Durant to sport new jersey number for Nets

MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Durant marked a fresh start in his NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets by changing his jersey number. 

The former NBA MVP will be wearing No. 7 instead of the No. 35 he used to sport when he started his professional career with the Seattle Supersonics as he officially signed with the Nets. 

.@35Ventures pic.twitter.com/LKR00FOnys

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 7, 2019

“35 allowed me to meet people that I never would’ve had the chance to meet, experience things I would never have had the chance to experience, and achieve things that I never would have been able to achieve,” Durant wrote. 

“35 allowed me to go to the University of Texas to play basketball, 35 allowed me to achieve my dream of playing in the NBA in Seattle.”

“35 allowed me to play basketball in Oklahoma City and form bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.” 

“Lastly, 35 allowed me to go to the Bay Area and win two championships and form brotherhoods that no time or distance will ever break.” 

“35 was chosen in honor of someone very near and dear to me. I will always honor him and honor the number 35,” added Durant, who chose the number to commemorate his AAU coach Charles Craig, who was murdered at age 35.  

“But as I start this new chapter in my basketball life, the number I’ll be wearing on my back is the number 7 next time you see me on the floor.”

pic.twitter.com/wWz0oZZ5pa

— Thirty Five Ventures (@35Ventures) July 7, 2019

The Nets, though, would have to wait for Durant to return to the hardcourt as he is expected to miss an entire season following a successful surgery of his ruptured right Achilles tendon. 

But for a player of his caliber, Durant makes the wait worth it for the Nets. 

“He has already established himself as a champion and one of the best players of all time, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him into our program in Brooklyn,” said Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. – Rappler.com