Kevin Durant quote sums up vibes around Nets perfectly

In the low-stress environment of NBA training camp and preseason games, it’s all puppies and rainbows in Brooklyn. Ben Simmons is picking his spots and being aggressive, Kyrie Irving’s handles are still mind-blowing, Kevin Durant is Kevin Durant, and there’s no tension about whether Royce O’Neal or Joe Harris should start.

Durant was asked about those training camp vibes and gave an answer that sums up this Nets season perfectly (via Brian Lewis of the New York Post).

Let's store away KD's quote on the #Nets training camp vibes: "The vibes have been straight but who knows what the vibes will be if we hit a skid or if we’re not playing well or if somebody gets injured. That’s what makes a team is how we stick together through those times." #NBA

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 11, 2022

It’s the question everyone has about the Nets — what happens when adversity hits? Although this roster has the talent to contend, does it have the mental toughness?

That is particularly true of Ben Simmons, who previously seemed to wilt under playoff pressure. Durant also talked about Simmons and building up his confidence, via Nick Friedell of ESPN.

“Just trust in him,” Durant said, when asked what he can do to keep Simmons’ offensive confidence up. “Pass him the ball when he’s open, tell him to be aggressive. I don’t do too much. I’m not here to be babysitting anybody. Ben knows that if he’s got a time to be aggressive, go be aggressive. Who gives a s--- if you make it or miss it? We just like you being aggressive. [He can] tell me the same thing, so we’re always feeding each other that type of energy, encouragement.”

Simmons has been aggressive, but it’s preseason (and the Nets are 0-2). Puppies and rainbows. We’re waiting for things to get real.