How do we feel about Kevin Durant's Jersey Comments?

[seancally]

Three seasons in Golden State?  I don't think that gets your number retired.

OKC has Nick Collison retired, so Durant is probably coming some day.

As a side note, has OKC decided to ignore its time in Seattle in terms of retiring new numbers?  Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired; is that because they're deferring to a new expansion team version of the Sonics doing so in the future?

Is KD’s Golden State tenure so much different than KG’s Celtics tenure?

… I’m mostly just making a point. I know what KG did for the culture. Still, by the numbers — back to back titles, Finals MVP… that’s retirement material in my book.

Durant joined a 73 win team that had already won a championship.  He bailed on them after three seasons. 

Yes, that's different in kind from KG.  Garnett joined a 24 win team, took them to a title, and played there for six seasons.  He didn't leave the team in free agency, but instead waived his no-trade clause so that the team could rebuild.  He embraced being a Celtic; Durant was a ring-chasing mercenary.

Agree. But I still think that the raw outcome, two rings and a finals MVP, plus the fact that Durant is one of the 10 best ever (most likely), means his jersey has to go somewhere. And I think GSW makes the most sense for the resume even in that brief stint. That’s two more titles for that franchise ya know?

[tazzmaniac]

Three seasons in Golden State?  I don't think that gets your number retired.

OKC has Nick Collison retired, so Durant is probably coming some day.

As a side note, has OKC decided to ignore its time in Seattle in terms of retiring new numbers?  Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired; is that because they're deferring to a new expansion team version of the Sonics doing so in the future?

Is KD’s Golden State tenure so much different than KG’s Celtics tenure?

… I’m mostly just making a point. I know what KG did for the culture. Still, by the numbers — back to back titles, Finals MVP… that’s retirement material in my book.

Only 3 years rather than 6.  Hopping on to a championship team rather than transforming a 24 win team into a championship team.  If it was a single championship, I'd say no but two probably tilts me to yes.  But if KD should retire first, they definitely need to wait until after Steph retires and they honor him. 

[Roy H.]

Three seasons in Golden State?  I don't think that gets your number retired.

OKC has Nick Collison retired, so Durant is probably coming some day.

As a side note, has OKC decided to ignore its time in Seattle in terms of retiring new numbers?  Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired; is that because they're deferring to a new expansion team version of the Sonics doing so in the future?

Is KD’s Golden State tenure so much different than KG’s Celtics tenure?

… I’m mostly just making a point. I know what KG did for the culture. Still, by the numbers — back to back titles, Finals MVP… that’s retirement material in my book.

Only 3 years rather than 6.  Hopping on to a championship team rather than transforming a 24 win team into a championship team.  If it was a single championship, I'd say no but two probably tilts me to yes.  But if KD should retire first, they definitely need to wait until after Steph retires and they honor him.

I wouldn't even consider KD there until Steph, Klay and Dray are all in the rafters.  Hell, Iguodala too.  And even then, it's a hard no for being a lousy teammate there.

[slamtheking]

pretty arrogant thinking he's entitled to that honor from 2 if not 3 franchises.  wouldn't consider OKC a lock and GSW should be a no.  Brooklyn should be a no if he doesn't retire there and put up a banner at some point.

only players I can think of that would be in consideration for 3 retired jerseys are Wilt, Shaq and possibly Lebron.

[Roy H.]

pretty arrogant thinking he's entitled to that honor from 2 if not 3 franchises.  wouldn't consider OKC a lock and GSW should be a no.  Brooklyn should be a no if he doesn't retire there and put up a banner at some point.

only players I can think of that would be in consideration for 3 retired jerseys are Wilt, Shaq and possibly Lebron.

Yeah, Wilt is the only one with three retired.

There are only nine others that have had jerseys retired with two franchises (if you exclude Michael Jordan, retired with the Heat):  Kareem, Dr. J, Barkley, Moses, Oscar, Drexler, Lanier, Monroe, Thurmond.

[bdm860]

Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired

Leads to an interesting question, who are the best players without their numbers retired/honored anywhere?

Kemp
Payton
Ray Allen
Bob McAdoo
Mark Aguirre
Tracy McGrady
Grant Hill
Jerry Lucas
Cliff Hagan

And I'm sure there's several others.

Some of these are just a matter of time, and others are from cities who no longer have teams.  But it'll be interesting to see if going forward this becomes a lot more of a regular occurrence for stars not to get their numbers retired.  Is anybody going to retire Durant, Carmelo, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi, Anthony Davis, Vince Carter, Paul George, Kyrie, etc.?

This all reminds me of when Dwight Howard was mad Orlando let somebody else wear his number after he left.  And Celtics legend PJ Dozier already wore Durant's #35 in OKC, so doesn't appear to be off limits there.

For the record, nobody has yet worn Chris Paul's #3 in LA, Anthony Davis's #23 in New Orleans, Kawhi's #2 in San Antonio, Carmelo's #7 in NY, LeBron's #23/#6 in CLE/MIA so far. Have to wonder if that's by design or coincidence. I'm sure in some places those numbers are off limits, but wonder if that's the case in all these scenarios.

Denver may have to retire #15 twice if they retire it for Anthony (as surely Jokic is getting #15 retired as of now).

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I think he's undeniably a great player, one of the best ever, but I also think his legacy is tarnished by the fact that the couldn't get the job done in OKC, then jumped ship to join a team that was already a superteam and had already won a title. And then he says stuff like this, which only makes me dislike him more.

[pokeKingCurtis]

Prefer this pettiness over LeBrons fake schtick

If you're gonna be a villain and an arse then own it. I dig this.

[Goldstar88]

Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired

Leads to an interesting question, who are the best players without their numbers retired/honored anywhere?

Kemp
Payton
Ray Allen
Bob McAdoo
Mark Aguirre
Tracy McGrady
Grant Hill
Jerry Lucas
Cliff Hagan

And I'm sure there's several others.

Some of these are just a matter of time, and others are from cities who no longer have teams.  But it'll be interesting to see if going forward this becomes a lot more of a regular occurrence for stars not to get their numbers retired.  Is anybody going to retire Durant, Carmelo, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi, Anthony Davis, Vince Carter, Paul George, Kyrie, etc.?

This all reminds me of when Dwight Howard was mad Orlando let somebody else wear his number after he left.  And Celtics legend PJ Dozier already wore Durant's #35 in OKC, so doesn't appear to be off limits there.

For the record, nobody has yet worn Chris Paul's #3 in LA, Anthony Davis's #23 in New Orleans, Kawhi's #2 in San Antonio, Carmelo's #7 in NY, LeBron's #23/#6 in CLE/MIA so far. Have to wonder if that's by design or coincidence. I'm sure in some places those numbers are off limits, but wonder if that's the case in all these scenarios.

Denver may have to retire #15 twice if they retire it for Anthony (as surely Jokic is getting #15 retired as of now).

The NBA needs to bring the Super Sonics back, that’s for [dang] sure. Then a team in Vegas and call it a day.

[tazzmaniac]

Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired

Leads to an interesting question, who are the best players without their numbers retired/honored anywhere?

Kemp
Payton
Ray Allen
Bob McAdoo
Mark Aguirre
Tracy McGrady
Grant Hill
Jerry Lucas
Cliff Hagan

And I'm sure there's several others.

Some of these are just a matter of time, and others are from cities who no longer have teams.  But it'll be interesting to see if going forward this becomes a lot more of a regular occurrence for stars not to get their numbers retired.  Is anybody going to retire Durant, Carmelo, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi, Anthony Davis, Vince Carter, Paul George, Kyrie, etc.?

This all reminds me of when Dwight Howard was mad Orlando let somebody else wear his number after he left.  And Celtics legend PJ Dozier already wore Durant's #35 in OKC, so doesn't appear to be off limits there.

For the record, nobody has yet worn Chris Paul's #3 in LA, Anthony Davis's #23 in New Orleans, Kawhi's #2 in San Antonio, Carmelo's #7 in NY, LeBron's #23/#6 in CLE/MIA so far. Have to wonder if that's by design or coincidence. I'm sure in some places those numbers are off limits, but wonder if that's the case in all these scenarios.

Denver may have to retire #15 twice if they retire it for Anthony (as surely Jokic is getting #15 retired as of now).

The NBA needs to bring the Super Sonics back, that’s for [dang] sure. Then a team in Vegas and call it a day.

Two new teams or move a couple existing teams? 

[seancally]

Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired

Leads to an interesting question, who are the best players without their numbers retired/honored anywhere?

Kemp
Payton
Ray Allen
Bob McAdoo
Mark Aguirre
Tracy McGrady
Grant Hill
Jerry Lucas
Cliff Hagan

And I'm sure there's several others.

Some of these are just a matter of time, and others are from cities who no longer have teams.  But it'll be interesting to see if going forward this becomes a lot more of a regular occurrence for stars not to get their numbers retired.  Is anybody going to retire Durant, Carmelo, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi, Anthony Davis, Vince Carter, Paul George, Kyrie, etc.?

This all reminds me of when Dwight Howard was mad Orlando let somebody else wear his number after he left.  And Celtics legend PJ Dozier already wore Durant's #35 in OKC, so doesn't appear to be off limits there.

For the record, nobody has yet worn Chris Paul's #3 in LA, Anthony Davis's #23 in New Orleans, Kawhi's #2 in San Antonio, Carmelo's #7 in NY, LeBron's #23/#6 in CLE/MIA so far. Have to wonder if that's by design or coincidence. I'm sure in some places those numbers are off limits, but wonder if that's the case in all these scenarios.

Denver may have to retire #15 twice if they retire it for Anthony (as surely Jokic is getting #15 retired as of now).

The NBA needs to bring the Super Sonics back, that’s for [dang] sure. Then a team in Vegas and call it a day.

Two new teams or move a couple existing teams?

New teams. League is flush with talent. Bill Simmons has mentioned a few times that he expects the league ton expand, with Vegas / Seattle as the obvious choices. Sounds like he might have some inside scoop, or is just speculating.

If that’s the case, wonder which team bumps to the East?

But I digress… bit off-topic. KD should have his jersey retired somewhere and I expect he will.

[showtime]

He deserves all 3, he's that good!! Who knows, he may eventually make his way to BOSTON and go for 4!!

[Csfan1984]

OKC, Yes. MVP quality years played.

Warriors, Yes. Two titles and in his absolute prime.

Nets, TBD.

[slamtheking]

Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired

Leads to an interesting question, who are the best players without their numbers retired/honored anywhere?

Kemp
Payton
Ray Allen
Bob McAdoo
Mark Aguirre
Tracy McGrady
Grant Hill
Jerry Lucas
Cliff Hagan

And I'm sure there's several others.

Some of these are just a matter of time, and others are from cities who no longer have teams.  But it'll be interesting to see if going forward this becomes a lot more of a regular occurrence for stars not to get their numbers retired.  Is anybody going to retire Durant, Carmelo, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi, Anthony Davis, Vince Carter, Paul George, Kyrie, etc.?

This all reminds me of when Dwight Howard was mad Orlando let somebody else wear his number after he left.  And Celtics legend PJ Dozier already wore Durant's #35 in OKC, so doesn't appear to be off limits there.

For the record, nobody has yet worn Chris Paul's #3 in LA, Anthony Davis's #23 in New Orleans, Kawhi's #2 in San Antonio, Carmelo's #7 in NY, LeBron's #23/#6 in CLE/MIA so far. Have to wonder if that's by design or coincidence. I'm sure in some places those numbers are off limits, but wonder if that's the case in all these scenarios.

Denver may have to retire #15 twice if they retire it for Anthony (as surely Jokic is getting #15 retired as of now).

The NBA needs to bring the Super Sonics back, that’s for [dang] sure. Then a team in Vegas and call it a day.

Two new teams or move a couple existing teams?

New teams. League is flush with talent. Bill Simmons has mentioned a few times that he expects the league ton expand, with Vegas / Seattle as the obvious choices. Sounds like he might have some inside scoop, or is just speculating.

If that’s the case, wonder which team bumps to the East?

But I digress… bit off-topic. KD should have his jersey retired somewhere and I expect he will.

OKC, Orlando and Houston would like some of that.  only thing that's "flush" in those areas are the toilets as well as the cheeks loaded with embarrassment for the people wearing those teams' jerseys in public

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Kemp and Payton don't have their numbers retired

Leads to an interesting question, who are the best players without their numbers retired/honored anywhere?

Kemp
Payton
Ray Allen
Bob McAdoo
Mark Aguirre
Tracy McGrady
Grant Hill
Jerry Lucas
Cliff Hagan

And I'm sure there's several others.

Some of these are just a matter of time, and others are from cities who no longer have teams.  But it'll be interesting to see if going forward this becomes a lot more of a regular occurrence for stars not to get their numbers retired.  Is anybody going to retire Durant, Carmelo, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi, Anthony Davis, Vince Carter, Paul George, Kyrie, etc.?

This all reminds me of when Dwight Howard was mad Orlando let somebody else wear his number after he left.  And Celtics legend PJ Dozier already wore Durant's #35 in OKC, so doesn't appear to be off limits there.

For the record, nobody has yet worn Chris Paul's #3 in LA, Anthony Davis's #23 in New Orleans, Kawhi's #2 in San Antonio, Carmelo's #7 in NY, LeBron's #23/#6 in CLE/MIA so far. Have to wonder if that's by design or coincidence. I'm sure in some places those numbers are off limits, but wonder if that's the case in all these scenarios.

Denver may have to retire #15 twice if they retire it for Anthony (as surely Jokic is getting #15 retired as of now).

The NBA needs to bring the Super Sonics back, that’s for [dang] sure. Then a team in Vegas and call it a day.

Two new teams or move a couple existing teams?

New teams. League is flush with talent. Bill Simmons has mentioned a few times that he expects the league ton expand, with Vegas / Seattle as the obvious choices. Sounds like he might have some inside scoop, or is just speculating.

If that’s the case, wonder which team bumps to the East?

But I digress… bit off-topic. KD should have his jersey retired somewhere and I expect he will.

OKC, Orlando and Houston would like some of that.  only thing that's "flush" in those areas are the toilets as well as the cheeks loaded with embarrassment for the people wearing those teams' jerseys in public

I agree. I'm not a fan of expansion at this point. I agree that Seattle should have a team, and I'm fine with Vegas getting one, but I think they should be existing franchises. For example, move the Kings and the Hornets. Or the T-Wolves, Magic, or Pelicans. The NBA has several franchises that never win much of anything and/or have low attendance. Send them someplace they'll be appreciated.