Will KD stay or leave the Bay area? Nobody knows. But one thing’s for sure: if he goes, Golden State will surely miss him.
Kevin Durant has been out of the last eight games (strained calf). It’s been clear that the Warriors have missed him. With the Raptors now taking a commanding 3-1 lead, the Warriors still wonder (as of Monday noon) if KD will play in Game 5. But the questioning goes deeper than whether KD will suit up for Game 5 (or more). Will KD ever put on a Warriors uniform again?
With free agency around the corner, the Warriors are searching for the answer. Well, from where I sit, here are five reasons why I think KD should stick stay in the Bay.
KD Could Keep the Dynasty Intact
Durant could easily say, “I want more rings!” Yes, the league is getting better year in and year out, but with all-world shooters like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson by his side for the next four years, this team could potentially win three to four more titles–if the players stay healthy. But many journalists say that Durant wants his own team and to be “The Man.” I say this: Why not be the man in “The Bay” for a couple more years and keep winning?
2019-20 Is the Beginning of a New Era in the Bay Area
With the Warriors moving to San Francisco Durant could start a new legacy by bringing San Francisco its first NBA Championship! He could also become the face of the franchise (even though that’s hard with Steph being there). Still, KD could lead the way for San Fran and be the ‘Dubs’ voice in a new city with a spanking new arena. I think KD will benefit a lot by sticking around.
The Market (San Francisco)
The media and the market is a big-time in California, and with Golden State joining the 49ers and Giants, that market gets even bigger. It means Durant could potentially become an even bigger name than he is now. Yes, SF isn’t the media epicenter like New York. But the living situation is great on the Coast and the media won’t eat him alive as they’d surely do in Gotham.
Steve Kerr
Courtesy: ESPN
Durant has grown as a player under Kerr’s guidance. KD has shown he can co-exist with shooters like Steph and Klay. Kerr has adjusted, too. He had installed a motion offense when he got to town but changed the scheme when KD arrived.
Yes, I know. There are other good NBA coaches, but Kerr and KD make an excellent pairing–something that too few people talk about. So why mess with a good thing? Keep learning from a coach who played with MJ and has coached alongside two other greats–Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich. Kerr brings a championship mentality to Golden State, and Durant should want to stick with the best.
More Finals, More Rings, More MVPs
Do the math! It’s addition: plus, plus, plus. By staying, KD could get to more finals, win more rings, and more MVP awards. It’s that simple. Steph is 30, in his prime, and shows no signs of slowing down. Klay, at 28, is just peeking. KD is 30 and just hitting his prime. Add Kerr to the mix, and I can’t figure why anybody would want to leave this organization.
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Golden State is the perfect place for KD. Yes, there’s money out there (over $200 million), but doesn’t it come down to what matters most?
I think so. And that’s why I think Durant should stay in Bay, keeping this dynasty Golden.
