Since his move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant has experienced vitriol from fans the likes of which he’s never seen. After being cast as the wholesome antithesis of LeBron James’ mercenary decision to leave the Cavs for the Heat in 2010, KD is now the target of fans who demand players share their own devotion to laundry. As illogical as it is, it’s completely understandable that it would affect Durant emotionally — it would affect any of us.
Then again, nothing unifies Americans quite like putting on that red, white and blue and winning glory for your country. Thousands of miles away, surrounded by a new set of teammates bonding in close quarters, Durant told Yahoo he could finally let go of the echo chamber of anger in which he was stuck back in the states.
“It was therapy for me after making a big change in my life. It made my life easier … I knew [a backlash] was coming. It was definitely different for me, but to come here in an environment where people accepted me and didn’t care about anything except being my buddy, that’s what I needed.”
Now that he’s back in the U.S., the hate may come again, but it will be a little quieter with that gold medal hanging around his neck. And of course, before too long Durant will be insulated by the Warriors’ famously friendly locker room and a new, adoring fanbase. He’ll be fine.
(Via Yahoo)
