Kevin Durant to Golden State (2016)
Kevin Durant’s, now infamous, decision stands tall at our number three spot.
Golden State just won 73 regular season games. Nine losses. Single digits. That’s nothing short of remarkable. I thought it was impossible to break the Bulls 72-win-record. How could we ever see a more perfect storm than Chicago’s?
- A player of Michael Jordan’s caliber out-for-blood after a messy loss in the conference finals the year prior.
- Another top 10 player, like Scottie Pippen, who doubles as one of the ten best perimeter defenders of all time.
- Arguably the greatest rebounder/defender ever (Rodman). Plus, a handful of highly skilled role-players (Harper, Kerr, Longley).
- One of the three greatest coaches ever (Phil Jackson).
- All the while the league is at its most diluted thanks to massive expansion.
Somehow the Warriors found a way. Balancing great defense, highly skilled role players and a revolutionary offense to create a seemingly unstoppable team. But, after a bevy of injuries, a questionable Draymond suspension, and poor play from the team’s star-studded backcourt – the Warriors were eliminated by the Cavaliers in spectacular fashion.
2017 should have been the Warriors rallying cry. The point of no return. The beginning of the dynasty. Instead, they scrapped the game plan and broke basketball. How does Kevin Durant fit into the situation, though?
Strategically, the move is as sound from a basketball standpoint imaginable. Kevin Durant is a remarkable scorer, with an array of weapons so vast that he seems unstoppable at times.
A quick first-step and soft touch around the rim. A deadly mid range shot, and the ability to create space off the dribble. And, of course range from beyond the arch. The only negative to adding KD was losing both of the team’s skilled big men. So, maybe the team will lack the stout interior defense they were accustomed too, but the Warriors have lived-and-died by their “lineup of death” regardless.
The Warriors could be a colossal failure, or experience an unprecedented degree of success. That’s how much weight Durant carries, and that’s why he’s No. 3.
Next: Big Aristotle Meets LA