Storyline: Two headline stars leave their home teams for fame and titles elsewhere. Which player handled the decision better? Let’s analyze both situations. Written by Brandon Gordon, St. Paul, MN
Kevin Durant has been facing criticism about his decision to go to the Golden State Warriors. It’s the second time in a decade that a top NBA player left a team after experiencing huge success in a smaller market. LeBron James took his talents to the Heat, winning two NBA Championships in South Beach, before returning to Cleveland and winning another NBA Championship there.
Who handled the leave decision better, LeBron or KD?
The Announcement
Courtesy: hhsadvocate.com
When Durant announced the decision via The Player’s Tribune, he wrote that it was “a basketball decision.” He said he’d miss Oklahoma City–his second home–and he knew that many people would be disappointed with his decision. James announced his decision via a ESPN special, The Decision. An hour in length, the show generated over $6 million for charities.
Verdict: LeBron was criticized widely for “giving up on the city” and creating a media circus with his announcement. KD’s announcement was handled better. Point goes to Durant.
Durant 1 – James 0
What’s Left Behind
Durant left behind his partner, Russell Westbrook, a player who’s entering the prime of his career. Also left behind were Enes Kanter, Steven Adams, a solid, new coach in Billy Donovan, and a chance to play with an exciting new backcourt partner, Victor Oladipo. The situation was different in Cleveland: LeBron was the only true star on that team. Yes, he had Mo Williams and Zydrunas Illgauskas, but the rest of the cast included role players–Eric Snow, Delonte West, Daniel Gibson, and Anderson Varejao. Coach Mike Brown was heavily scrutinized throughout his tenure there despite having a 61% win percentage.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
Verdict: Durant’s decision is more perplexing. Durant left a team that would have been a favorite to win the 2017 NBA title. Without Durant, GolfOdds.com gives OKC 30-to-1 odds to win the NBA title–6th best behind the Warriors, Cavs, Spurs, Clippers, and Celtics. James’ decision made more sense. LeBron realized he needed more talent in Cleveland to win a title and a talent infusion wasn’t forthcoming. Even though OKC lost James Harden to Houston, the team management did a good job of sustaining OKC’s talent level. Witness the fact that the Thunder almost made it to the NBA Finals this year, having had the Warriors on the ropes with a 3-1 lead in the semis. From a basketball perspective, James’ decision wins over KD. Point goes to LeBron.
James 1 – Durant 1
Social Media and News Backlash
Both decisions were met with a round of Twitter hate, jersey burnings, analyst roastings, and questions about personal fortitude. Both players were called “soft” and criticized for not getting the job done with their former franchises. Durant seemed to take a “If You Can’t Beat Em, Join Em” attitude. LeBron grew up in NE Ohio. He was dubbed, “The Chosen One.” slated to be “The Next Jordan.” He was also criticized for “giving up” after Game Five of the Eastern Conference semis against the Celtics. To this day James still gets criticism for leaving Cleveland.
Courtesy: NYDailyNews.com
Verdict: This one is tricky. But if you compare immediate reactions the response was far more negative about James’ decision. Leaving his home state and home team was a massive blow for Cleveland fans. That included the reality that Miami and Cleveland are at opposite ends of the glitz and glamour spectrum. James was the “Great Hope of Cleveland.” Then he left for Miami. Durant was gracious about his time in OKC and many fans and analysts are expressing thanks for having had him in OKC. LeBron’s scrutiny in Cleveland was more harsh than what Durant is getting in OKC. That could change but, for now, point goes to KD.
Durant 2 – James 1
Conclusion
Although LeBron departure made more sense in the grander scheme of things, my conclusion is that KD’s decision was handled better.
