Skip to main content

Not Mad, Just Disappointed


Look, I can't outright knock Kevin Durant for his choice - again, HIS choice - on joining the Golden State Warriors for the upcoming NBA season(s). As always, free agency is a choice for these guys, and it is completely up to them where they want to play, where they want their family to live, and what organization they feel is the best fit for those needs.

As a fan, yes I'm disappointed. It's the same feeling I had when LeBron James bolted for South Beach a few years ago. It was a sin that somehow, even with two championships, still hung over his head until it was all cleansed this past June when he did the improbable with a Cavalier championship. Part of me still can't believe that, even when I type it. 

Regardless, there are levels of this move that really bumps it up a notch from what LeBron did in 2010. First and foremost, the most obvious, Durant is joining a team that just defeated him in the Western Conference Finals. And yes, he's joining a 73-9 team. Not a good look at all. Seriously, what's the goal for next season, 74 wins?! Crazy.

Second, the balance of power in the NBA didn't really shift, as we all know how good the Dubs are, but the power definitely now tilts heavily towards NoCal. It's great for the NBA to have such an attraction for ratings and attendance - I'm sure the League office ain't complaining! Yet, it leaves the same issue we saw this past season - is there any reason to watch the rest of the NBA? Especially in the playoffs? 

Lastly, it continues the validity, extent, and questioning of the meaning of "competition" in today's NBA. When plenty of old school fans like myself miss the old days of when superstars weren't instantly crowned and they earned the status based on planting their flag and defeating other giants rather than joining powers like the Avengers, today's NBA misses and fails to embody that element. There was something there in that rivalry between Oklahoma City and the Warriors that was brewing and fun. That's now no more.


Again, I completely understand his right to choose. I also completely commend him for his article in the Players Tribune and acknowledging that he knows his decision will upset many. I just miss the old NBA - heck, in all of sports - when players sometimes despised those in the other uniforms as much as us fans do.  

Well, Oklahoma City, at least he wasn't taken from you, right? 

Durant will win a ring with Golden State. I believe that. Maybe he'll win two. Maybe three. Who knows? And I don't think we'll ever hold the championship(s) against him as the hyperbole claims in today's sports rants and soundbites. Quite frankly, championships are remembered as just that, championships. However, there is just no coming back from this. In my opinion, there is no return policy in this for Durant. 

We'll see how the general basketball world adheres to him. And most importantly, how Oklahoma City, always a positive fanbase, reacts to it. By the way, the burning jersey stuff is so lame. Stop.

But, again, KD was a popular face for the league. And is still so for Nike. His marketing moving forward should be interesting. Especially when he is side-by-side with a guy many love in Steph Curry. An Under Armour guy, by the way.

Going forward, I'm afraid Durant now becomes the bearer of the black hat that was once LeBron's during his Miami days. Except for Durant, there is nothing for him in the option of a "return" or a situation in dire need to save or cement his "legacy". There is hardly a redemption option in this story. Today's sports climate is brutal, and such moves change everything. This move has one direction - moving onward and forward. 

If Durant is okay with that, then I guess we'll have to be too. That's all there is. For this fan, it's the classic mom line, "I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed."
Labels:

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

TNA Bound For Glory 2025 Review: "I can't recall a Bound For Glory as memorable as this one"

For the first time in a verrrrryyyyyyy long time, TNA's Bound For Glory event felt like the company's "biggest event of the year". For years, the historical context of the event has often lifted up Slammiversary in this role. Nonetheless, this year, both events felt huge.  Having attended Slammiversary back in July and witnessing firsthand the magic that was inside the UBS arena on the night of TNA's new (up until now) North American attendance record, I very much found myself overly excited for BFG. For me (for me! My feelings! - I know pro wrestling fans are ready to pounce on this) - it carried an excitement similar to that of WWE's major PLEs (e.g., Wrestlemania or Royal Rumble).  I was very much in front of the TV at 6:00pm - I wanted the entire experience.  What we got was TNA putting on yet another great show! At times, it felt overdone creatively, and I think TNA often has to be perfect in all aspects in regards to criticisms; however, overall, Boun...
Read more

Dear Son, My First "Super Proud" Moment

--- 7 Years 4 Months --- Dear Son,  Today is one of those days I am super proud of you.  Of course, I'm proud of you every day, but today, I wore it on my sleeve...just a bit.  See, today you tested and earned your yellow belt. And while it feels like you'll be sticking with this martial arts love for a while, and there will be many more belts to come, today provided a lot of firsts for me. It was the first time I've seen you in an environment where you truly applied preparation and perseverance. I watched you practice in our basement on your own. Kicking. Going through combinations and striking patterns. Practicing pushups and situps to get yourself where you need to be for the fitness test. I will forever remember the visual of watching you studying the definitions and principles of a fighting spirit in the car through my rear-view mirror before each training session. I sat at every practice and training for the past fifteen weeks - for the good ones, the bad ones, and ...
Read more