I think the comparison to LeBron joining the Heat comes from the general reaction to LeBron's decision to leave his home, the fact that Wade had already won a championship, and that he was going there to form a Big Three along with Bosh. Durant isn't leaving his home, but he did grew up as a player in OKC, the Warriors already won a championship, and he's forming a Big Four. LeBron probably needed to play with a champion to become one himself, and Durant seemingly needs one as well. Remember that right after he made his decision people were criticizing LeBron for joining Wade's Heat even though LeBron was league MVP. Later, some of the more stubborn fans still gave Wade most of the credit when the Heat began to win championships. Nobody remembers none of that anymore because, in retrospect, LeBron was clearly the best player. I think the same will happen with the Warriors and Durant. Durant will take a lot of criticism until the Warriors start winning titles and Durant proves himself to be the best player on a championship winning team. Then, people will forgive and forget and love him like the historically great player he is.
I remember when so many propped up KD as the golden boy here to LeBron's 'villainous' move to Miami. I said give it time because players are human and people will find a reason to turn on any and every player.
Durant's tweet from 2010 criticizing Lebron for going to Miami and Dwight for forcing the trade to the Lakers is popping up a lot today.
lol this is just like reading the lebron/wade/bosh joins heat thread in 2010. Same arguments, same name callings, same defense and same saltiness. Only difference is the 2010 thread was IMO even more bitter and salty.
Lol, true. Kd may one day redeem himself like Lebron did, but he better be ready to shoulder all the hate for the next several years.
How hard it is to get a ring is exactly why it's so coveted. If they handed out rings to every guy who makes the All Star team, then it would be worth next to nothing. Unfortunately for KD (and Lebron in MIA), going the easy route is exactly why those rings will not be regarded in the same light.
What if this is some kind of master plan by KD, Westbrook and Thunder to break up the Warriors (Bogut trade, letting Barnes go) so OKC will have a better chance to advance? I hope he pulls a Deandre like people have mentioned in this thread. Would be hilarious.
Whoever posted about the kids is right, I would have loved seeing Jordan and Hakeem on the same team. I got to see Kobe and the Shaq. This doesn't feel like Jordan and Hakeem though.
You rather see Jordan on the same team as Hakeem rather than Jordan VS Hakeem? Really? I guess fierce competition isn't the reason everyone watches sports...
Warriors could only decline from that season and did in the playoffs. Next season will be interesting.
They weren't relevant though, would be like if KD went to indiana or something. Just a random mediocre east team
BTW, early prediction hot take. Warriors will deal with an injury setback or chemistry issues. Cavs in 6. Seems like expecting the unexpected is par for the course all around the world right now.
Hehe. Of course you don't have any bias in the Cavs prediction, do you? But I agree that their season may not be as smooth as predicted. Either Curry/Thompson have to become Durant's spot up shooters, or vice versa. Somebody who is used to being a star will have to take a back seat and not get the numbers or touches they are accustomed to getting. That may cause some issues. Not everyone is as willing to defer as David Robinson was with Tim Duncan. I also think the Curry and Durant could have injury flare-ups. It takes incredible luck as well as talent to have a season like the Warriors just did. I would be very surprised if they can repeat it.
