Quotes from Bennett and Durant

Kevin Durant

      “It’s a different situation than I thought because Ray Allen is not a part of the team anymore unfortunately,” Durant said in a telephone interview from New York. “But I really never got to meet Ray, so it really doesn’t hurt as much as if I would have known him.

      “I thought he was going to be there. He’s a great player, and I would have loved to learn from him. But now I’m on the team and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

      “I don’t think I’m ‘The Man,’” Durant said. “I would say that I’m willing to work hard and hopefully one day I could be a key contributor to the team. But as far as ‘The Man,’ I don’t think I’m the man.

      “I’m just going to go in there and work hard, and whatever my coaches need me to do I’ll do. It really doesn’t matter. I know my teammates are going to help me out. I just can’t wait to start.”

      “I’ve known Jeff for awhile now, and I really didn’t expect him playing with me,” Durant said. “Jeff is very versatile. He can play (small forward, power forward, center or shooting guard). I just can’t wait to get out there and play with him.”