OKC Thunder: Kevin Hervey – Life lessons impacted his growth on and off the court
OKC Thunder big man Kevin Hervey may only be 24 but he’s a student of life who credits his basketball growth on life lessons.
Most days in Orlando the franchise serves up an opportunity to hear from the OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan and a player or two. For the fans, it’s great as this is our only insight into the bubble and how the team is dealing with everything.
These sessions typically occur just prior to a scheduled game, shortly after a match is played and on some days after a practice session. I’ve realized this is the sort of thing I took for granted in the non-pandemic world.
Before coronavirus, not only did we get to hear from the coach and players but there was in the locker room post-game coverage. Our access to the players and team was not unlimited but it certainly was more accessible.
With the team ensconced in the Disney complex, the access is less but in an odd way, it seems like we’re learning more about the players. Particularly those not often at the forefront.
Kevin Hervey – a student of life:
Such is the case with Kevin Hervey — the two-way player who wasn’t necessarily earmarked to be with the varsity team until the pandemic happened and Isaiah Roby had plantar fascia surgery.
Those in Thunder Nation who’ve kept an eye on the OKC Blue are well aware of the big man’s ability and his quality of character.
Hervey has spent time with the Blue over the last two season. This year he appeared in 27 games averaging 12 points, 7.4 rebounds (1.1 offensive), 2. 6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
Signed to a two-way contract, he’s spent time with the varsity group he appeared on eight occasions but his stints are all of the short variety. Typically, that means during blow-outs either by or to the OKC Thunder.
When Hervey spoke to the media he touched on how he spent his hiatus time. There is a depth to the big man who speaks eloquently and intelligently.
Although he noted many of his peers spend time on social media or gaming he elects to pursue growing his knowledge in his endeavor to become a better person. Hervey tries to be a student, of life and utilized the pandemic to invest more of his time with that objective in mind. As per OKC Thunder PR on NBA.com media section:
"‘ I feel like I’ve grown. I’ve gleaned a lot of knowledge and wisdom from different books and from different people that I ‘ve had opportunities to speak with. It’s just an interesting time, people are showing their true characters and our primal natureI found that finding my identity outside of basketball has helped me become an even better basketball player — Even today I’m still learning, still becoming a better person and figuring out how I can help this world in the best way that I can’"
He cited Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Luguentz Dort as teammates who’ve been helpful in teaching him both about the game and about life.
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Because Dort was also on a two-way contract the pair have spent ample time together with the OKC Blue and know each other well. The UT Arlington Alum calls Dort a versatile defender but hinted fans have yet to see the Canadians complete bag of tricks (skills).
Hervey proudly spoke of how this team is all-inclusive from the top-down citing how upper management and staff (coaches) empower the players.
That’s not surprising to learn since it aligns with the culture and identity of the Thunder.
It’s not likely Thunder Nation will get to experience much of Kevin Hervey on or off the court. His role through the playoffs will likely be helping prepare the players who will get playing time.
Yet, knowing someone of his ilk is sitting at the end of the bench is reassuring. Or, Hervey telling a room (zoom room that is) full of media how his goal is constantly to learn and improve with the ultimate goal of finding a way to contribute to making the world a better place.
It can’t help but put a smile on our face to marvel at the humility and grace of a 24-year-old possessing so much wisdom and grace.