Kevin Durant on decision to join Nets, leave Warriors: 'I didn't think about what I was leaving behind'

Alexis Mansanarez

•
Kevin Durant on decision to join Nets, leave Warriors: 'I didn't think about what I was leaving behind' image

Kevin Durant made his first public appearance with the Nets on Friday.

The team hosted its media day where its latest stars, Durant and Kyrie Irving, spoke to reporters and sported their new colors.

Durant was asked a number of questions including what prompted his decision to leave the dynasty he helped build at Golden State for the hot-and-cold Nets, who have made the postseason just once in the last four seasons.

"I felt like it was time for a change," he said. "I wanted to play for a new team and simply put, I just did it. I didn't really think about what I was leaving behind or what we accomplished. I put that up on the shelf already. When it was time to make a decision about my future, I thought solely about me."

The 10-time All-Star, and two-time NBA Finals MVP, had a number of teams to choose from this offseason but he seemed set on Brooklyn. 

When he was asked if he considered staying with the Warriors or joining the likes of the Clippers or Knicks, Durant said he "thought about it for a couple seconds."

Along with Durant, Irving was one of two big-time additions the Nets made during free agency.

Like Durant, Irving had his sights set on the Nets and said at the beginning of free agency he "had some other pieces he wanted to bring."

Irving also shared his thoughts on Durant's season-ending Achilles injury suffered in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

"We all know K was not ready to play in that environment," Irving said. "We all know that, whether people want to admit it or not. He was out 31 days and we put him on a national stage to end up selling a product that came before the person Kevin and now I'm here to protect that. I'm going to be a protector of that all throughout the year and not allow anyone to infiltrate that circle.

"We have expectations for our team. We obviously know he's an integral part but we'll wait for that. I'm very patient. I'll be [overly] patient with Kevin because I don't want anything to happen like that again. ... I want him to be 101 percent healthy."

Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks said recently Durant's rehab is going well, but added the team is taking the long-term approach with its newly acquired superstar.

Alexis Mansanarez