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With the NBA season still months away, the Houston Rockets‘ Kevin Durant appeared in a recent video with Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero putting in the offseason work to get ready for what’s ahead.
The two All-Star players are seen practicing various dribble moves, drives, and jump shots with a coach, who instructs them on how to improve their game.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins called out the workout video in a recent on-air rant, since Durant was in the gym with one of his opponents next season, rather than teammates.
“I’ve been seeing a video that’s been circulating around the internet of KD workout out with Paolo Banchero and I appreciate the mentorship. But that mentorship need to be going towards the guys he’s actually going to be on the floor with this upcoming season,” Perkins said.
“I wanna see KD in the lab with Jabari Smith. I wanna see videos of [Alperen] Sengun and Kevin Durant working out,” he said.
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Perkins’ criticism of Durant comes after a season where the Rockets finished 52-30 and fifth in the Western Conference, just below LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant was dealing with an injury concern during that postseason, and James then led the Lakers to a first-round win over Houston.
There’s also been speculation on Durant using a burner before on social media to criticize teammates, particularly during NBA All-Star Weekend. Some of the messages from KD’s alleged burner call out the Rockets’ head coach and teammates Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith.
It’s not uncommon for players to get in the gym with players from opposing teams, but Perkins raises more of a criticism of what seems to be a lack of team unity for Houston moving forward. Working on team chemistry through the sorts of drills and workouts KD participated in with Banchero could definitely improve things.
The Rockets acquired Durant in a historic seven-team trade last July as a way to try to bring success to the franchise again. However, the Western Conference is stacked, with Houston having to contend with teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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For more about the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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