The Kevin Durant-to-the-Warriors discussion isn’t abating, and a big reason why is that something new is being reported at seemingly regular intervals. Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Warriors were a significant frontrunner to land Durant; Marc Spears reported that Durant has done due diligence on the Bay Area; and Chris Broussard wrote that some Warriors’ executives believe they’re going to get Durant.
So despite being in the midst of a historic season, and with their focus on winning a second consecutive title, the Warriors are going to have answer questions about everything Durant.
And there are tons of fascinating aspects to discuss. We dissected Durant and the Warriors inside and out on 95.7-FM The Game. Here’s some of what we talked about:
–How would Durant, who’s played his whole career in Oklahoma City, fit in? The thing about Durant is that, yes, he is a scorer, but, no, he’s not selfish. He’s a high-character person, but that doesn’t change the fact that the thing he does better than anything else on planet earth is put the ball in the bucket. Stephen Curry does that pretty well, too. Do you really want Durant “fitting in” to something that might not come naturally to him?
–On the one hand, how could you possibly turn up your nose at acquiring Durant – and get this – without having to lose Curry, Klay Thompson or Draymond Green? On the other, how could you possibly want to tinker with perhaps one of the greatest teams in NBA history with one of their signature trademarks: Chemistry? It really is kind of crazy.
–Acquiring Durant would have ripple effects that are incomprehensible at this time. It would mean the Warriors would have, in essence, two 30-point per game scorers. A Curry-Durant duo would likely mean less shots for Thompson, and that will have an effect – perhaps even at the defensive end.
Right now Green is an integral part of your team. Flat-out integral. Green’s role would have to change. He would have to become less integral, less involved because Durant would have the ball in his hands more than Harrison Barnes ever did. That alone would take away touches from Green. Keep in mind we’re just talking at the offensive end right now. Defensively? Well, can’t imagine anyone believes Warriors would be better defensively with Durant.
–The most frustrating part of all of this is that the conversations on the topic will continue. The possibility of the Warriors getting Durant is endlessly intriguing and, obviously, it’s within the realm of possibility. I do believe this will be an obstacle the Warriors will overcome, and have already written that.
–Bottom line for me is that I have no idea if I’d want Durant on the Warriors or not. Too much depends on what lies ahead. Do the Warriors repeat? How does Durant do in the postseason? Which players are you going to have to jettison in one way or the other to get Durant? There is just too much unknown right now.
Matt Steinmetz 