It’s no small feat for a rookie to earn the respect of an NBA legend like Kevin Durant, but it took Asa Newell just one regular season game to do so.
When Durant matched up with Newell, the veteran asked the rookie if he could shoot. Newell replied yes, to which Durant countered with a wager: $100 on Newell’s next three. Newell, confident as ever, was up for the challenge.
Later, Durant would drill a three over the rookie’s outstretched hands. After a playful slap to the rear and some light jawing, Atlanta came back on offense. After a Christian Koloko offensive rebound left Durant out of position, the big man kicked it out to Newell, who cashed in on his opportunity. Newell was $100 richer walking back on defense.
Of course, Newell – who accepted the wager and had just been the target of mild smack talk the possession before – was eager to turn the tables. He pointed at and said a few words to Durant, whose grin indicated he knew what was coming. Newell told the press that he asked Durant to send his Cash App.
Very cool moment when Hawks rookie Asa Newell earned the respect of Kevin Durant during this exchange at the Hawks/Rockets game. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/qrHUEtyrX0
— Leigh Ellis (@LeighEllis) February 6, 2026
Newell has what you can’t teach
Asa Newell is the prototypical four, standing 6’10, 220 pounds. He can shoot the three, his handle has potential, and he should be a good defender once he gets some more NBA experience under his belt.
All of this is requisite to make the NBA. But what separates Durant from the Michael Beasleys of the world is the mental side of the game.
Durant carries a killer mentality. He is a relentless worker, essentially forgoing any possible hobby outside of playing ball. He also rises in the biggest moments and thrives in the playoffs. You can’t teach this mental fortitude – or if you can, it’s a lot harder than learning how to dribble.
It took guts for Newell to do what he did. As a fellow 6’10 sharpshooter, it’s likely Newell looked up to Durant as a role model in his younger years. To accept a wager midgame against one of the greatest players to play in your lifetime took courage. To immediately respond to a Durant made three with a contested shot of your own was even more courageous. To make the shot and immediately jaw at Durant? Perhaps that isn’t exactly courageous, but it did require a level of mental fortitude few 20-year-olds have.
You can see it on Durant’s face after the interview: he was proud of the young Hawk.