Hoops Habit
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NBA Christmas: A Gift For Every Team’s Wish List

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) react after a play against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder

A Deep Playoff Run

This isn’t even about whether or not the Oklahoma City Thunder win a championship this year or not; this is about whether they can get close enough to convince Kevin Durant that his best shot at winning multiple titles remains with the team he currently plays for.

This summer, teams will be lining up around the block if there’s even a whiff of a scent of KD leaving OKC in free agency. The thing is, there’s very little chance that anyone other than the Warriors could offer him a better chance at winning a championship.

The Durant-Russell Westbrook pairing has long been criticized as a partnership destined to fail, but that duo is more than good enough to win a title. The Warriors and Spurs are still the favorites out West, but if the Thunder can make a deep postseason run and or even win it all, they’ll secure their long-term future by ensuring that Kevin Durant wants to remain in Oklahoma City for the rest of his prime.

Next: Orlando Magic