Categories: In the Bleachers

Kevin Durant’s mom excited about his future with fiancé Monica Wright

Oklahoma City Thunder all-Star Kevin Durant has always been vocal about how important his mother was in his life, both personally and professionally. In a recent interview with Necole Bitchie, KD’s mom, Wanda Pratt, known affectionately as “Mama Durant” talks about her son’s maturation, the NBA lifestyle and her feelings on his engagement to WNBA star Monica Wright.

 

And what was some advice you gave your sons on treating women?

That women are to be considered as the weaker vessel- in physicality but not in strength and emotion. All the different dynamics of who we are. But [women] are the weaker vessel. And men should take a rightful place with women, not to…abuse or be over them. But to take that position of respect. That position of honor. That’s what I try to instill within [Kevin].

I still try. They aren’t perfect. I’m not perfect, of course. But they try. And it’s always something I try to continue to talk to them about.

What about some advice you offered him as far as staying focused on other things? Temptation, that fast lifestyle of partying, etc.? I mean, Kevin is the guy that carries a Bible in his backpack, so clearly he carries his faith with him wherever he goes. But did you ever offer any advice as far as staying grounded?

I wanted my sons to enjoy their lives. I wanted them to experience life. I didn’t want them to look back on their youth and say ‘I didn’t have a good time.’ So I wanted them to experience things. I wanted them to go out in the world and find out who they are and explore who they wanna be. I wanted that for them.

It didn’t change because [Kevin] was an NBA player, it’s the same goals that I had for him if he was someone who worked at the post office. I want him to enjoy his youth.

So of course Kevin recently just got engaged! What was your reaction to his engagement?
Of course I loved it! I mean, this is my son and he’s getting ready to start leading a family. I mean, how wonderful that is. A mother loves that for her son. Of course, to see my son’s children…I was always told you can tell how well you raised your children by how they raise your grandchildren. So I’m looking for the evidence! [laughs] I don’t care what you all talk about, I’m looking for it in my grandchildren. Which I don’t have yet!

With you getting married at a young age, were there any concerns regarding them rushing or being too young for marriage?

Well, no. Because I think we all are different. We all know [that] at that age, we think we know. So who am I to put a damper on who he says that he is? I mean, I’m your mom. Of course you take my advice but you say you’re in love and this is your woman- who am I to say that you’re not, you know? I just don’t have that authority. Even as his mother, I can’t be in that position. I just won’t assert my position as that person. I won’t do that.

When you have children, when you’re a mother and your children are adults like my children are, you have to trust that you instilled the right things. And I have to trust God that He is going to take care of them just as He took care of me in my youth. So that gives me peace. That really gives me peace.

My son loves [Monica]! I don’t have any daughters so my sons’ wives will be the daughters that I never had.

I have to- as a mother-in-law- I have to make my relationship with my daughter-in-law work. I have to. That’s my responsibility. And I want [Monica] to know that I feel like I have to. That’s my daughter.

Jill Munroe

Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-based host, producer, and writer. You can find her work on sites such as FoxSports.com, EURweb.com, and MSN.com. Munroe is a current member of the African-American Film Critics Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. Munroe has also been a frequent guest on ESPN radio and Yahoo Sports. In 2015, Munroe released her first book, "PostGame Pass: access into "the life" JillMunroe.com

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