KD says he’s the best scorer in the league and talks Team USA
At a promotional event for NBA 2K15 in New York City on Tuesday, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis all were part of a little panel interview session with Ernie Johnson. Durant was asked about what he thinks he’s best at, what it’s like to be the cover athlete for 2K15 and why he left USA Basketball.
(Also: James Harden said he’s the “best all-around basketball player in the NBA.” Alright.)
On what he’s best at in the league: “I think I’m best at scoring. I feel like I’m an all-around player, but I feel I’m the best. I may not be the best rebounder or passer or defensive player, but I feel like I’m the best scorer.”
On playing NBA 2K: “For the summer I think about I’m a hundred and four. That’s my record this summer. I’m real confident about my game right now. I think the guy that would give me the most trouble would have to be probably James. James or Russell are the only two guys I’ve played against that play me really well. But like I said, I’m very confident, my game is at another level.”
On changing rules in the NBA: “To be honest, I wouldn’t want to see anything changed. I like how the game is played. There’s not too much control by coaches or the refs or players. I think it’s perfect how it is. How can you tell if a guy is flopping or not? If you give a coach the right to challenge calls, I’m sure they’d limit the number, but still it would take some purity out of the game because we never did that before. I just like how it is. I’m sure they’ll make some rules but for me, I like how we’re playing.”
On why he can’t play 2K on the same team with Russell Westbrook: “We can’t have us two on the same team because I’m the alpha dog when it comes to playing 2K. But I’m sure I’ll win. It won’t be a problem.”
On being on the cover: “I’m just ecstatic. It’s a great feeling to represent where I come from, my team, my organization, the state of Oklahoma, my friends and family on a game cover that crosses so many different households around this world. To have the opportunity to do so, I’m very grateful.”
On withdrawing from the FIBA World Cup: “It was definitely tough. I’ve done it before and being with Steph in 2010 was one of the best experiences of my life and being with James and AD in 2012 was great as well. It was tough but I think for myself I think I just need to take a step back and get ready for the next season and rest up. I played a long, long 82-game season this past year so I just wanted to be smart with myself and realize that of course I love to play the game, I love USA Basketball, I love these guys, but I think it was best for me to take a step back and get ready for the next season.”
