With the NBA offseason essentially in a holding pattern with the lockout in full swing, one would think NBA players are out enjoying their 
summer, basking in their millions, and enjoying what could be a prolonged time away from actual work.
In other words, there’s a high risk of players letting rust in their game set in and adding a few extra inches to their waist lines.
And while some of that may be true (see the phenomenon of NBA players “planking“) one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder, is keeping their professionalism and dedication to their job, led by their franchise player Kevin Durant.
Durant has been rallying the troops and making sure his teammates are working hard for next season.
“I’ve checked in with everybody,” the 22-year-old All-Star said. “First off, I trust all my guys. They are all working hard and getting ready for next season. We’re all family and we’re going to keep checking in with each other and make sure we get through this.”
For as much as fans read how some players are putting on comedy shows, “planking,” or spending foolishly on souped-up cars during a lockout, leave it to the young-guns of the Thunder to be the team to set an example for all players to follow. And what a testament is this for Durant and his growth as a leader.
Here you have one of the game’s most recognizable names, who can probably do tons of promotional tours, live it up on some beach for the entire duration of the offseason/lockout, yet he is thinking forward beyond the offseason and into the lockout. He is making sure his teammates know they must improve individually and collectively if they want to go beyond reaching the Western Conference Finals and into the NBA’s grand stage – the Finals.
And it all starts with Durant setting the example.
Durant is doing the same, working out in Miami with a personal trainer. He said “four or five” Thunder players will likely travel to Houston next month, where center Kendrick Perkins is working out. If the lockout is still in place in September, Durant plans to gather the entire team together for workouts. Between now and then, he said he’ll travel to several cities to work out with his teammates.
“I like traveling,” Durant said. “Working out with the guys, it’s going to help us get better. I’ve talked to a bunch of them and said, ‘Make sure the schedule is clear.’ “
Let’s recap: Durant is acting as “coach” for his teammates in the offseason/lockout seeing how the no-contact rule is in effect for the lockout. He is making sure the team is maintaining focus on the larger goal. He’s setting the example himself. And he is willing to travel to work out with his teammates.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Mr. Kevin Durant, leader.
