129 games, averaging 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
But after missing his entire first season in Brooklyn to rehab a torn Achilles tendon, he watched his team lose in the second round in 2021 and then suffer a sweep loss in the first round the following year.
“I did something to deserve it. [a video]? ” Durant told the Arizona Republic. “Really, or is it because of my name?” I’m just a player, dude. I don’t deserve any more attention because when the game starts everyone looks at me. The game is determined by every player on the court. It’s not about me. I was there for three or four years, but I didn’t accomplish anything worth celebrating. That’s exactly how I feel.
“I don’t expect anything from anyone. I just want people to come enjoy the basketball game and come and cheer on the basketball game. Whatever they do in between. Well, they do it, but I can’t control it.”
Durant said it’s not just a lack of track record in Brooklyn, but a lack of tenure.
“I wasn’t there long enough. Me and the fans weren’t connected enough to feel like I was part of them,” Durant said. “That’s just my opinion.”
Cam Thomas, Durant’s imposing manager in Brooklyn, said he thinks his mentor is just making fun of Nets fans.
“KD is just trolling,” Thomas laughed. “You know how he does it.”
Dorian Finney-Smith, still wearing a boot with a sprained left ankle, missed Monday’s 147-114 win over the Jazz and is expected to miss Wednesday’s game against Phoenix. His status Saturday in Philadelphia is up in the air.
Dayron Sharpe (hyperextended left knee) practiced on the court with his coach during Monday’s shootaround, but has not yet been cleared for contact.
Lonnie Walker IV, who scored 19 points in 27 minutes on Monday, had his playing time limit “significantly increased from his original playing time limit,” according to coach Jacque Vaughn.
“I feel great physically,” Walker said. “I’m spending extra time on everything from eating, sleeping, spending an extra hour or two at the gym, and contrasting hot and cold tubs.”
Rookie Darik Whitehead underwent successful stress reaction surgery on his left shin on Monday.
His recovery period is expected to be approximately three months, and he is expected to make a full recovery and participate fully in the offseason development program and possibly the Las Vegas Summer League.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
“One thing I can say for sure is that you’ll never get used to it. It’ll never get easier, but you’ll definitely have to go through it. [rehab] Before, I pretty much knew what to expect and how to take care of my body the right way,” Whitehead, 19, told the Post.
“I talked to him [Monday]. He was in a good mood.he will be at home [Monday]stay at home [Tuesday]. We hope he will be fully involved in our offseason development,” Vaughn said.
