Kevin Durant Aftermath Exactly One Year Later - July 3rd, 2017
Kevin Durant Aftermath Exactly One Year Later
July 3rd, 2017
So now that Kevin Durant got that ring he shook up the league for. As you all know, Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join forces with the Golden State Warriors around this time last year which was an ironic day to make an independent move of this magnitude.
KD was ridiculed for the move due to the fact that he blew a 3-1 series lead to the Warriors for a trip to the 2016 NBA Finals. Durant was referred to as a "cupcake" to many and people from fans to sports media analysts referred to the move as weak and his competitiveness was up for question.
Subsequently, after a season full of storylines, subliminal antics from former teammates, a tension filled return to Oklahoma City and a dominant 67 win season, Kevin Durant pulled together yet another MVP caliber season averaging roughly 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. It can also be noted that if he did not miss 20 regular season games he would have had more attention in the MVP race in the final straightaway in the regular season.
Nevertheless, the inevitable happened and the Warriors surged through the playoffs to win their second title in three years while only losing one game. If you witnessed the finals you know that Kevin Durant did his thing and that dagger he hit over LeBron to clinch game 3 along with that cringeworthy moment he shared with Momma Durant after game 5 will be in our heads all summer.
KD was soon named the Finals MVP with numbers roughly around 35 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game. Of course we still remember the move that put Durant over the hump but guess what KD is down in history as having a victorious season.
KD was ridiculed for the move due to the fact that he blew a 3-1 series lead to the Warriors for a trip to the 2016 NBA Finals. Durant was referred to as a "cupcake" to many and people from fans to sports media analysts referred to the move as weak and his competitiveness was up for question.
Subsequently, after a season full of storylines, subliminal antics from former teammates, a tension filled return to Oklahoma City and a dominant 67 win season, Kevin Durant pulled together yet another MVP caliber season averaging roughly 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. It can also be noted that if he did not miss 20 regular season games he would have had more attention in the MVP race in the final straightaway in the regular season.
Nevertheless, the inevitable happened and the Warriors surged through the playoffs to win their second title in three years while only losing one game. If you witnessed the finals you know that Kevin Durant did his thing and that dagger he hit over LeBron to clinch game 3 along with that cringeworthy moment he shared with Momma Durant after game 5 will be in our heads all summer.
KD was soon named the Finals MVP with numbers roughly around 35 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game. Of course we still remember the move that put Durant over the hump but guess what KD is down in history as having a victorious season.
Here comes the moment where some of you roll your eyes...I have been in Durant's defense for all 365 days. Durant made the smartest decision; he had to leave OKC, he was in a stalemate with Russell Westbrook with sharing the ball and the team could never get it together in the most crucial moments. Yeah they were fun to watch and they still were always 60 win season contenders but late season success was always in question, therefore, the decision to leave is a no brainer.
The only question now is where? To me there were only two good options which were the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors. Boston was building something big and they just signed Al Horford who just came off of a solid season with the Atlanta Hawks. Boston was a great fit and the ECF with that lineup against LeBron and company would have been must watch television but Golden State was the only for sure pick to get to the Finals.
Business wise KD made the best decision for himself and I am all for it. He flourished on both sides of the ball in that brand of ball all year and put up the same numbers on less shots making it a very efficient year. Looking at this year just only supports more evidence for the roster change. I don't care if you think its weak or soft, guess what? He won and played with an unselfish team.
The only question now is where? To me there were only two good options which were the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors. Boston was building something big and they just signed Al Horford who just came off of a solid season with the Atlanta Hawks. Boston was a great fit and the ECF with that lineup against LeBron and company would have been must watch television but Golden State was the only for sure pick to get to the Finals.
Business wise KD made the best decision for himself and I am all for it. He flourished on both sides of the ball in that brand of ball all year and put up the same numbers on less shots making it a very efficient year. Looking at this year just only supports more evidence for the roster change. I don't care if you think its weak or soft, guess what? He won and played with an unselfish team.
Think about your current job position...would you change locations because you are offered a job that puts you in a better position, makes everything easier for you and you can build a better resume for yourself? YES IN A HEARTBEAT.
Look at greats like MJ who had Pippen and Rodman, KG and Ray Allen left their teams to make a big three in Boston with Paul Pierce, Barkley and Kidd both left the Suns for their respective deep playoff appearances, Karl Malone left the Jazz, Shaq left LA for Wade, LeBron assembled a Miami Heat team, Kobe demanded a trade at one point, Duncan was drafted to a team that already had David Robinson who ATE, Larry Bird had 1st ballot HOF players on his team, Magic played with Worthy and Reem and the list goes on.
Yes, these are all legends but none of them did it by themselves and if a situation was not working for winning the championship then you have to make something shake. If you look at it in that respect, then you have to tip your hat to KD and just hope that your favorite team can build a next generation super team.
Look at greats like MJ who had Pippen and Rodman, KG and Ray Allen left their teams to make a big three in Boston with Paul Pierce, Barkley and Kidd both left the Suns for their respective deep playoff appearances, Karl Malone left the Jazz, Shaq left LA for Wade, LeBron assembled a Miami Heat team, Kobe demanded a trade at one point, Duncan was drafted to a team that already had David Robinson who ATE, Larry Bird had 1st ballot HOF players on his team, Magic played with Worthy and Reem and the list goes on.
Yes, these are all legends but none of them did it by themselves and if a situation was not working for winning the championship then you have to make something shake. If you look at it in that respect, then you have to tip your hat to KD and just hope that your favorite team can build a next generation super team.
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