Steve Kerr on portrayal of Kevin Durant: 'I feel bad for Kevin'

OAKLAND, Calif. --Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr came to Kevin Durant's defense Thursday regarding media coverage over his leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.

Kerr, speakingbefore the Warriors hosted the Thunder in Durant's first game against his former team, said Durant's portrayal in the media has often been unfair.

"I feel bad for Kevin because even though he hasn't said anything negative, it's been portrayed that he said a lot of negative things about Oklahoma City, about Russ," Kerr said of Thunder guardRussell Westbrook. "It's not true. He has said some things that have been construed as negative."

Durant was quoted last month at Golden State's reception of the ENCORE award at Stanford University saying the Warriors "make it about the players, they make it about the environment, so it was really an easy choice."

"I feel really grateful to play for a team like that and play with a bunch of players who are selfless and enjoy the game in its purest form," Durant said then.

Kerr said those comments were taken out of context.

"He said something about, he loves his new teammates," Kerr said. "That was somehow construed that he didn't love his old teammates. It's almost like he has to qualify everything he says by making sure he doesn't insinuate anything."

Kerr continued, noting that such coverage comes with the territory.

"It's a tough position to be in, but it's all part of it and Kevin understands that," Kerr said. "I think he's really happy he made the decision for his own reasons, not anybody else's. And I think he's really happy here."