Durant: Nets' lack of preparation under Nash led to trade request
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant says the primary reason he requested a trade in July was because of the team's lack of accountability and preparation in practices under former head coach Steve Nash.
"It wasn't difficult at all to request a trade because it was about ball," Durant told Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. "I went to them and was like, 'Yo, I don't like how we are preparing. I don't like shootarounds. I like practices. I need more. I want to work on more shit. Hold me accountable. Get on my ass in film if that's going to help you get on everybody else's head. I want to do more closeouts. I want to work on more shell drills at practice.'"
The Nets parted ways with Nash after a 2-5 start to the season and promoted Jacque Vaughn from assistant to head coach. Durant says he and Vaughn are on the same page regarding the team's practice habits, and players have responded positively to their new bench boss.
"I just like good practices, I like a good preparation, I like good energy, and we've been showing that," Durant said. "Coaches have been doing a great job. ... I think we've been preparing ourselves well. Guys want to win. We're out there playing as hard as we can. That's really what I need."
The Nets are 4-4 since Vaughn took over at the start of November and have the league's fifth-best net rating. They also own the fifth-best defensive rating in that span after ranking 29th under Nash.
Durant did note the Nets' roster limitations, particularly with former All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons missing time early in the season. The 34-year-old said he's had to elevate a subpar supporting cast.
"Look at our starting lineup," Durant said. "Edmond Sumner, Royce O'Neale, Joe Harris, (Nic) Claxton, and me. It's not disrespect, but what are you expecting from that group? You expect us to win because I'm out there. So if you're watching from that lens, you're expecting us to play well because No. 7 is out there."
Durant is averaging 30.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 15 games this season.