I'm a basketball player. That's what I do and what I love but that's just not all who I am. I'm talented in a lot of different areas.
Kevin DurantRead
I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I've been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I'm tired of being second. I'm not going to settle for that. I'm done with it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects Kevin Durant's frustration with consistently coming in second and his determination to pursue greater achievements.
Kevin Durant expresses his dissatisfaction with being in a subordinate position despite his significant accomplishments in basketball. His repeated experiences as the 'second-best' serve as a catalyst for his resolve to strive for the top, illustrating a mindset that rejects complacency and a refusal to accept anything less than being the best. This determination underscores the importance of ambition and self-belief in achieving one’s goals.
Themes
MotivationSuccessDeterminationAchievementPerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
A motivating speech to a sports team during a pre-game talk.
More from Kevin Durant
All quotes →I'm just trying to grow. That's one thing I told myself is, 'Don't worry about who people say is the best player'.
Kevin DurantRead
My mother taught me to always be strong and always work hard. She's been working hard her whole life for me and my brother. I'm a lot like her in that I work hard for what I want. She taught me that.
Kevin DurantRead
Set the goal and work all days for it, until you achieve, I want to be a champion, the best!
Kevin DurantRead
A big market is something that doesn't really concern me too much. It's cool to think about, it's good for off-the-court deals. But I'm more of a basketball player. That's what I want to be known as. And this is the best place for me to play basketball. I'm glad I'm here.
Kevin DurantRead
You sacrificed for us - you're the real MVP.
Kevin DurantRead
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