Anyone who is a regular reader of this site knows how much I am intrigued by elite performance. That is why when I saw Doug Haller’s The Athletic article entitled Kevin Durant and the 15 pregame minutes that’ve helped shape his game and career, I knew the leadership lessons would be plentiful. I was not disappointed.
Smart leaders know greatness does not happen by accident. It is forged in the quiet, unseen hours before the spotlight turns on. If you ever need a living example of this truth, look no further than NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
Almost like clockwork, Durant steps onto the court 90 minutes before tipoff. No fanfare. No flash. Just pure focus and dedication. Watching Durant prepare is like witnessing Tiger Woods on the driving range in his prime — a master locked in, refining every detail of his craft. It is a rare peek behind the curtain of greatness, and it reveals one of leadership’s most overlooked truths: you will either prepare or repair. The following are five leadership lessons on how effectively prepare for your individual task or assignment:
1. Prepare at Game Speed
Coaches often preach to young players, “Work at game speed.” But for Durant, this isn’t just a cliché — it is a way of life. Every rep is game-intensity. Former Suns assistant coach Miles Simon described it perfectly: “If you go watch one of KD’s pregame workouts… he’s in a full sweat. It’s like he’s started the game already.” This is not about going through the motions; it is about getting the body and mind ready for battle before the first whistle blows.
2. Build Your Preparation Around Fundamentals
Durant’s preparation is built on fundamentals. Every shot, every movement, every drill is focused on the basics: balance, follow-through, and proper footwork. As Durant himself says, “I want to push off and see how my body feels before the game.” He knows the first hard move of the night shouldn’t be a shock — it should feel familiar, like a second skin.
3. Prepare with Intention
Durant’s routine is not random — it is a well-orchestrated rehearsal for what’s coming. Assistant coach David Fizdale, who’s worked with legends like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, crafts each session based on how opposing teams will guard Durant. “I try to set up a little dress rehearsal for what he’s going to face,” Fizdale explains. This is preparation with intention. Durant isn’t just getting shots up — he is visualizing success, anticipating challenges, and preparing solutions before the game even begins.
4. Prepare with Focus and Consistency
Durant’s pregame grind is about more than physical readiness — it is about mental toughness and consistency. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe, who worked with Durant early in his career, puts it simply: “It’s a singular focus, a dedication to the craft, a love of the game, but it’s also that consistency every day that leads to who they are.” That consistency shows in the details. When Durant struggled from the free-throw line during a two-game stretch, shooting 11 of 16, his response wasn’t frustration — it was preparation. The next workout? He aimed to make 10 free throws in a row. Miss number 10? Back to the line. Because greatness is not about perfection — it is about persistence.
5. Preparation Never Ends
At 36 years old, Kevin Durant is still getting better. It is not just because of his talent — it is his preparation, discipline, and relentless commitment to growth. Leaders in every field should take note: success does not come from showing up when the lights are brightest. It comes from the quiet moments when no one is watching.
Conclusion
The lessons are clear: preparation is not glamorous, but it is where true greatness is built. Whether you are leading a business, coaching a team, or pursuing personal excellence, the question isn’t, “Are you ready?” The real question is, “How are you continually getting ready?”
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