Kevin Durant shows his respect for the Brooklyn Nets organization in his return to Barclays Center

“There’s classy people here. They appreciate everybody who donned the jersey. Even if you’re on a ten-day, that shows a great organization when you can appreciate everyone who stepped in and put their blood, sweat, and tears in. So I respect that,” KD said after his Suns team beat the Nets.

KD had a tremendous Nets career

KD downplayed his stint with the Nets before the game but was superb during his time in the New York borough. In 129 games for the Nets, Durant averaged 29 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Combine that with elite efficiency, and you have one of the best Nets performances ever.

In the 2021 Playoffs, KD almost carried the team to a series victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, but sadly, the Nets were too hobbled with injuries. The Bucks eventually won the NBA Championship, creating a big “What if?” storyline with the Big Three of KD, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.

Brooklyn gets the best out of Durant

While KD loved playing when Brooklyn fans cheered him on during his stint there, he also loved playing as a visitor. In his first game back at Barclays, Kevin got all kinds of reactions ranging from rabid cheers to trash talk from the fans.

“It gets me hyped too in the game as well - if I hit a shot, I can talk a little s**t on the way back. I feel like this crowd in Brooklyn understands me more than probably any crowd in the league,” Durantula said after the game.

Durant loved being a Brooklyn Net, but his time with the team is over, and both parties have gone their separate ways. Now, the Nets will focus on building around players like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas on a path to a brighter future for the organization.