NBA ALL-STAR MEDIA DAY

February 18, 2023

Kevin Durant

Media Day Press Conference

Q. How do you think Luka and Kyrie will do together?

KEVIN DURANT: It's going to be incredible. You see already the last game they played together, they lost, but they were down 20. In the fourth quarter, they both came out there, and Kyrie had 26 in the fourth, and Luka hit some big shots.

So it's going to be like that. It's going to be tough to guard them.

Q. Who is the best trash talker?

KEVIN DURANT: Best trash talker? Probably D. Book [Devin Booker], but I haven't really got on the court to see -- to hear all the little stuff they're saying. But from playing against them, D. Book probably is the best trash talker.

Q. If you were in a zombie apocalypse, which one of your teammates would you bring with you?

KEVIN DURANT: Deandre Ayton.

Q. There are certain teams that are going bigger. It seems like it's more size in the game is a hot trend.

KEVIN DURANT: Size always matters in our game, and I feel like all the biggest teams have an advantage. Yeah, you are starting to see more teams from the point guard down to their center, 6-6 to, you know, 7-foot to the center.

I just think you need more athletic and bigger guys. The skill level has gone up in our league, so you need more size too. It's all good for the game, I think.

Q. (No microphone.)

KEVIN DURANT: The league? The game of basketball has taught me discipline and dedication, hard work, and that's pretty much all I can say.

Q. What do you think of the final target score they use in the All-Star Game, and would you like to see that in the NBA?

KEVIN DURANT: No.

Q. (No microphone.)

KEVIN DURANT: I didn't even think about the offseason. It's a lot that goes into that. No, I'm not even thinking about that. It's not even on my radar.

Q. (On young players who remind Durant of himself.)

KEVIN DURANT: I wouldn't call Brandon Ingram young no more, but we have the same body types. We score from the same areas of the floor. I would say him. But I wouldn't call him young no more. I feel like he is a vet in the league now.

I don't know. I think we all got our own unique and different games. I feel like there's a lot of skill players that bring their own twist to the game. I wouldn't say anybody.

Q. The Finals runs with the Warriors, what do you think it takes to still have a lot in your tank? Because that's when it matters most, after three rounds of a playoffs, to have what it takes to give your best when it’s all on the line.

KEVIN DURANT: I just love to play. The playoffs is the most important part of the season. I think all great players enjoy the playoffs.

I feel like that's when you really come alive is when those moments, you know, arise, as you get later in the playoffs.

Q. With your body, though?

KEVIN DURANT: Just do the same stuff. Keep working the same way. Nothing extra.

Q. What excites you about playing with Chris Paul?

KEVIN DURANT: I think his IQ for the game. I think his enthusiasm for the game. I think that goes underrated. CP really loves ball. He just likes watching the game, like analyzing. Like going through strategy and stuff.

It's been a week there now. A couple of practices, a few games, and he is always pulling me to the side, and we're just talking hoop. So I love that about him.

Obviously, on the floor, he can create so much for his teammates and for himself. He is only going to help us.

Q. Do you remember playing pick-up basketball and the first time that you got picked last?

KEVIN DURANT: I don't remember getting picked last ever (laughing).

Yeah, there's times you play -- you wanted to play with the older guys, and they wouldn't let you play, and everybody heard that story before. Just want to get out there and prove yourself.

But, yeah, I mean, in this setting you being picked last really isn't saying -- you are one of the -- it's still one of the -- it's like the brokest millionaire getting picked. I’ve seen that on Twitter. Somebody said the last pick is like the brokest millionaire.

Yeah, it don't matter, man. As long as you are out there on the floor.

Q. (On choosing to wear No. 35.)

KEVIN DURANT: 7 was retired in Phoenix. I wanted to keep 7, but Kevin Johnson was such a great player that he got it up in the rafters. So the only other number I know is 35.