Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant reportedly embraced and had a little chitchat with New York Knick assistant coach Royal Ivey for about 45 seconds on the court when the final buzzer sounded during Warriors victory last Friday at the Garden.
This is no surprise to the people who are close to Ivey. According to the New York Post, Cardozo High's former standout was close to Durant as the latter also attended his alma mater, the University of Texas. With this, Durant became the godfather of Lyric Ella, Ivey's daughter. Ron Naclerio, known as a legendary coach at Cardozo said, "Kevin trusts Royal more than his own brother." He told NY Post before conducting the first practice of this season on Monday.
The earlier mentioned source said Duran was able to leave New York this week after gathering 75 points in wins against Knick and Nets. It can be recalled on July 1 that he became a free agent and Ivey is considered ace in the hole of Knicks. Meanwhile, many desire that Ivey can be of help when it comes to luring his Longhorns compadre to the Knicks. If this happens, it would be the biggest contribution he can give to NY City's basketball team. Aside from this, it would reportedly top the 1999 PSAL title of Cardozo at Madison Square Garden.
"Kevin looked up to Royal. They hit it off really well. Over the summer, Royal was close to Texas product - T.J. Ford and they would both go there to play during the summer to play pickup with Kevin and the Texas guys," said Naclerio, known for setting the record last season for most victories, a total of 796, in New York State Public High School history.
The two became close when they played together in Oklahoma City. Ivey reportedly played three of the last four seasons he had with the Thunder. Moreover, the 36-year-old ended his NBA career (for ten years) to be the assistant coach of their G-league team OKC Blue. They worked in the same city until Durant decided to go for Golden State in 2016.
It has been reported as well that the Thunder management even used Ivey to talk Durant out of leaving, which puts him in an awkward position. They reportedly did what needed to be done to keep Durant.
Naclerio then shared Ivey had a bit of a headache that time as he wanted to do what is right for a friend. However, he is also a Thunder employee and is obligated to do right by them too. This only proves how Kevin Durant is comfortable around Royal Ivey.
