Kevin Durant
(3 of 6)
TIME: There was a big controversy during Spurs-Phoenix Suns series, when the NBA suspended Suns star Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for a game after they left the bench during a fight. What did you think of that?
Kevin Durant: That really hurt the series. Without them they can't win. But rules are rules—if I made a rule up that said they can't come off the bench, they can't come off the bench. They are just teaching them discipline.
TIME: Your failure to bench press 185-lbs. during a workout has some people questioning your strength. What's your reaction?
Kevin Durant: People are still on that, man. I just tell people that it really doesn't matter. I mean, if I drop [in the draft] because I didn't lift 185 pounds, then it's a big thing. But people say I'm not going to drop at all. So I just let that slide off. But it got to me a little bit at first.
TIME: Do you have trouble putting on weight?
Kevin Durant: When I was younger it was hard, but now, after I eat and after I lift weights, I gain three or four pounds, easily. Now, I eat a good meal, I lift weights, and I rest up. I try to eat more fruits and vegetables, a little bit of heavy food—I like steak and lobster. I like a lot of seafood. Just something that can fill me up that's not hurtful. Going into summer school last year, I was about 195 pounds. I got on the scale the other day, and no shoes, no socks, and I was 222.
TIME: In college, was it harder to eat healthy while putting on weight?
Kevin Durant: Yeah, I would eat fast foods, McDonalds, Wendy's, but it helped me gain weight. After I ate a couple of meals, I would treat myself to some gummy bears.
TIME: Right now, what part of your game do you think will easily transition into the NBA?
Kevin Durant: It's hard to say right now, but if I would pick anything, I would say I can shoot the ball, and score in many different ways. I can score posting up, going to the basket, or shooting the three. If I have a wide-open shot, I'm probably going to hit it.