Kevin Durant has always been vocal about his on and off-court experiences in the NBA world. Though the 35-year-old holds the accolade of being 2x All-Star MVP, the start of the journey was never easy for him. However, it all came together through the ray of hope that his mother, actress Wanda Durant, provided to both of his sons, which kept KD going forward. About a week ago, a media person from ‘Dose of Society’ asked the Phoenix Suns star about his life-changing moment. Notably, Durant’s response to his questions has touched the hearts of NBA fanatics.
While contemplating over the series of tough situations that he went through, Durant answered, “The day I left home to head to come. I was sheltered at home. …I was able to get out away from my family and build my identity as a human being.” Kevin’s father left his mother when Kevin was an infant while his brother Anthony was a toddler. Their mother, Wanda, barely made ends meet to keep his sons off the street. Though she raised them in the best way possible, it would still trouble a teenager with the hopes of exploring the world and aiming for the sky. Eventually, Kevin got that freedom and opportunity with the college.
Further elaborating on going to college, Kevin confessed, ” I kind of felt some independence for myself. Being able to have some freedom, …it made me better as a basketball player.” The statement from the Suns star insinuated how growing under difficulties had adversely affected his nurturing as a person. Therefore, going to college not only gave him an escape but also made him “prepare for life.”
The heroic tale of Kevin Durant and his mother’s journey to the NBA
Kevin Durant shed light on his early days during his 2014 MVP acceptance speech as he narrated the journey of himself and his mother, Wanda. The 35-year-old athlete shared how her mother had quite odd conditions with two small kids and the age of just 21 years old. She had to focus on her career while persevering to raise her kids. If she had not worked that hard on her own to survive, there would have been no Kevin Durant.
The Heat star confessed that he was not supposed to be in a league like the NBA. However, it was his mom who made him believe in it. Even while working hard, she sometimes did not eat to feed her kids. That’s why Kevin crowned her as the “real MVP” instead of accepting it himself. Wanda Durant also believed that her modeling ambitions drove her to work hard. Moreover, it compelled her to make her kids’ dreams come true.
This never-give-up attitude has made her a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and entrepreneur today. She even helps single mothers to support them in raising kids and fulfilling their dreams. No doubt that she is the one from whom Kevin draws his inspiration. Who is your favorite NBA mother? Let us know in the comments.