SEATTLE (AP) -A few months ago, Texas star Kevin Durant took in a meaningless regular-season game between San Antonio and visiting Seattle, believing then that his likely NBA destination would be Memphis or Boston.
On Sunday morning, Durant spent about 45 minutes working out for SuperSonics officials, almost certain that his professional future will begin in the Pacific Northwest.
“For (Seattle) to get (the No. 2 pick) was kind of shocking. It was kind of something different,” Durant said Sunday, wearing a lime-colored shirt that didn’t quite match Seattle’s shade of green. “Once I had seen that … I got my mind-set ready to go to the Pacific Northwest.”
the Blazers.
Durant said his audition for the Sonics was similar – focusing on ballhandling, post moves and outside shooting. He wasn’t given any feedback from Sonics officials, but Durant felt it was a good showing on his part.
“I’m just trying to sell myself to Seattle as well,” Durant said. “Hopefully they think my workout went well. We’ll see on the 28th who picks me.”
Unlike Durant’s workout with the Blazers, his session with the Sonics was closed to the media. New Seattle general manager Sam Presti and other team officials weren’t made available to comment. Durant said Sonics’ owner Clay Bennett was in attendance.
Greg Oden met with Sonics officials on Friday, but choose not to workout for Seattle. The Ohio State center is expected to be the top choice by Portland, although the Blazers have yet to hint at their plans.
Durant, whose final college game was in Spokane, Wash., has spent the last week in Seattle working out and getting a tour of the city from Spencer Hawes, who entered the draft after one year at Washington. Durant’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, runs Seattle-based Goodwin Sports Management.
As for the Sonics tenuous future in Seattle, Durant said he’d like to see the team stay, but even if the team moved he’d be happy.
“These last couple of months have been really hectic for me and my family,” Durant said. “But this is what I wanted to do. I’m happy I’m doing it. I’m glad I’m going through this process. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
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