Durant to Warriors

Bigpupp

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This reminds me having fun in a video game, but then learning about a cheat code. Sure it, sounds really cool at first, but it just makes the game too easy and no longer any fun.
 

WayBackVazquez

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(Insert Kobe 5 rings GIF)Yeah, the bolded is not happening. One, that is not the way the city is wired,...
Sure it is. Celeb attendance at Lakers games has been way down other than Kobe's last game, and if it weren't for his farewell tour, would have been nonexistent. Stubhub seats near the court are easy to come by for less than face now. Wait until the coming year. Sure, Nicholson and Leo (lifelong LA resident and Lakers fan) may not move to the Clippers, but the annual crop of hot young next thing actors and actresses who move in from Kansas and West Virginia have no loyalty to the Lakers, and couldn't give less of a shit about their history. Their agents at CAA and WME will tell them a Clips game is the place to be seen, and they will go.
 

reggiecleveland

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Jerry West continues to be amazing. How many good players over the years were available, he wanted, and didn't get? He was helped for years by being in LA, but there are other great markets too.

The Dubs almost lost the finals two years ago to a crippled Cavs squad and did lose this year when pushed around, exposing a weakness. IMO Barnes' misfires cost them at least a game (of course lots of things contribute to a loss, but Barnes had some wide open misses that could have salted away one of the losses), and now they've upgraded to the nth degree.

I agree with some posters that they'll be even weaker in the post and it'll be interesting to see how that's addressed - not sure on how ready draft picks are. Warriors will continue to be fun to watch - at least the starting unit, as the second unit presumably becomes a little less so.
He is basically a figurehead at this point. He has almost nothing to do with day to day running the team. But I expect a call from him helps in recruiting.
 

CreedBratton

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(Insert Kobe 5 rings GIF)Yeah, the bolded is not happening. One, that is not the way the city is wired, two, the Clips might have to get past the second round once in their history to approach that point. They aren't doing that anytime soon, not with losing Crawford and committing long term to Doc's horrible nepotism and "personnel management".

The Lakers do have to feel even sillier these days with the Mozgof signing, seeing how Bogut is now available. Bogut could give them everything they want from Mozgof - veteran leadership, a rim protector, and P&R center who knows and understands the Kerr/Walton system - for half the price and commitment.

I wonder how much Lacob's ability to sell Bay Area business connections to KD helped in the pitch.
Crawford is coming back. No idea what Doc is doing tho. Bringing rivers and Johnson back makes no sense.

Barbosa is definitely coming back to warriors for the min. He loves his role there.
 

Gunfighter 09

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Sure it is. Celeb attendance at Lakers games has been way down other than Kobe's last game, and if it weren't for his farewell tour, would have been nonexistent. Stubhub seats near the court are easy to come by for less than face now. Wait until the coming year. Sure, Nicholson and Leo (lifelong LA resident and Lakers fan) may not move to the Clippers, but the annual crop of hot young next thing actors and actresses who move in from Kansas and West Virginia have no loyalty to the Lakers, and couldn't give less of a shit about their history. Their agents at CAA and WME will tell them a Clips game is the place to be seen, and they will go.
We have a different view of the Clips prospects going forward. It will be interesting to see where the two teams are in the summer of 18, when the Clippers' big three are all FAs (if DJ ops out) and we know how the Lakers' young guys w/ Walton pan out.

EDIT - Paul and Griffen can opt out next summer.

Reggie also had the wrong bad guy in his scenario. The collapse of the Lakers already has a clear bad guy and that is Jim Buss and certainly not Kobe Bryant.
 

snowmanny

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Sure it is. Celeb attendance at Lakers games has been way down other than Kobe's last game, and if it weren't for his farewell tour, would have been nonexistent. Stubhub seats near the court are easy to come by for less than face now. Wait until the coming year. Sure, Nicholson and Leo (lifelong LA resident and Lakers fan) may not move to the Clippers, but the annual crop of hot young next thing actors and actresses who move in from Kansas and West Virginia have no loyalty to the Lakers, and couldn't give less of a shit about their history. Their agents at CAA and WME will tell them a Clips game is the place to be seen, and they will go.
They can be picked up at five, be seen at the Warriors game and be back in bed (or whatever) by midnight. I'd rather do that.
 

The Gray Eagle

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I hope Lebron teams up with Beta Durant and signs with Golden State too. He can sign for one year for the minimum salary. That would be the perfect NBA move. Just imagine the marketing they could do!
 

Sprowl

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I moved the posts about Warrior roster construction to their own thread.
 

CPT Neuron

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Always thought the Spurs had an outside chance.....how you'd play him there though is hard to sort out. He would have been the signing that sent Duncan to a bench role with Leonard, him, and Aldridge playing in the front court - wow, what a line up that would have been. Or even sliding Leonard to a 2 with Parker running point and Duncan in the 5. We'll never know.
 

kelpapa

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This reminds me having fun in a video game, but then learning about a cheat code. Sure it, sounds really cool at first, but it just makes the game too easy and no longer any fun.
I'm excited to watch the first half of Warrior games and then go to bed early due to it being a blowout.
 

CSteinhardt

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I want to watch great basketball, and this means that the Warriors games will be even more watchable than they were this year. This past season, with a top-heavy league, we had the best regular season I can recall. I'd rather it be the Celtics that are dominant, this means next season we get to see 82 times that the opponents are up for taking their best shot against the Warriors, and as a neutral I'll be rooting for the Warriors to meet that challenge.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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The move says a lot about KD's mentality, none of it very impressive. This is a guy with the talent to be in the best-10-players-of-all-time conversation but, rather than trying to lead a team to a few titles and cementing his place in that discussion, he'd rather guarantee a title or two and be content with a place alongside Worthy, Pippen, etc in the best-second-or-third-fiddle of all time conversation. Basically, he sacrificed a shot at true greatness just to reduce the chance that he goes through his career without a ring. And he made that sacrifice at 27, in his prime and with a lot of basketball left to play, not at the tail end of his career when desperation for a ring typically sets in.
 

DJnVa

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I want to watch great basketball, and this means that the Warriors games will be even more watchable than they were this year. This past season, with a top-heavy league, we had the best regular season I can recall. I'd rather it be the Celtics that are dominant, this means next season we get to see 82 times that the opponents are up for taking their best shot against the Warriors, and as a neutral I'll be rooting for the Warriors to meet that challenge.

The games will be fun until the last 18 minutes are played by the last few guys on the roster.
 

Sox and Rocks

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As a soccer fan, this decision sort of feels like Real Madrid signing Bale or Barcelona picking up Luis Suarez -- incredible teams get better and widen the talent gap. It's fun to watch Barcelona play with Messi-Neymar-Suarez. They do things that no one else does.

But it's boring. Sure, they have off days, and it's fun in a sadistic way to watch them squirm under the pressure of expectations, but you skip nine matches of ten--just watch the YouTube highlights--because they are going to steamroll the competition.

So, good for Durant for getting paid. Good for Durant playing where he wants to play. Good for Durant chasing rings.

But this move is boring. Yes, it'll be fun to watch Golden State highlights. Yes, it'll be interesting to see how they handle the pressure of sky-high expectations. It's boring because they'll roll through the league without breaking a sweat, just like Barcelona in 90% of its games.
I agree with this, but then again I find the nba regular season to be rather boring anyway. Wake me up when the conference finals begin.
 

Sox and Rocks

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This reminds me having fun in a video game, but then learning about a cheat code. Sure it, sounds really cool at first, but it just makes the game too easy and no longer any fun.
This is exactly what it's like. When I played games as a kid, I never understood why so many of my friends would stack their rosters with as many stars as possible (mostly madden). Where's the challenge? Sports isn't fun if it's not challenging.
 

PC Drunken Friar

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The move says a lot about KD's mentality, none of it very impressive. This is a guy with the talent to be in the best-10-players-of-all-time conversation but, rather than trying to lead a team to a few titles and cementing his place in that discussion, he'd rather guarantee a title or two and be content with a place alongside Worthy, Pippen, etc in the best-second-or-third-fiddle of all time conversation. Basically, he sacrificed a shot at true greatness just to reduce the chance that he goes through his career without a ring. And he made that sacrifice at 27, in his prime and with a lot of basketball left to play, not at the tail end of his career when desperation for a ring typically sets in.
Wow, I think you need to climb off of that soapbox. Has anyone thought that maybe, just maybe, he saw how FUN the Warriors were last year and that he would love to play like that? It is a game after all.

That Warriors team made my dad, who had probably watched 4 non-playoff non-Celtics games in the last 10 years stay up past midnight to watch them as much as he could. Can you imagine how a basketball junkie like KD felt while watching/talking about them?
 

tbrep

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Wow, I think you need to climb off of that soapbox. Has anyone thought that maybe, just maybe, he saw how FUN the Warriors were last year and that he would love to play like that? It is a game after all.

That Warriors team made my dad, who had probably watched 4 non-playoff non-Celtics games in the last 10 years stay up past midnight to watch them as much as he could. Can you imagine how a basketball junkie like KD felt while watching/talking about them?
Good point. There are guys who really care about legacy and all that jazz (e.g. Kobe, MJ) but a lot of players just want to enjoy themselves, have success and couldn't care less where people in sports bars rank them in hypothetical all-time lists.
 

snowmanny

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If I could make the same money at any one of thirty places I might pick the one that had the most talented employees, the most likelihood of success, the most fun, and the one in a top three city. And I think I'd like working with Steph Curry more than Russell Westbrook but that's just a guess.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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The move says a lot about KD's mentality, none of it very impressive. This is a guy with the talent to be in the best-10-players-of-all-time conversation but, rather than trying to lead a team to a few titles and cementing his place in that discussion, he'd rather guarantee a title or two and be content with a place alongside Worthy, Pippen, etc in the best-second-or-third-fiddle of all time conversation. Basically, he sacrificed a shot at true greatness just to reduce the chance that he goes through his career without a ring. And he made that sacrifice at 27, in his prime and with a lot of basketball left to play, not at the tail end of his career when desperation for a ring typically sets in.
So you think a guy who sacrifices money and the ego boost of being "the man" for the shot to join a team that puts him in the best position to win is not impressive? That is an interesting take for sure.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

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Wow, I think you need to climb off of that soapbox. Has anyone thought that maybe, just maybe, he saw how FUN the Warriors were last year and that he would love to play like that? It is a game after all.

That Warriors team made my dad, who had probably watched 4 non-playoff non-Celtics games in the last 10 years stay up past midnight to watch them as much as he could. Can you imagine how a basketball junkie like KD felt while watching/talking about them?
Yeah, dude! It's super awesome to have 3 of the best 15 players in the league on one team.

If your dad liked that, he should check out the globetrotters. They run circles around the admirals!
 

Jeff Van GULLY

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No one can blame Durant since he said he wanted to win championships above all prior to the whole dog and pony show. Golden State will give him the best opportunity over the next 3-4 years to do that.

Not dealing future draft picks for Jimmy Butler looks great now. And Jaylen Brown's development become that much more important. The Celtics could be one of the best positioned teams to take on the Warriors in 3 years.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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So you think a guy who sacrifices money and the ego boost of being "the man" for the shot to join a team that puts him in the best position to win is not impressive? That is an interesting take for sure.
The money point is a red herring as the sacrifice is miniscule in the big picture. Otherwise, what you refer to as the "ego boost of being the man" can also be seen as a chance to establish himself among the all time greats of the game, by leading a team to a title or two. And he clearly decided that he didn't want any part of that scenario any more. If he wants to just crush everybody playing 4th fiddle to Steph, Klay, and Draymond and win a few rings, that is his choice to make. But of course he'll be judged negatively on that decision by a public that wants its most talented stars to aspire to greatness and challenge themselves to be the best. I don't see what's so interesting or unusual about that take.
 

E5 Yaz

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But of course he'll be judged negatively on that decision by a public that wants its most talented stars to aspire to greatness and challenge themselves to be the best. I don't see what's so interesting or unusual about that take.
You're correct: It's not interesting or unusual.
 

splendid splinter

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On the surface it does look like he's trying to take the easy road to a ring, but maybe he figured "Golden State is going to add a FA stud and build a monster, either this year or next. I can either be part of that monster or be stuck battling a superteam for the next several years."
 

TheoShmeo

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Many athletes -- professional and weekend warriors (no pun intended) -- want to win championships above all else.

So from that perspective, going to a team that will give you the greatest chance to do that is understandable. And as others have pointed out, the Warriors look like they have a lot of fun on the way to winning.

But Durant exists in a world that will dissect his decision and judge him for it and its consequences. So while it's of course his choice to make, I think it remains a little curious that he made a decision that will almost certainly result in muted praise for him if they do win a title ("he joined a loaded team") and some severe criticism if they don't ("Durant couldn't win even with that cast around him"). There's also something unsettling about the "if you can't beat em, join em" aspect of this...for many fans.

In short, Durant must really not care about how he is perceived. Or he must underestimate how much he cares about that.
 
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Cesar Crespo

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If and when Durant actually wins the title in GS, no one will no longer care. Everyone said the same about Lebron if he won titles in Miami. As soon as he won his first ring, it wasn't an issue anymore.


Durant playing 15 seasons and not winning any rings will hurt his legacy far more than him going to GS to win a ring or two. He could easily be the next Charles Barkley.
 

dcmissle

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Or he understands what follows Malone, Barkley et al and wants no part it -- "he never got it done."

There is an element of can't win for losing in this. We'll acknowledge players only when they go to a non-stacked team and win. Really?

Screw the disappointed fan bases. They will have knives out for you almost no matter what. The only way he does not get killed is if he goes back to OKC -- and he wins a title.

Celts fans should be pleased with Horford and being in the conversation with Durant.
 

dcmissle

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And it must be said again, who the eff is SAS (Mel Kiper)?
 

Sprowl

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Celts fans should be pleased with Horford and being in the conversation with Durant.
Yes -- Horford makes the team much better in the front court, the Celtics' public profile got lots of favorable attention around the league, the collection of assets is still intact, including one more max slot for next year's bidding, and the team's current players are one year more mature and closer to their primes.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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Or he understands what follows Malone, Barkley et al and wants no part it -- "he never got it done."

There is an element of can't win for losing in this. We'll acknowledge players only when they go to a non-stacked team and win. Really?
This completely undersells the unusual nature of Durant's situation - a bonafide generational talent superstar smack in the middle of his prime deciding to join the best team in the league where he won't be the first (and maybe not even second) option. To only "acknowledge" players who don't fit this category is still to acknowledge 99.9% of the league.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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Why do people keep saying "years?"

It's one year. He'll opt out, because everyone does, and we'll have the same circus next year. If the Celtics make noise this year, he'll consider them again. But he's going to go for the ring this year and the money next year and beyond. Seems pretty smart to me.
 

mcpickl

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Why do people keep saying "years?"

It's one year. He'll opt out, because everyone does, and we'll have the same circus next year. If the Celtics make noise this year, he'll consider them again. But he's going to go for the ring this year and the money next year and beyond. Seems pretty smart to me.
Because he can do both of those in Golden State.

Why go for a ring when you can go for rings?
 

Sprowl

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I've got no problem with Durant choosing the Bay Area. It's his life, and it's a great place to live.

Kudos to Ainge & Company for putting on a good bid for Durant, reeling in Horford, and keeping the BKN 17 and BKN 18 picks in the larder. The Celtics played the part of up-and-comer very well. Jaylen Brown will get some chances this year too.
 

mcpickl

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The money point is a red herring as the sacrifice is miniscule in the big picture. Otherwise, what you refer to as the "ego boost of being the man" can also be seen as a chance to establish himself among the all time greats of the game, by leading a team to a title or two. And he clearly decided that he didn't want any part of that scenario any more. If he wants to just crush everybody playing 4th fiddle to Steph, Klay, and Draymond and win a few rings, that is his choice to make. But of course he'll be judged negatively on that decision by a public that wants its most talented stars to aspire to greatness and challenge themselves to be the best. I don't see what's so interesting or unusual about that take.
This is some Stephen A. bananas talk right here.

One of the three best players in the league is playing 4th fiddle on his team? That's absurd.

These players can't win. If he grabs the most money, he's greedy and doesn't care about winning.

If he goes to where he thinks gives him the best chance to win, he's a non-competitive turtle.
 

dcmissle

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This completely undersells the unusual nature of Durant's situation - a bonafide generational talent superstar smack in the middle of his prime deciding to join the best team in the league where he won't be the first (and maybe not even second) option. To only "acknowledge" players who don't fit this category is still to acknowledge 99.9% of the league.
You trying to wipe out BBTL? We erect shrines to people who sublimate their egos, put team first -- and we don't give a damn how they get here or when in their careers. Or how richly they are paid.
 

BigSoxFan

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This is some Stephen A. bananas talk right here.

One of the three best players in the league is playing 4th fiddle on his team? That's absurd.

These players can't win. If he grabs the most money, he's greedy and doesn't care about winning.

If he goes to where he thinks gives him the best chance to win, he's a non-competitive turtle.
Nobody would have called Durant greedy for maxing out with OKC. But, yes, Durant is going to get skewered for this since people want to see him be the lead dog and do what LeBron just did. You're going to hear stuff like "Duncan and Kobe never did this" even though both of them were close to leaving their original teams.

Ultimately, I think Durant was just ready for a change and he had the perfect opportunity to join a franchise that will be elite for the next 5-6 years.
 

bbc23

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If and when Durant actually wins the title in GS, no one will no longer care. Everyone said the same about Lebron if he won titles in Miami. As soon as he won his first ring, it wasn't an issue anymore.


Durant playing 15 seasons and not winning any rings will hurt his legacy far more than him going to GS to win a ring or two. He could easily be the next Charles Barkley.
Bingo. I think Charles Barkley as a figure plays a big part in this. He's still one of the most prominent figures in the NBA and nobody cares/remembers how great a player he was because he didn't get a ring. We've reached a point where not getting a title is such a huge defining part of your legacy anyone would rather be hated for a little while then have to endure that stigma as a legacy.
 

EvilEmpire

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Good for Durant. Looks like a fun team to play for. Great players, good coach, team oriented ball, manageable egos, great place to live, and always an excellent chance to win. Hope he does well there. I won't be surprised if he wins an MVP over Curry at some point.
 

Montana Fan

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Like the rest of the C's fans I am disappointed to see Durant go a different direction. What a perfect fit he would have been. The main disappointment is that this delays them taking the next step. I still see the Celts moving into the top tier of the league, Danny will get it done, he has a plan and is following it. The franchise is healthy!

Kliq, are you trying to see if people are reading your posts?

Little talked about footnote: Assuming he stays more than one year, Durant to GS almost assuredly ruins any chance of him retiring with the all-time scoring record. Say what you want about the move, but I don't think it was selfish.
After 9 years in the league Durant has 17,000 or so points. He's more than 21,000 behind Kareem. He has and had no chance of passing Kareem.
 

Devizier

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Wow, I think you need to climb off of that soapbox. Has anyone thought that maybe, just maybe, he saw how FUN the Warriors were last year and that he would love to play like that?
Yeah, I think that's bullshit. He wants to win. If Cleveland had a salary slot available, he'd probably consider them, too.

I get it, people are tired of the hot take culture about legacy, being a man, etc. But there's a flipside to that. People want to watch a competitive league and don't want to watch their teams of choice get rolled in the process. And they sure as shit don't want to be lectured about why they should enjoy someone else's squad enjoy the spoils of victory. They're going to root for the Warriors to fail. Just like they root for the Patriots to fail. That's their right, and as long as they're not doing stupid shit like Giants and Dodgers fans killing each other in the parking lot, who's to deny them the pleasure?

At the end of the day, the very idea of professional sports is preposterous. There is no rational take here.