Kevin Durant deciding to join the Warriors was the end result of a long recruitment process by several of Golden State's players. And the one player that reportedly took the lead in the team's recruiting was Draymond Green. In an interview with Alex Kennedy for Sports Illustrated, Green called this "definitely one of the biggest moves in NBA history" and explained how the Warriors sold Durant on their organization:
AK: You aren't just part of the team, you've been a main recruiter over the last year. You've had a lot of conversations and text message exchanges. What were you telling him and what was your pitch?
Green: "I mean, I was really just telling him about the fun we have together--the fun that this team has and how he would be welcome here with open arms. And it's not about 'I' with us on this team. It's all about 'we' and winning championships. He fits that mold perfectly because that's who he is. It doesn't take him changing his whole game or changing his personality to come join us. He's just going to be Kevin."
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AK: What was the actual meeting with KD like? What was the reception?
Green: "It was great. He was very receptive. He was attentive, and he and his team had questions that we answered. Overall, it was a great vibe in the meeting. I think we all just really meshed from the very start."
Green is one of the most loquacious players in the league so it is not too surprising that he kept in constant contact with Durant. But it is impressive that Green was able to consistently connect with Durant, especially even after the Warriors came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Thunder in the Western Conference finals.
It's amazing that somehow Green was able to convince Durant that despite the Warriors beating the Thunder, Golden State still needed him. This proved to be true in the NBA Finals as the Warriors couldn't close things out against the Cavaliers.
But perhaps the most astonishing aspect of Green's recruitment is that he wanted Durant on his team despite it probably having an impact on aspects of his role on the Warriors. Durant would take away Green's touches on offense and perhaps at times, even his playing time. Yet Green put his personal wants to the side in an effort to improve the Warriors and his selflessness could likely lead to Golden State winning another championship -- or many -- in the future.
