Durant to Warriors

[Speedy17]

I predict his scoring goes down 7 points a game and the Warriors won't win it because they don't have the depth.

 

[SoonerSpock]

there is a lot of truth there. he does live more in a bubble, but wont always and this certainly isn't an environment where he wants to raise his family or even envision a future. I'd suggest the people here spend a little more time listening to what momma and her friends have said than KD's gladhanding as he leaves. he's a classy kid so he's not gonna be harsh ... but this isnt a big surprise. and as I said Westbrook is right on his tail.

Possibly some merit to where he wants to raise a family once he starts to raise a family. Of course, in most families that starts with a wife which is something he is still looking for as the key ingredient. Besides his last fiance he left her because he did not love her the right way to start a marriage. And remember his contract is for two year with an option out. Planting roots in Oakland he did not.

Furthermore once you factor in the taxes situation it becomes increasingly more evident that this move was about championship expectations. As going to the Warriors is about a $30 million hickey on his basketball income and probably a similar amount on his endorsement income.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/02/kevin-durant-monica-wright

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/07/sig...l-cost-kevin-durant-an-absurd-amount-in-taxes

 

[HeismanWatch]

Do you actually think his economic opportunities in Cali are limited by the state's budget? By that same token do you think Oklahoma offers anything close to the myriad of things that will be available to him on the left coast from a social as well as economic standpoint?

come on guys. stop being so blind. if you think the close-minded social climate of Oklahoma had nothing to do with this then you're absolutely hiding your heads in the sand and, frankly, you're contributing to the problem.

You are NAIVE to think KD doesn't know he CAN'T win a championship in OKC with his team. He has to go to a team that will carry him to a championship and that team is the Warriors with a real leader named Curry.

I don't blame him at all for his move. I never followed OKC as I don't live in the state of Oklahoma. Social climate had NOTHING to do with it. :facepalm Championships had EVERYTHING to do with it. I did watch KD melt down in the playoffs over and over again. After 8 years, it was clear KD couldn't lead a team to a championship. He needs Curry to help him win a ring. I have no issue with that either.

 

[coolm]

Obviously your legal education taught you to try to convince fence post by dealing with half truths. No one deny that community and and personal growth were inclusive in his decision just the primary reason for his decision. Your logic say forget his primary mandate and focus on in secondary reasons because KD didn't really mean what he said. Hogwash!!!

did they not teach you what the word BUT means at Denial School? Law school wasn't necessary for this discussion. A junior high debater would notice the word BUT.

 

[kingssc]

I predict his scoring goes down 7 points a game and the Warriors won't win it because they don't have the depth.

What? :facepalm

They'll still have Livingston and Iguodola coming off the bench, and can probably keep most of the rest of the bench (other than Speights & Ezeli) assuming Barbosa/Varejao want to come back as minimum players. If they don't, I'm sure they'll be able to find other vets like the Cavs did with Richard Jefferson who'll want to come chase a ring for the minimum.

And unlike the Thunder who got rid of Harden, if one of the "Big Four" gets hurt they'll be able to manage fine, unlike when KD or Westbrook went down with their injuries.

 

[SoonerSpock]

did they not teach you what the word BUT means at Denial School? Law school wasn't necessary for this discussion. A junior high debater would notice the word BUT.

What they taught me was your original quote was: "he left because of the sorry state of the OKC and Oklahoma economy. Half of the Golden State pitch had to do with his potential business opportunities in a state with a booming economy while Oklahoma languishes in conservative crap. Thanks Okie voters."

was responded by my statement of: "With Durant having earned about $250 million while in OKC and his having stated his decision would not be about money I have my doubts that money was a major consideration. Especially with several of the other cities he considered being able to pitch a much better endorsement opportunity than could Golden State. This decision is more about winning championships in my opinion".

Don't recall seeing any but's in the conversation unless you are trying to be Syb on the women's board and use a diversion tactic because your argument is a losing one based on plain English. I guess the legal mind is a confused apparatus that see and reads only what it wants to see and read.

The only argument we have is what was his primary reason for the move. He stated that very clearly while listing other factors that impacted his decision. Perhaps your seventh grade English teacher could clear this matter up for you.

 

[HeismanWatch]

What they taught me was your original quote was: "he left because of the sorry state of the OKC and Oklahoma economy.

I still can't believe someone actually believes KD with less than one year of a college education cares about the California or OKC economy. He only cares about winning championships and knows he wasn't able to lead his team after 8 years to a championship. So, he bolts to a team that knows how to win a championship. I'd do the same.

This isn't complicated, but some are trying their darnest to make it complicated. :facepalm

 

[sperry]

Because KD is incapable of partaking in the "skyrocketing" California economy without living there. What a joke. Dude has a high 9 figures net worth, he can invest in whatever he wants anywhere in the world. Where he plays basketball for 7 months out of the year has zero to do with that.

 

[JBaker]

Because KD is incapable of partaking in the "skyrocketing" California economy without living there. What a joke. Dude has a high 9 figures net worth, he can invest in whatever he wants anywhere in the world. Where he plays basketball for 7 months out of the year has zero to do with that.

Yep, this is a terrible argument that I don't really understand why coolm is falling on the sword for.

I don't live in Oklahoma, and I don't root for the Thunder, so I'm an "outsider" when it comes to this, but it is painfully clear to me that KD left because he wants an easier path to championship(s). Not because of the politics of the state or the economy of the state or whatever. Hell, if that were his motivation then he would have signed with the Spurs of Mavericks, so he could play in Texas's booming economy with no income tax and gigantic California companies relocating to the state every other day.

 

[skyvue]

One thing I don't understand is why career decisions by NBA players get judged so harshly. Durant gets called "weak" in multiple corners for chasing money/a championship/whatever, but that happens all the time in baseball and football (and, I'm guessing, hockey -- not that I would know) and no one calls the players weak.

 

[StatGeek]

Because KD is incapable of partaking in the "skyrocketing" California economy without living there. What a joke. Dude has a high 9 figures net worth, he can invest in whatever he wants anywhere in the world. Where he plays basketball for 7 months out of the year has zero to do with that.

Exactly

 

[MNsooner]

One thing I don't understand is why career decisions by NBA players get judged so harshly. Durant gets called "weak" in multiple corners for chasing money/a championship/whatever, but that happens all the time in baseball and football (and, I'm guessing, hockey -- not that I would know) and no one calls the players weak.

It's the NBA collective bargaining agreement's fault. They let star players get paid far less than they are worth. So, those players realized that if they are going to get paid a fraction of their value, they may as well collude to win championships. Sure, it is bad for viewers and for the league. But most players don't care about the game and most fans end up judging players on championships alone (Jordan syndrome). So players have incentives to form super teams. As a result, there are very few real contenders in any year and it is only getting worse. I think it is a sad state of affairs, but players are acting in ways that are entirely understandable given their situation.

 

[furge]

It's the NBA collective bargaining agreement's fault. They let star players get paid far less than they are worth. So, those players realized that if they are going to get paid a fraction of their value, they may as well collude to win championships. Sure, it is bad for viewers and for the league. But most players don't care about the game and most fans end up judging players on championships alone (Jordan syndrome). So players have incentives to form super teams. As a result, there are very few real contenders in any year and it is only getting worse. I think it is a sad state of affairs, but players are acting in ways that are entirely understandable given their situation.

There's also the fact that Kevin Garnett, who had been seen as the Great Hope of Small Market Teams the generation before this CBA, was VERY vocal about regretting he stayed past his prime in Minny and lost out on the chance to make multiple runs at rings. When the original Big Three in Boston had success, it triggered a culture shift of players discarding their loyalties. Within two years, Melo had noisily exited Denver to join Amare in New York, the league office allowed the Pau trade through, and Chris Paul was forcing his way out of New Orelans. Superteams stopped being viewed as gauche (2004 Lakers with Malone and Glove; early 00's NYK teams with the likes of Marbury, Allan Houston, Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry sharing peak-fame roster space) and began being viewed as validating.

KD was a middle schooler during this culture shift, and though young then, ain't getting younger now. He used his financial security to construct the branding privilege to turn his free agency into a game where labor, not management, got to play the lead role. I kind of admire that on a purely economic basis. It got Adam Silver shook enough to actually admit the structure of max was not intended for the current level of revenue growth. KD might like the beach, he might hate the energy bust and failing schools and a collapsed budget structure. He might be a genuine social justice warrior. But he won the game from the standpoint of getting his way, factors be damned.

And yeah, I totally hate the Dubs already and this is awful to me as a mere spectator.

 

[SoonerSpock]

One thing I don't understand is why career decisions by NBA players get judged so harshly. Durant gets called "weak" in multiple corners for chasing money/a championship/whatever, but that happens all the time in baseball and football (and, I'm guessing, hockey -- not that I would know) and no one calls the players weak.

You got that right Stephen A. Smith is definitely "no one".:ez-roll::ez-roll:

 

[coolm]

Again, you're all thinking about him, now, as a basketball player. Whereas Kevin (you know - the guy who actually made the decision) said:

"But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth."

Sure it's easy for him to have fame and fortune as a player despite residing in a socially conservative and economically depressed area. Now. But he also desires a future. a family. a community that he feels more comfortable residing within. in an area where he would have the same opportunities (or more) after his days as a player. Personal evolution. or as he called it "evolution as a man".

While you guys sit around and continue to call me daft why don't you ask a few minorities how THEY feel about their lives in central Oklahoma. Especially those who frequently travel elsewhere. Then get back to me. Because that uncomfortable feeling is rather prevalent. Like I said pay a little more attention to what momma and her friends have to say.

But I won't say anything else on the matter. Sometimes I am forced to remind myself why I dislike this area so and I am thankful that I have guys like you as shining examples of why I long for bar reciprocity away from the land of rednecks and other social tightasses.

 

[campbest]

This trend started in the late 90's at the prep level, player mobility increased and teams formed to include the best players from not a city, but a state or region. The player's became more familiar with each other, and enjoyed playing on high quality teams. The sneaker companies pounced on the opportunity to begin sponsoring these teams, the money flowed and the trend continued. Players were not only playing a high brand of basketball, but were doing so on someone else's dime.

Lebron's "Decision" was the first watershed moment for this trend on a national stage, it symbolized elite prep players maturing to NBA players, but following the same mindset. Lebron was the first player who could do what he wanted, prior players would have received too much push-back from veterans, media, etc. Now, Lebron's generation are the veterans so the trend is only going to continue. Durant's decision is only another example.

OKC now has to trade Westbrook, he is not going to sign an extension before UFA starts and will be taking multiple meetings next summer. Sad to admit, but OKC may need to blow it up, create a bidding war for RW and see what they can get for him. Sucks, but that's the life of a small market team in the NBA, OKC has been very fortunate to date.

 

[thebigabd]

California is a liberal, politically correct pit with high taxes, terrible roads and schools. Maybe he likes Water and Power rationing. CA companies are moving to Texas every week.

His decision was to win a NBA title period.

Every state in America is awesome when you are wealthy beyond imagination. I can tell you this though, being wealthy beyond imagination is better in California than it is in Oklahoma.

He doesn't have to worry about roads, schools, etc. If he has a children, they will go to the best private schools. Those are middle class and below problems, not Kevin Durant problems.

As for his decision, I hate it. I am not a Thunder fan, but I hate the decision for the 3rd best player in the world to join a team that just won 73 games. It was weak. Where is his competitive spirit? He should want to beat them, not join them.

Personally, I wanted to see him stay with the Thunder or go to the Wizards. Combo of Wall, Beal, and Durant would have been really good. And they have some nice players in the paint to defend and rebound.

PG: John Wall/Ramon Sessions
SG: Bradley Beal/Garrett Temple
SF: Kevin Durant/Otto Porter
PF: Markieff Morris/JJ Hickson
C: Marcin Gortat/Nene

 

[thebigabd]

The most interesting piece of this is where OKC goes now. Cities that have had NBA franchises for a long time have suffered through lulls. Pacers, Magic, Raptors, Bucks, Nuggets, Suns, etc.. All of them really. They've had teams that won 20 games. They've had teams that had no chance at the playoffs or anything meaningful.

OKC has great attendance, but don't forget that OKC fell ass backwards into Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, James Harden, etc. OKC has ONLY known winning teams, elite world-class players, winning, contention, etc.

They have to trade Westbrook because he won't resign now. Harden, Westbrook, and KD are going to be gone.

If OKC blows up and has to go into rebuilding mode, like many other franchises have done, what does that mean for the fans? Will they still pack the house? We don't know how Oklahoma fans will react to this. We've never had pro sports here.

Will be interesting to see.

 

[chuckb]

Warriors are a hot team that KD can leach a championship from with that roster. KD isn't going to lead any team to a championship as he has proven over the last 9 years. :facepalm

The state of California is broke, if you consider unfunded liabilities, but they do have a national appeal with Curry on the roster.

Silicon Valley is moving to Austin, TX in masses, so I can see an NBA team in Austin in the next 10 years. The city of Austin, TX is the hottest city in the nation right now. No state tax is a big thing.

This is delusional. I don't have any idea whether he left because of California's economy relative to Oklahoma's so I have no dog in this fight, but anyone who thinks California's economy isn't really strong right now has absolutely no idea what they're talking about.

BTW, not that it matters, but California's budget is in surplus right now. It's far from broke.

 

[skyvue]

As for his decision, I hate it. I am not a Thunder fan, but I hate the decision for the 3rd best player in the world to join a team that just won 73 games. It was weak. Where is his competitive spirit? He should want to beat them, not join them.

I still don't understand why this judgmental attitude about a free agent joining a good team is so pervasive among NBA fans and the media. I've not seen the same attitude associated with MLB or the NFL.

Also, very good players seem to have "permission" to go where they wish, but great players are somehow expected to be loyal, even to the detriment of their own careers. It's one thing to say to a player, "Stay where you are and beat the best team!" But the player has only so much say in whether that happens; the actions (or inaction) of the front office greatly impacts his ability to beat the best.

Meanwhile, the honeymoon's over for Thunder fans -- they've experienced the harsh realities of professional sports at least twice now, with Harden and KD. Some Thunder fans (not on this board, but elsewhere) have come off like 10-year-olds, so convinced were they that their hardcourt heroes loved the fans and the city just as much as they were loved. The naivete was quite striking. The scales are now falling from their eyes, and it'll be interesting to see how they react.