Author Topic: Durant to GSW  (Read 72329 times)

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Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #330 on: July 05, 2016, 03:17:42 PM »

Offline tankcity!

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2650148-frustration-with-westbrook-sent-durant-fleeing-opens-door-to-trouble-for-nba

Here's an interesting article. Apparently there was quite a bit of tension between Westbrook and Durant, which had a great influence on why he left.

Also, it's looking like a foregone conclusion that there will be a lockout next summer, and this whole GS situation is going to put some radical demands on the table, such as a hard cap. Fun fun. I remember how bad the last lockout sucked.
I'd be frustrated playing with Westbrook as well.   He's a stat hog who isn't nearly as good as people claim.   Watch that team struggle to make the playoffs without Durant carrying them.

People think Westbrook is a superstar for the same reason they thought Rondo was a superstar.

His competitive fire is amazing so it's hard to look past that Haha. But you're right about his flaws. My hope is that Stevens can hone him into being a team player. Westbrook and Cousins is my new duo and hope of beating the Warriors. How poetic would it be for Westbrook to get his revenge on Durant.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #331 on: July 05, 2016, 03:20:56 PM »

Offline rocknrollforyoursoul

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Exactly. This has been the sentiment the entire time on this blog. There wouldn't be this reaction if he went back to OKC. There'd be disappoint, but it would make sense. GS doesn't make sense since this will ultimately ruin his perception in the league as a top-3 player.

Apparently Durant simply doesn't care about his perception around the league, or among fans, as a top 3 player, or whatever.

Isn't that kind of what we want players to do, to not care so much about what other people think and just do what it takes to win?

Yes, Durant has the kind of talent that gives him the ability to lead a team to a championship, instead of joining up with a team that is already championship caliber.

Fine.

It's easy for us to say these things about him from where we sit.  From where he sat, he may have been wondering if things were really going to get any better in OKC.  It may have seemed to him quite likely that things would get worse.  The owners didn't give him good reason to feel that they would spend to make sure the team continued to be in a position to compete for a title.

On top of that, Durant has had some scary injuries over the past few years.  So have his Thunder teammates. 

Obviously a lot of people would have preferred for Durant to bet on himself, or trust his teammates and the higher ups of the only NBA team he'd ever played for.  I sure would have preferred for him to choose the Celtics.  But I can't blame him for recognizing the opportunity to create a team unlike any the league has ever seen and taking it, even if it meant his individual legacy took a hit. 

Maybe he decided being part of the greatest team ever -- if that is what the Warriors become, and they certainly have the talent to do it -- would be a better legacy than being the best player on a team that never wins it all.

I can't fault him for that.  He chose a team over individual glory.  Good for him.

I don't know that he chose team success over individual glory. I mean, if he did, I respect that. But I don't think, had he chosen OKC or Boston, that it had to be for individual glory; it's possible, but he also could've made that choice out of a competitive spirit, out of a desire to test himself against the game's best.

Instead, his choice gives the impression to many people that he's not a leader, but a hanger-on; or that he can't handle pressure; or that he doesn't really care about growing as a player (even though that was part of his stated reasoning for his decision, but I'm not sure how much one can grow when joining a stacked team). Or maybe he's just one of those individuals who's immensely talented but doesn't want the spotlight.

I think it's great for him to be his own person, so to speak, and not bend to the wishes of others; and if his primary concern is rings and he doesn't much care how he gets them, I can respect that too. But I think he missed being part of something that could've been more special than what he'll find in GS.
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Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #332 on: July 05, 2016, 03:21:02 PM »

Offline jpotter33

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Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #333 on: July 05, 2016, 03:22:05 PM »

Offline rocknrollforyoursoul

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Well, he would've been the unquestioned leader of the Celtics, unlike the "Is OKC Durant's or Westbrook's team?" situation.
He could have stayed in OKC to be the unquestioned leader next season and make sure that they let Westbrook walk. We really have nothing over OKC in that department.

True, and I don't think I would've faulted him for that.
There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'

You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.

C.S. Lewis

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #334 on: July 05, 2016, 03:26:23 PM »

Offline CelticSooner

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2650148-frustration-with-westbrook-sent-durant-fleeing-opens-door-to-trouble-for-nba

Here's an interesting article. Apparently there was quite a bit of tension between Westbrook and Durant, which had a great influence on why he left.

Also, it's looking like a foregone conclusion that there will be a lockout next summer, and this whole GS situation is going to put some radical demands on the table, such as a hard cap. Fun fun. I remember how bad the last lockout sucked.
I'd be frustrated playing with Westbrook as well.   He's a stat hog who isn't nearly as good as people claim.   Watch that team struggle to make the playoffs without Durant carrying them.

People think Westbrook is a superstar for the same reason they thought Rondo was a superstar.

That team was built around Durant. If they miss the playoffs that would be the biggest factor. They have a HUGE gaping hole at the 3 now. The spacing is going to be terrible.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #335 on: July 05, 2016, 03:26:50 PM »

Offline dark_lord

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Fit-wise, we were absolutely the best fit for his skill-set. There's still major questions on if those three will actually work together chemistry-wise. We have two recent examples in the 2011 Miami Heat and 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers that suggest they're not going to gel right off the bat.

how on earth are the celts the best fit for his skill set?!?!?!  we are a team that is full of role players, are inconsistent, and our identity is based on something that lacks and actual skills set...grit.  GSW, by far, is by far the superior fit for KD's game.

also, using MIA and cavs as not gelling right off the bat is a poor argument, since both teams won the title in year two (MIA winning back to back, and the cavs having the potential to do so). 

he has a 2 year deal with a player option after year one....so if they aren't gelling or his skill set is better suited elsewhere, he can leave.  Seemed like a no-brainer decision to join GSW.  The celts can't offer crap when compared to GSW

Hmm, a 1A option who is an excellent shooter and efficient scorer that should be getting 30+ shots a night surrounded by two-way high-end defensive role players that do not demand the ball or high usages to be effective.

VS.

Being surrounded by two other legitimate 1A and 1B-type options in their prime that are high-usage, high-shot players that are used to shooting 25+ times a game, all while gutting their team for talent that they already had plenty of.

Yes, you'd have to be an idiot to say that we're not the better fit for him both chemistry-wise and team-wise. Sure, they're going to win a lot of games by simply "out-talenting" the other team, but so did OKC. How did that turn out for them? Unless all three of those guys make a Celtics-like Big-3 sacrifice to their game and numbers, which is doubtful given that they're all in their prime, they're ultimately going to struggle for awhile.

And, no, the Cavs and Heat are perfect examples of why they're going to struggle off the bat, because they're nearly identical situations, only exacerbated and even more extreme. It's three number one options coming together and learning to share. It took both instances at least a year to truly figure that out, and with this being younger players in even more extreme ways, it might be even harder for them. The Boston Big 3 is the only one to truly click right off the bat, because they won it the very first year.

ok, based on your examples of MIA and CLE,so you are saying.....worst case scenario, GSW doesn't win in year one, but will win in year two (and potentially more).  with a 2 year contract with a player option after year one to boot.....no brainer, perfect situation to be in.

with regards to skill set.....if KD signs with the celts:
-his #2 (IT) is a downgrade from westbrook, meaning opponenets and zero in on him and he will double teamed far more.
-with the exception of IT, we don't have a consistent shooter, meaning oppenents don't have to respect the shot, which means they can create defensive schemes to contain KD and the drive far more.
-opponents' help D will be easier accessible to stop KD

in GSW, KD will:
-see far more single defensive coverage, due to all the other weapons
-he will be able to sometimes be a spot up/catch&shooter when not directly involved through a GSW pick and roles. 
-help defense will have to stay home more in fear of the shot, which will open up his drive
-he has offensive threats he can absolutely rely on

its not about putting up the same numbers he did in OKC, its about the quality of shots and play, having an upgraded supporting cast, and being in a far superior situation to be successful

the celts are a downgrade.  the fact that they had to sell tradition, fan base, city, call in brady, etc.....while noble and cool, says that we couldn't compete. 

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #336 on: July 05, 2016, 03:31:31 PM »

Offline LGC88

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What would have been the reaction to this scenario? :

Free agency 2010
After losing to the Celtics in ECF 4-2, Lebron James decide to leave Cleveland and sign with the Boston Celtics.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #337 on: July 05, 2016, 03:37:18 PM »

Offline dark_lord

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What would have been the reaction to this scenario? :

Free agency 2010
After losing to the Celtics in ECF 4-2, Lebron James decide to leave Cleveland and sign with the Boston Celtics.

in all honesty, i think it would have depended on the manner it was done.  if LBJ did the same televised crap with "im taking my talents to...", the flack would still be there.  If he did it tactfully and respectfully, it would have been better. 

the reality is, that's the nba environment now.  players don't stay with one team, they are in cahoots with their peers in trying to create video game-style teams, and you need a big 3 or 4 to win.  i don't like it either, but it is what it is.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #338 on: July 05, 2016, 03:39:58 PM »

Offline CelticGuardian

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Well, he would've been the unquestioned leader of the Celtics, unlike the "Is OKC Durant's or Westbrook's team?" situation.
He could have stayed in OKC to be the unquestioned leader next season and make sure that they let Westbrook walk. We really have nothing over OKC in that department.

Being competitive in the eastern conference sounded like a good incentive for Durant.. since he wouldn't have had to go through Spurs, then Warriors(or vice versa) to finally get at Cavs in finals. But him Joining GSW pretty much gets the same thing done, with the added incentive of OKC no longer in the fold so there's only one team that can possibly challenge him out west, in the Spurs... so he must be stoked.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #339 on: July 05, 2016, 03:43:31 PM »

Offline LGC88

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What would have been the reaction to this scenario? :

Free agency 2010
After losing to the Celtics in ECF 4-2, Lebron James decide to leave Cleveland and sign with the Boston Celtics.

in all honesty, i think it would have depended on the manner it was done.  if LBJ did the same televised crap with "im taking my talents to...", the flack would still be there.  If he did it tactfully and respectfully, it would have been better. 

the reality is, that's the nba environment now.  players don't stay with one team, they are in cahoots with their peers in trying to create video game-style teams, and you need a big 3 or 4 to win.  i don't like it either, but it is what it is.

Well, your reasoning apply to life, not sports.
It's ok to go to the best company to offer your talents.
Sports is about competition and adversity.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #340 on: July 05, 2016, 03:47:55 PM »

Offline dark_lord

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Sports is about competition and adversity.

sadly,not anymore.....sports is about money, marketing, and fame. It starts at the top with the leagues themselves, then trickles down to the owners and eventually the players. 

the competition aspect of it is secondary, behind the aforementioned factors.  even the competitiveness is egocentric, as it is about one's legacy

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #341 on: July 05, 2016, 03:48:12 PM »

Offline straightouttabahstun

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Jesus, now GSW are going after Ray Allen. Anyone else see that trending? I have never hated a team this much.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #342 on: July 05, 2016, 03:52:17 PM »

Offline rocknrollforyoursoul

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What would have been the reaction to this scenario? :

Free agency 2010
After losing to the Celtics in ECF 4-2, Lebron James decide to leave Cleveland and sign with the Boston Celtics.

in all honesty, i think it would have depended on the manner it was done.  if LBJ did the same televised crap with "im taking my talents to...", the flack would still be there.  If he did it tactfully and respectfully, it would have been better. 

the reality is, that's the nba environment now.  players don't stay with one team, they are in cahoots with their peers in trying to create video game-style teams, and you need a big 3 or 4 to win.  i don't like it either, but it is what it is.

Well, your reasoning apply to life, not sports.
It's ok to go to the best company to offer your talents.
Sports is about competition and adversity.

He may not find much competition or adversity in Golden State.
There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'

You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.

C.S. Lewis

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #343 on: July 05, 2016, 03:59:53 PM »

Offline LGC88

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Sports is about competition and adversity.

sadly,not anymore.....sports is about money, marketing, and fame. It starts at the top with the leagues themselves, then trickles down to the owners and eventually the players. 

the competition aspect of it is secondary, behind the aforementioned factors.  even the competitiveness is egocentric, as it is about one's legacy

I'm sorry, it's still exist and that's why I'm a Celtics fan. Because we have that.

Re: Durant to GSW
« Reply #344 on: July 05, 2016, 04:04:51 PM »

Offline dark_lord

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Sports is about competition and adversity.

sadly,not anymore.....sports is about money, marketing, and fame. It starts at the top with the leagues themselves, then trickles down to the owners and eventually the players. 

the competition aspect of it is secondary, behind the aforementioned factors.  even the competitiveness is egocentric, as it is about one's legacy

I'm sorry, it's still exist and that's why I'm a Celtics fan. Because we have that.

im a fan too, and love the grit and heart of our team.....but we aren't good.  its easy to root for our team, but we won't be successful being the exception to the rule  :-\