Kevin Durant has never been shy about setting the record straight, and he did it again this week in an exchange on Twitter. This time, while addressing a lie from his former teammate Andre Iguodala, Durant also shed some light on why so many people look for any excuse to hate on his game.
“I hurt them on July 4th 2016 and they have been plotting on ways to get me back ever since..it’s deeper than rap.”
I hurt them on July 4th 2016 and they have been plotting on ways to get me back ever since..it’s deeper than rap
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 15, 2023
Durant’s reference to 2016 is no doubt about his decision to join the Golden State Warriors, which still counts today as one of the most controversial off-season moves in sports history. At the time, Durant’s decision blew up the basketball world and fans blasted the Warriors star for ruining the competitive balance of the league. While Durant would only stay a Warrior for three seasons, it’s still remembered as the defining stretch of his career and one that many fans still despise today.
When Durant Became The Villain
Leading up to the 2016 offseason, Durant was actually one of the most likable stars in the league. His infamous MVP speech from years earlier captured the internet by storm and his Finals run from 2012 was proof enough that he was one of the best in the world. So when Durant abandoned the Thunder to chase an easy ring with the 73-win Warriors, he became public enemy no. one until the day he left.
During his stint as a Warrior, Durant embraced the villain role and started combating his critics full-time on social media. All the while, Durant kept winning on the court and it’s a trend that would continue until their Finals loss to the Raptors in 2018. Today, the hate for Durant isn’t nearly as strong as it used to be but there are still a lot of sour feelings about his choice to become a Warrior all those years ago. He changed the league forever that day and it will never be the same again.
Durant Is On A Mission
This season is shaping up to be another masterpiece for the 13x All-Star. Through 20 games this season, he’s averaging 30.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 52% shooting. As a team, the Suns are 13-11 thanks to Durant, who has kept them float despite injuries to Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. At 35 years old, experts were predicting a slight decline for Durant this season but he hasn’t lost a step from his Thunder days and continues to hold his place as one of the five best players in the game.
So with Durant still going strong, and Devin Booker honing a brand new part of his game, the Suns are undoubtedly among the favorites to come out of the West. If they do end up winning the title this season, it will be time to talk about Durant’s career and reflect on his place among the all-time greats. At the very least, another title will silence his critics and haters, who are still not over his big decision from 2016. Love him or hate him, Durant’s legacy cannot be denied, and he’s doing everything in his power to prove that he can win without the help of Stephen Curry.
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