via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets speaks to media during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at HSS Training Center on September 27, 2019 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets speaks to media during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at HSS Training Center on September 27, 2019 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
For a lot of players in the NBA, their jersey numbers hold a story behind it. It could be just as simple as their favourite or lucky number or could have a bigger history to it. Kevin Durant has blossomed into one of the best players in the league. Durant has always spoken openly about his reason for choosing 35 as his jersey number. However, it looks like Durant is ready to embrace change.
Kevin Durant is shifting from No.35 to No. 7
Ever since his rookie season, Durant is a new man. The two time Finals MVP and the two-time NBA champion is considered one of the most dominant players. Due to the length, defenders facing Durant have a very tough time. Not only can he guard any position, he willingly guards the rival teams key players.
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Coming back to his jersey number, Durant has been wearing the No.35 all the way from high school till his time with the Golden State Warriors. He wore that jersey to honour his AAU coach, Charles Craig. Durant had a very tight relationship with Craig but it seems like it is time he lets go of that.
USA Today via Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Not long after Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets, along side Kyrie Irving, he also revealed that he was going to switch his jersey number from 35 to 7. Although Durant is never going to forget his journey with the previous number, he believes that his it’s time he begins his journey with the Nets with a fresh start.
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On ‘The Players Tribune Text Message Talk Show’ Durant expressed, “Wanted to try something new for this phase of my career. Plus ALL my favourite superstars rocked 2 numbers … kob (Kobe Bryant, 8 and 24), mike (Michael Jordan, 23 and 45), bron (LeBron James, 23 and 6). Oh yeah I can’t forget Melo (Carmelo Anthony, 15 and 7).”
The Warriors tribute to their former star
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via Imago
Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday (11) in the second quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Durant has played three seasons with the Golden State Warriors. He was vital in the franchise’s back to back championship winnings. Keeping that in mind, the Warriors owner decided to pay tribute to Durant by retiring his jersey. This means that no other player can wear that jersey number. This is the kind of impact he left in his former team, we can only imagine his reign in the Brooklyn Nets.
