When Kevin Durant left the Warriors for New York City in 2019, it was considered a risky and questionable decision.
Over two years later, it’s starting to look like he shouldn’t have left at all.
As Kyrie Irving continues his part-time status over the COVID-19 vaccine, newcomer Ben Simmons may not play this season amid a back injury that occurred as he was ramping up for a comeback.
Once again, Durant is braving it alone for the Nets and they continue to suffer losses amid the absence of key players.
On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith couldn’t hold back his stance during one rant about KD’s move in 2019, and how it has (so far) backfired in his face.
“What does Golden State have? Culture. They do have leaders. They have culture, they have coaching, they have leadership. What I’m saying is, when you depart from that what you’re saying is ‘I ain’t worried about that cause I got that covered.’ Well if you got that covered, why is Kyrie doing what he wants to do, why is Ben Simmons running from challenges, and why are you leaving Kevin Durant hanging?
I’m telling you right now, what we celebrated about James Harden last year was in that 7th game, this dude was on the court on one leg because Kyrie was hurt and they knew KD needed something. The fact that KD has surrounded himself with dudes that seem to prioritize everything but KD. They are not supporting him and he is letting them get away with it.”
The situation is so bad, Smith even suggested an apology could be coming for Sixers GM Daryl Morey, who Stephen A. said got ‘hosed’ in the James Harden trade.
“I’m gonna have to apologize to Daryl Morey cause I thought the man got hosed. Daryl Morey evidently knew about Ben Simmons, they knew what they were getting Andre Drummond caus he can’t defend the pick and roll to save his life. He knew about Ben Simmons evidently, he knew about Andre Drummond, and he probably knew about Kyrie. I might have to apologize if it keeps going this way.”
The Nets are just 32-33 on the season, which is far from where we’d expect a team with three-star players to be Nevertheless, obstacles keep coming for the Nets and Durant has been caught in the middle.
Meanwhile, he has to watch as his former team dominates the NBA again.
It can’t be a great feeling for Durant, but there is no doubt he is as determined as ever to carry his squad as far as he can.
