In the heart of New York City, basketball superstars Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant took center stage at the Fanatics Fest event, fresh off their triumphant gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA. The event, known for bringing together sports’ biggest names, offered fans an inside look at their favorite athletes’ lives, both on and off the court. During a light-hearted interview with former NBA player Jalen Rose, Edwards couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Durant, revealing an amusing detail about their time together in the Team USA locker room.
The conversation took an interesting turn when Rose, ever curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Olympic team, asked Edwards what music the team was vibing to in the locker room during the games in France. Without missing a beat, Edwards quipped, “Man, KD only wanna listen to Drake. I was with him the whole time, so I was listening to nobody but Drake.”
Ant Man, what were y’all listening to during the OLYMPICS?
“@KDTrey5 only wanna listen to Drake.” pic.twitter.com/1eEvfjveUP
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 17, 2024
The crowd at Fanatics Fest erupted in laughter, and even Rose couldn’t contain his amusement. Durant, seated right beside Edwards, joined in on the laughter, clearly unbothered by the playful jab from his younger teammate.
Kevin Durant’s loyalty to Drake is no secret in NBA circles. Over the years, Durant has been an avid supporter of the Canadian rapper, standing by him even during his publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar. While the music preferences of NBA stars vary widely, Durant’s consistent support of Drake has been a notable part of his off-court persona.
Durant’s musical inclinations may lean heavily towards Drake, but this hasn’t always been the consensus among his peers. During Kendrick Lamar‘s “Pop Out” concert in June, several NBA stars like Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan were seen on stage, passionately enjoying the performance. LeBron James was also spotted in the crowd, vibing to Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” highlighting a clear division among players when it comes to their preferred artists.
However, Durant’s unwavering preference for Drake’s music, especially during the high-pressure environment of the Olympics, paints a picture of a player who knows what he likes and sticks to it. For Edwards, who spent considerable time alongside Durant during the games, it meant being immersed in Drake’s discography, perhaps more than he might have anticipated.
Beyond the music, the camaraderie between Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant was evident throughout the Fanatics Fest event. For Edwards, the opportunity to play alongside Durant in the Olympics was nothing short of a dream come true. Growing up, Edwards idolized Durant, and the chance to share the court with his hero while representing their country was an unforgettable experience for the young Minnesota Timberwolves star.
Their bond was forged not just through their time together on Team USA, but also through their shared experience in the 2024 NBA playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, Edwards and the Timberwolves faced off against Durant and the Phoenix Suns in what many anticipated to be a closely contested series. However, Edwards, who was riding the momentum of a breakout 2023-24 NBA season, led the Timberwolves to a stunning four-game sweep over the Suns. The Timberwolves’ playoff run eventually ended in the Western Conference finals, where they were bested by the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
Despite the postseason clash, there were no hard feelings between Edwards and Durant. Their Olympic journey only strengthened their mutual respect and admiration for each other. Edwards, reflecting on the experience, called it “everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” adding that playing alongside Durant and LeBron James was a highlight of his young career.
“Him and ‘Bron are the best two team people. They always want to see the person next to them shine. I’m the same way. It’s perfect,” Anthony Edwards shared during an interview with Andscape.
Anthony Edwards’ playful jab at Kevin Durant during Fanatics Fest is a testament to the lighthearted and genuine bond that can develop between NBA stars, even after intense competition on the court. The story also highlights how music can play a pivotal role in shaping team dynamics, especially in high-stakes environments like the Olympics.
Kevin Durant’s loyalty to Drake is reflective of how athletes often use music to find comfort and focus, especially during intense international competitions. While Edwards might have preferred a more varied playlist, his willingness to roll with Durant’s choice speaks to the camaraderie that developed between the two during their time together on Team USA.
The Durant-Edwards relationship also underscores the unique nature of Olympic basketball, where stars who compete fiercely against each other in the NBA are suddenly united under the same flag. This dynamic not only fosters new friendships but also provides younger players like Edwards with invaluable experiences alongside their idols.
As both players return to their respective NBA teams, their shared Olympic experience and the bonds formed off the court are likely to influence their approach to the upcoming season. For Edwards, the opportunity to learn from Durant and James during the Olympics could be the catalyst that propels him to even greater heights in the NBA.
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