In an appearance on ‘The Draymond Green Show,’ NBA legend Isiah Thomas explained how Kevin Durant saved the Golden State Warriors. As Thomas claims, the Dubs were on a downward trajectory before the Durant signing in 2016 completely changed their situation.
“As the team that went 73-9 and lost to the Cleveland Cavalier team in the Finals, you up 3-1, probably one of the biggest collapses in NBA Finals history,” said Thomas. “Kevin Durant comes that summer and really saves y’all basketball legacy. You win two championships after that. The Golden State Warriors dynasty that you’re gonna go on to the Hall of Fame, it is cemented. Because if Durant don’t come that summer you guys are remembered as the 73-9 team that lost, all of your legacies are different.”
It took some guts for Isiah to say such things as a guest on Draymond Green’s podcast, but it seems not even Draymond could argue against his larger point here.
In 2016, the Warriors had a chance to make history and win their second-straight championship to top off a 73-win season. Instead, they choked away a 3-1 series lead in the Finals to give up the championship to LeBon James and the Cavaliers.
That summer, the Warriors were completely devastated and Draymond reportedly called up Kevin Durant himself that night to continue his recruiting pitch. After watching the Cavaliers celebrate their miracle championship, the Warriors were able to finalize a contract with Kevin Durant and it was the start of a historically dominant stretch for the franchise.
While Durant’s decision was highly controversial at the time, it ensured the Warriors would continue their reign at the top. With Durant, the Dubs enjoyed three years of prosperity and won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. It wasn’t until a falling out with his teammate that Kevin Durant finally left the Warriors and restored balance to the league.
Why Did Kevin Durant Leave The Golden State Warriors?
Ironically, the same person who first pulled Durant to Golden State is the person who may be most responsible for his departure three years later. After two championships and a Finals appearance, the consensus was that Kevin would remain with the Warriors to continue his streak of winning.
Instead, he shocked everyone by signing with the Nets in 2019 and choosing to hitch his wagon with Kyrie Irving instead of Stephen Curry. Durant himself has given many reasons for his decision to leave, but Draymond Green’s role is a story well told.
Apparently, the two had a falling out after Draymond had an outburst during a game. Since that moment, Durant isolated himself from his teammates and began plotting his eventual escape months later. Today, his time with the Warriors is largely seen as mixed and some still argue about whether he was a leader or follower during that three-year run.
Regardless of the opinions, it’s inarguable that Durant was a huge reason for the Warriors’ dominance, and his time there is considered the best stretch of their entire dynasty run. Love him or hate him, Kevin Durant saved the Warriors at their lowest point and it’s a feat that Isiah Thomas will not soon forget.
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