Suns HC explains how Kevin Durant has 'set the tone' for the team

Kevin Durant shoulders enormous expectations, regardless of the team he's playing for. That's part of the deal when you're a top-five talent of your generation. It's also part of the deal when you're among the 10 best players on the planet. 

However, some of those expectations are hard to quantify, especially for those who aren't behind the scenes, day in and day out. For example, Durant is expected to be the leader of his team. Yet, because he's not bawling in people's faces on the court or doesn't get too high or low during games, his leadership style is often questioned.

According to Mike Budenholzer, who's in his first year of coaching Durant, his leadership is plain to see when working with him every day. 

"How hard he went in camp, the drills and the different things,” Budenholzer told The Athletic. “He set the tone for us as an organization, for us as a team. And it’s not just been by leadership. It’s been his voice. He’s put his arms around young players. He’s put his arm around veterans. He’s put his arm around me. It’s something that’s important to us. I don’t know if he likes it or knows it, but I’m going to keep pushing him to be his best, in all ways, including as a leader.”