Kevin Durant, ‘KD,’ an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the NBA, often talks about his parents, especially his mother, expressing his love and respect for them.
Kevin Wayne Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C., to parents Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt. He has an elder brother named Anthony ‘Tony’ Durant.
When Kevin Durant was an infant, his father, Wayne Pratt, left the family, eventually leading to his parents’ divorce.
Kevin Durant and his brother were raised by a single mother, Wanda Durant, for most of their life. Wanda Durant was the one who instilled in Kevin and his brother a love and passion for sports from a very young age.
Furthermore, Kevin Durant often expresses his gratitude to his mother, acknowledging her significant influence on his life and career, and shares a close-knit bond with her.
He often talks about Wanda’s countless sacrifices. In his MVP speech in 2014, Durant tearfully acknowledged his mother’s sacrifices, stating that she ‘went to sleep hungry’ while ensuring his family had food and called him “the real MVP.”
Similarly, he also mentioned how his mother introduced him to video games, using a Sega Genesis as a Christmas gift to combat boredom, sparking his passion for gaming.
Wanda’s struggles and sacrifices for her sons were not in vain, as she got to witness her son, Kevin Durant, become one of the most renowned NBA players.
Wanda Durant is now not only known as the proud mother of Kevin Durant, but she has also established herself as a renowned motivational speaker and philanthropist.
Kevin’s mother, Wanda, also known as Mama Durant, has been serving as an inspirational speaker for over 12 years, sharing her journey as a single mother and motivating women to be independent. She graduated from Stayer University.
She has spoken for corporate groups, including J.P. Morgan Chase, and for organizations such as the Ford Foundation, the White House’s United States of Women Summit, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
Kevin Durant Reunited With Estranged Father, Wayne Pratt, At Age 13
Despite having an estranged relationship with his father for several years, Kevin Durant reunited with him at the age of 13.
Similarly, Wayne Pratt traveled the country with Kevin to basketball tournaments and guided his basketball journey.
It took Pratt nearly a decade to seek forgiveness from his two sons and work out a decent relationship with his now ex-wife, Wanda.
While Kevin Durant hasn’t shared much about his father, his father, Wayne Pratt, has publicly expressed his pride in his son’s achievements. For instance, in a letter to him on Father’s Day 2010, he thanked him for allowing them to have a great relationship.
In the letter, Wayne wrote:
“I write this letter to you with the biggest smile on my face. I am so proud to call you my son! I see your success, and I see how God’s light and love has helped you overcome so many life challenges that are directly tied to me. I remember the first time I laid my eyes on you at birth and how you would only fall asleep when I was around, and how that Scenario played out time and time again.”
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Wayne further added:
“I thank God for your mother who was there when I was not. My not knowing how to be a father and not having a father to show me how to be a father caused me to neglect my responsibilities to you and your brother. I regret missing out on your first day of school, your first haircut, holidays and the first day you picked up a basketball. But I thank God daily for creating the opportunity for us to reconnect. I’m so thankful for you opening your heart at such a tender time. Every parent-child relationship has its ups and downs and we are no exception. I feel fortunate that we have learned how to successfully navigate life’s mistakes. Thank you for forgiving me and allowing us to have the great relationship we have today.”
Similarly, Wayne Pratt also stated that upon re-entering his sons’ lives, there wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for them.
Although little is known about Wayne Pratt’s current profession, he previously served as a police officer in the United States, with the Capital Police for 11 years, and at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C., for 10 years.
He also worked as a consultant and high school basketball coach in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore Areas.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kevin Durant is expected to be traded from the Phoenix Suns sometime next week, according to some reports.
- He has won four gold medals in the Olympic Games representing the United States and one gold medal in the World Championship.
- Kevin Durant is a two-time NBA champion, 15-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA First Team, and NBA MVP.
