When Kevin Durant gets more hate then Lebron James…

The dreadful morning of July 4th,

Oklahoma City fans checking their phones every 2 minutes just waiting for their beloved star’s decision. Only to be left in a daze.

The cornerstone of the franchise that is Oklahoma City leaves afer 9 years, to play with a western conference foe. Not just any inner- conference foe, but to play with the dominant Golden State Warriors. The very team that delivered the heartbreaking 3–1 comeback to the OKC Thunder.

We have already started analyzing the stunning move Durant made early morning of July 4th. Stephen A. Smith actually referred to it as a “weak move”. Reggie Miller pointed out that your legacy is more important than rings. Oklahoma City fans just feel just plain betrayed.

But instead of calling it a “weak move”, or hating on his legacy, or even calling him the classic Benedict Arnold, why dont we appreciate what this man did for the city of Oklahoma City?

Kevin Durant spoiled Thunder fans for 9 seasons. He was named Rookie of the Year, won the scoring title 4 times, a league MVP, 7 time All- Star, 5 time All NBA First Team, All- Star Game MVP, Rookie Challenge MVP, and Olympic Gold Medalist. He also set the record for most point scored in an Olympic tournament. Durant also took the Thunder to 6 appearances in the playoffs, one of which was to an NBA Finals. He averaged no less than 25 ppg throughout the playoffs and no less than 20 ppg throughout his regular season career.

Kevin Durants impact in Oklahoma City goes beyond the numbers he put up on the court. He donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for the victims of the Moore Tornado in 2013, which Nike and the Thunder so graciously matched.

Now, back to his decision to leave OKC. Kevin Durant had a great run with the Thunder but, it seemed like they were just a bit short of achieving a title. With the Warriors being as young and as good as they are, the Thunders chances were not looking good to even get to the Finals. Their chances decrease even more knowing they would probably have to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Durant isn’t getting any younger and neither is his co-star Russell Westbrook. That brings me to another point.

Does KD even like playing with his so called “best bud”, Westbrook? If you really watched the Thunder this year, you would think he doesn’t. Time and time again it looked like Westbrook just wanted to be the man. The Thunder would be playing great and then the 4th quarter came around and everything went to the drain. Westbrook and KD would play hero ball. That is on Durant as well but, Westbrook instigates it. He has a habit of wanting to take rushed shots and play downhill. When he starts to do that Durant does it as well. Westbrook brings out the worst in Durant in big moments. The chances of a title with those two playing to together seemed slim. Which brings me to my final point.

To go to the Golden State Warriors would be an almost guarantee ring. The only way they would lose is if they have an injury stricken season or they absolutely melt down. With Oklahoma City things would have to go perfect for them to put the title season together, with the Warriors its practically theirs for the taking.

Kevin Durant wants to be in the talk of the greatest players of all time and you can’t be there without a ring. I understand what Reggie Miller was saying but, Durant should be a legend in OKC anyways. He did so much for that city, they should now pay him back by giving him the respect he earned. Also, by wishing him the best and hoping he wins a title.

With all of that being said, Kevin Durant just wants a ring. Thats all there is to it. Can you blame him? Thats the kind of pressure we put on our athletes. You just aren’t that good if you don’t win a championship.

If Lebron’s decision to go to Miami wasn’t a weak move then why is Kevin Durant’s? Also if Durant’s legacy is so tarnished then why is Lebron still in the talk for one of the top five players of all time? Lebron did the same thing, with way less humility, as Durant and he seems to be doing great. But we call Durant weak for doing the same thing. How about we just accept that winning a ring is what the game is about? That is what every team plays for every year, so why are we hating Durant for wanting that?