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Coach K defends KD: Haters don't respect excellence

Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE / Reuters

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United States head coach Mike Krzyzewski wanted to put Kevin Durant's mind at peace following his decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors, so the two had a chat this summer.

After being lauded for nine seasons as a first-class individual, Durant has been flooded with vitriol since he swapped jerseys this summer.

The transition has been rough for Durant, Coach K admitted during an interview with ESPN's Hannah Storm.

"(Durant's) very sensitive, and he wants everyone to not necessarily like him, but respect him and think highly of him. So that decision (to sign with Golden State) knocked him back, I think," Krzyzewski said.

Coach K's advice to Durant was simple: Criticism comes with the territory of greatness.

"One thing I told him is that, when you're really good you're going to be criticized, and you're going to be hated by a certain amount of people ... a lot of people aren't going to like you because of the decision you made.

"Even the people who say they don't like you, they respect you. And if they don't, they're knuckleheads, because then they don't respect excellence. And you know what, man, you are excellent," Krzyzewski said.

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