Michael Beasley recently opened up about his long-standing friendship with Kevin Durant, sharing stories from their youth.
Beasley, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, emphasized that their bond was never based on basketball.
“When me and KD met, we were attached at the hip,” Beasley said during an appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, via HoopsHype.
He explained that they spent time together outside of basketball, with their families growing close as well.
“Our moms would take turns picking us up and dropping us off at school,” Beasley recalled.
He also mentioned that if one of them did something wrong, the other’s mom would discipline them.
Beasley emphasized that, early on, Durant was the better basketball player while he focused on rebounding.
“I was trash at basketball when we first played together. KD was the one,” Beasley admitted.
Their friendship extended beyond the court, and Beasley shared a story of a playful incident that ended in him getting injured.
“One time in Florida, me, KD, and Coach were wrestling, and KD flipped me through a window,” Beasley recounted.
Despite the injury, Beasley fondly remembered the moment as part of their bond.
“That’s my guy. It was never just about basketball with us,” Beasley continued.
He explained that their relationship was built on mutual support and camaraderie, rather than competition.
“We were just cool like that. It was never about competition,” Beasley added.
Beasley praised Durant’s talent, noting that the Phoenix Suns superstar has always played the same way since childhood.
“He was always the one. I could just rebound and pass it back to him,” Beasley said.
Their friendship has remained strong through the years, even as both players navigated their professional careers.
Beasley reflected on how their bond helped them stay grounded despite their basketball success.
“We just happened to be good at basketball. We just happened to be tall as hell,” Beasley joked.
Durant, now a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, has often spoken highly of his relationship with Beasley.
Both players grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and have remained close friends since their youth.
Beasley and Durant both made their NBA debuts in the late 2000s, with Beasley playing for several teams and Durant becoming one of the league’s biggest stars.
