Kevin Durant singles out unexpected teammates for praise

We already know that Kevin Durant is one of the greatest to ever do it, and that he will one day be in the Hall of Fame. Perhaps just as importantly, he also has that rare skill of being universally beloved by other players in the league too. Durant's approval rating couldn't be higher - much like former teammate Kyrie Irving - and he's an idol to many of the young guns in the NBA today.

Anthony Edwards being one such example, which was surely part of the reason the Minnesota Timberwolves apparently made a late play for Durant at the trade deadline. That didn't happen - and although this Suns season has not gone to plan - Durant can't be blamed for how he's approached the game both on and off the court.

He showed love to some unexpected teammates after a recent loss.

The defeat itself to the Houston Rockets was perhaps so disappointing because it wasn't surprising. The Rockets are clearly an organization on the up, while a lack of chemistry and offensive cohesion has the Suns stuck all the way down in the 11th spot in the Western Conference. In the aftermath of the game however, Durant had glowing things to say about two teammates.

TyTy Washington Jr. and Collin Gillespie are a couple of names that only the more hardcore fans in The Valley will be aware of, and with good reason. They're both on two-way deals and have spent plenty of time in the G League. Gillespie also struggled with injuries earlier this season - and as a point guard - has struggled to take minutes off Tyus Jones and Monte Morris.

But in speaking to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic in the aftermath of that 119-111 loss to the Rockets, Durant had nothing but love for the way in which they approach the game. Bigging up his lesser known teammates and going out of his way to praise them - even after a loss - is part of what's clearly keeping Durant going in the league at 36-years-old.

Although it might not be what Suns fans want to hear, there appears to be a certain peace with how the superstar has approached what has been a rocky season. Almost like an understanding that there may not be a third championship in his future, so instead he's going to enjoy playing with Devin Booker and say and do all of the things a veteran can to help his team win.

It is just unfortunate that this attitude from Durant alone is not enough to climb the standings, and in a lot of ways is being wasted. What a boost it must be for two guys who shuffle between two teams to have a player of Durant's calibre name-check them and go out of his way to show some love to how they play the game.

The only hope now is that after the All-Star break both Durant and the extended Suns' roster can put a run together to climb back into playoff contention. Even if that doesn't happen though, Durant appears happy balling in Phoenix. Which is some consolation given he turned the advances of the Golden State Warriors down late in the deadline. Just enjoy this while you can.