Kevin Durant's Dad Reconnected with His Son after He Left Him at a Young Age – More about Wayne Pratt

Wayne Pratt had become a father of two by his early 20s and felt he wasn't ready to handle the responsibility of raising his boys, Tony, and Kevin Durant. However, he realized how much his sons wanted him around and saw the significance of his presence in their lives.

With a humble nature, Kevin Durant is known for crediting his parents for the support he received in his professional basketball career. Despite contemplating leaving the sport several times, Kevin's mother, Wanda Durant, gave him ultimatums that encouraged him to persevere.

The most notable expression of gratitude the former Golden State Warriors forward delivered was during an emotional acceptance speech after receiving the 2014 MVP award, where he called his mom "the real MVP." Kevin mentioned Wanda's heartbreaking sacrifices to ensure he and Tony were fed and clothed.

Wanda became a single mother after her ex-husband, Wayne Pratt, abandoned her and their sons following Kevin's first birthday. She had to work two jobs to afford a living, including night shift employment at a post office in Washington, DC.

Despite how much she struggled on her own, Wanda found it essential to instill the importance of being active in Kevin and his older brother. It didn't matter what they engaged in as long as it was something to which they remained committed.

Wayne eventually returned to his family and began reconciling with Wanda and their kids. It took an entire decade, but he managed to solidify good relationships with them. Over the years that followed, he became an integral part of Kevin's life and his career.

Wayne acknowledged the people who guided his son in his absence, including Kevin's first and former coach, Taras Brown. Taras became known as Kevin's godfather, and Wayne expressed his gratitude for his presence, saying:

"He was there when I wasn’t there, you know what I mean. And I continually thank him for that, because he didn’t have to do that. He did the things that most men wouldn’t do; I thought that was very noble of him and selflessness that he showed."

Wayne also acknowledged Wanda, praising her optimism and saying she had always been strong enough to raise their boys. After Kevin's 2014 MVP speech, her story was televised in the Lifetime film "The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story."

Her ex-husband thought she deserved the recognition she received under the spotlight. Although he made public appearances at his son's request, Wayne preferred to remain outside the limelight and lead a simple life.

Kevin Durant's Reconnection with His Estranged Father

Wayne reflected on his decision to desert his family. At the time, he was 23 years old and doubted he could handle raising a family. At some point, he realized the detriment of his absence and wanted to make amends, as he explained:

"I felt like I was immature, selfish, I was young. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. But my sons helped me realize how important it was to be in their lives by always wanting me to be around."

Despite the first ten years of that reconciliation being difficult, Wayne was dedicated to his fatherhood role, believing there were lessons his sons could only learn from him as a man. He remained a consistent presence, and once Kevin reached high school, they started attending basketball tournaments and showcases across the country.

As they grew closer, Wayne gave Kevin the nickname "Green Room," a term he would yell whenever Kevin played in his junior year. "Green Room" referenced the venue where NBA draft prospects waited for their names to be called on draft night. Kevin would always protest the affectionate referral, asking his dad to stop.

However, Wayne explained that it was his way of acknowledging his son's prowess on the court. As a basketball coach, he thought he had never seen anything like it. The pair bonded over the sport, with Wayne influencing some of Kevin's pivotal decisions regarding his career's trajectory.

When choosing which basketball team Kevin wanted to join in 2016, Wayne advised his son to "be selfish." The father of four felt it was essential to guide his son to make a "man decision" that would best serve him and his future family, especially with the potential backlash that Kevin would receive.

Kevin chose the Golden State Warriors over Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the San Antonio Spurs that year. It was a tough decision for Kevin, but Wayne was confident and proud when he announced it that morning.

Not only has Kevin accumulated many more impressive basketball accolades since then, but he is also a philanthropist and booming businessman. Still, although his son earned millions of dollars, Wayne kept his employment because he valued a quiet and simple life.

He worked as a U.S. Capitol Police officer in the Library of Congress, where he enjoyed conversing with his co-workers. He also carried trading cards to give to children. Wayne now works as a junior varsity boys basketball coach at Friendship Collegiate High in Washington, D.C.

Wayne said he didn't need to boast about his role in Kevin's life. He felt that all those who needed him knew him. For him, that was enough recognition. Kevin thought it was remarkable that his dad kept doing what he loved while he supported him. When he talked about his relationship with Wayne after his 2016 Warriors conference, he said:

"He knows who I am deep down inside. He wasn’t there trying to out-talk anybody. He just listened. And if I needed some advice, I went to him.

Durant and His Father Maintain a Good Relationship

Kevin and Tony Durant played basketball in their schooling years, just like their dad. Wayne played the sport when he attended Potomac High School and seemed to have retained his skills, as the junior varsity boys coach showcased in 2017.

As he reflected further on his relationship with his sons, Wayne said that regardless of his mistakes as a dad, it wasn't too late to assume that role; and for anybody else, it never is. He concluded that fathers needed to fight to stay in their sons' lives because "these young men really need us."