Manila returnee Durant ecstatic to add Cousins, says super teams are great for NBA

MANILA, Philippines — A lot has changed since Kevin Durant’s last visit to Manila. 

In a span of seven years, the Golden State Warriors forward has blossomed from a lanky forward who was looking to crack the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder to a becoming holder of a season Most Valuable Player trophy, two Larry O’Brien hardwares, and a pair Finals MVPs to boot.

Since taking a backseat to the likes of Kobe Bryant in his 2011 visit here, Durant has also taken over and thrived on the driver's seat: He has become a worldwide household name, a decorated Olympian. But most importantly, he has found himself at the forefront of free agency moves that changed the complexion of the NBA.

In a trend that seems to have started by LeBron James, Durant scripted his version by joining three All-Stars at Golden State. After winning two titles, the Warriors have decided to pick up another marquee player in DeMarcus Cousins.

“Last year was just the same, it was just repetitive — over and over again — and we needed an injection of energy. I think DeMarcus is going to provide that for us,” he told of his new teammate.

“Adding somebody like DeMarcus to our team — whom I’m very excited about working with -- I think it’s going to be a fun year for us, a new season for us,” Durant, who is currently in town for a promotional tour with sporting brand Nike, said.
 

The champ is here! pic.twitter.com/vtvELLRqjN

— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) July 8, 2018

“I don’t see how everybody let him fall to us but I guess we ruined it,” he quipped.

Durant, who has been criticized for joining a stacked team to advance his career’s arc, was quick to preach that the power, which players now wield apropos of where they decide to take their talents to, is something good for the league.

"I think it’s great for the league. I think it’s amazing that players are starting to take control of their careers, prioritizing winning is what basketball has always been all about,” Durant said in a chat that put the spotlight on his latest sneaker.

“That’s why we all started to play anyway — because we want to win and have some fun out there,” the versatile cager explained. "I love what’s going on. It’s the great time to be a basketball player, not just in the NBA, but as a grassroots player. There’s so much energy around the game and it’s the best place it’s ever been in.”

Durant, shortly after the light interview, put on a show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where he took the floor with two selection squads from various college teams.