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Golden State Warriors: It’s Time To Stop Hating On Kevin Durant

By Nathan Grubel

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks towards an official during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks towards an official during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant has endured a lot of criticism regarding his free agency decision, but enough is enough.

Kevin Durant made his free agency decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder months ago. Yet somehow each day we’re reminded of not only the magnitude, but of how he’s apparently a huge jerk.

Yes, the Golden State Warriors seem like an overpowered juggernaut now with all of their offensive weapons. In fact, I’m not sure there’s ever been a greater collection of four-plus stars in NBA history.

But these should remain basketball discussions and don’t have anything to do with Durant’s personal character. Durant made a choice that’s better for him in more ways than one. And yes, most of these do involve the court.

For starters he’s on a team that plays with a philosophy of supremely quick ball movement and selflessness.

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The Warriors find ways to win through their up-tempo style (second in the league in pace per NBA.com). Everything they do on the floor encompasses that philosophy.

Ball switches, passes and shots up and down the floor all happen at rapid pace.

And that’s when Durant is at his absolute best.

Oklahoma City flourished when Durant and Russell Westbrook attacked in transition. When they could run and take control, the offense was never better (third-most points per game scored in very early shot clock situations last year, per NBA.com).

But now Durant plays on a team that lives to share the ball, as the Warriors led the league in assists per game last season at 28.9. Team leaders Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are excellent passers off the dribble and know how to break down defenses in multiple ways.

When Durant wants to flex his basketball IQ and find the open man, he has arguably the two best shooters in the game to find in Curry and Klay Thompson.

Before we go any further though, it’s important to note that Westbrook is a phenomenal passer himself.

When he wants to be.

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Suns' Kevin Durant getting well-earned praise before 2023-24 season
Suns' Kevin Durant getting well-earned praise before 2023-24 season /

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    • Westbrook’s selfishness and willingness to settle for poor jump shots limited OKC’s ceiling overall. It’s easy to understand why Durant got tired of watching the same movie over again each year.

    Now he’s with a team that gets everyone involved to cruise past opponents.

    Just imagine how great Durant will be after he has the same rest in fourth quarters as Curry, who sat out 17 fourth quarters last season. The prospect of a fresh KD for a championship run has everyone anxiously awaiting the 2017 NBA playoffs.

    So how can we actually hate someone for choosing a situation that’s the best for them? How selfish are we fans truly that we don’t want to see a “super team” because of a potentially boring regular season?

    Think also about the benefits for him off the court. Living in the Bay Area has plenty of pluses for him and his family. Being in California also does wonders for his brand and financial opportunities.

    Basically he has a better working situation, more financial surplus and a greater quality of life overall. Yet we hate on him because he chose to go play with other top stars?

    The goal for every professional athlete revolves around winning at the highest level. Durant gave himself the best chance to do so, and it’s not fair in the slightest to criticize him for doing so.

    Next: NBA Predictions: 2016-17 Win Projections For All 30 Teams

    Stop hating Kevin Durant for reasons that are out of our control. It’s his life and choice to make, not ours.

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