When Kevin Durant announced that he would be signing with the Golden State Warriors in July of 2016, the primary response was outrage. How could one of the game’s best players sign with the team that just beat the only team he’s ever been with – a team that, out of all the teams in the NBA, didn’t need him? The Kevin Durant slander begun.
Fans were outraged, OKC fans gave us the closest thing we’ve seen to a legitimately angry fan base since LeBron’s “decision,” and the rest of the league has been trying to catch up ever since. Regardless, Kevin Durant joined the team in the Bay, has won two titles, and has continued to dominate the competition.
Fast forward to present day and things are different.
Durant took to Instagram to announced a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury he suffered separate from the one that had kept him out for a month and unable to play until this past Monday night. Now Kevin Durant is expected to miss all of next season ahead of the summer where he’d have no shortage of suitors and was expecting to command a big payday. He likely still will, but the narrative has changed.
Kevin Durant isn’t the bad guy any more.
Was Kevin Durant signing with the Golden State Warriors unfair? Of course, it was! Adding one of the greatest scorers ever to a roster that features the best shooter in NBA history, one of the best two-way players in the game, and a bruising defender/playmaker all in their primes that had already won titles is unfair.
Put yourself in Durant’s shoes, though. If Bob Myers calls you and says, “Hey. We’re willing to pay you $30+ million to play with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green in California. Oh, and we’ll still be keeping valuable role players like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala. What do you say?” Of course, you’re going to say yes!
Durant himself cited Silicon Valley as part of the reason he signed with Golden State. At the time, however, most viewed it as Durant trying to save face. He’s since come out with various videos, documentaries, and has a few shows coming out that he’s starred in/produced. He backed it up.
The other part of his decision that gets glossed over was what he provides on the court. In OKC, he was easy to support because it felt like it was Russ and KD against everybody. They were a fearsome duo and good friends. Their relationship has changed since Durant’s move to the bay, but despite a Finals appearance and almost another one, it was clear something had to change. Unfortunately for Russ and OKC fans, it meant Durant leaving, but it happened. Nothing can change that. But, look at what it’s brought!
Durant going to the Bay has forced teams to adapt to shooting more 3PTs and playing faster. You get to watch Curry and Durant run a pick-and-roll with Draymond and Klay on the wings ready to shoot or initiate the offense, possibly a lob to Durant or a kick-out to Curry from 80 feet beyond the arc.
Because Durant went to Golden State, it created all sorts of new narratives. Russ teamed up with a new sidekick in Paul George. The Houston Rockets made a duo of CP3 and James Harden. Milwaukee surrounded Giannis with shooters. It’s led to improved and more exciting play around the league.
And, now KD won’t be around next season to show off his unique skill-set.
Durant may post another Players’ Tribune article announcing a move to the Mecca of Basketball, or an IG post standing in front of the Hollywood sign to say he’s joined the Lakers Clippers. Maybe he signs with a completely random team like the Kings. Who knows?
What I do know is that Kevin Durant makes the game of basketball better. He joined Golden State and won two titles. He’s a future HOFer and one of the greatest players any of us will ever see. That all happened.
What’s next? No one knows but him. However, it’s time to start respecting him again.