Does Durant have any excuse not to win?

[pmj]

Let's state it now: Does Durant have any excuse not to win?

He's the MVP.
He has a top 5 teammate.
He has legit big men and the best shot blocker in the NBA.
He has good role players.
No one can say the refs don't give him the benefit of the doubt, I'll leave it at that.

Who is the last young wing superstar in their prime with a similarly talented team? Kobe or maybe Wade, and they both succeeded.

Seriously, let's set the expectations. I think the Heat are flawed, old, and Spo will be exposed (mainly for playing scrub vets instead of Beas). I think the Spurs will get worked by the refs again even if they are good enough.I think the Clips won't be able to answer Durant in the clutch, so that means I'm picking OKC, short of Durant failing.

[russwest0]

http://i.imgur.com/ygd6XxM.png

[buddha]

Russell Westbrook is top 5 now? lmao

and by legit big men do you mean man?

and by good role players do you mean a good role player?

[J Shuttlesworth]

http://i.imgur.com/ygd6XxM.png
Same guys who predicted this:
http://i.imgur.com/3JsOPnT.png
So I guess OKC had no excuse to lose in 2012.

[KDthunderup]

The excuse is that there are 2 other teams more favored to win the title.

[JohnFreeman]

Championship or bust, let's not make excuses now.

[Rose'sACL]

The excuse is that there are 2 other teams more favored to win the title.
the reason those teams are favored is that one went to the finals and still has the best record in the NBA and the other team has the best player in the best player in the world according to most people even though his team is #2 seed in a bad conference.
If anything, KD should be fired up given that OKC have played better in the regular season and are still not considered the favorites to win by vegas who don't have any bias as all they care about is money which means they still consider lebron better than him. Lebron answered by winning 2012 finals when vegas thought thunder were the favorites.

[Rose'sACL]

why does Russwest keeps posting start of the season predictions?

[chazzy]

The west is pretty close after the first round. I could see the Clippers or Spurs beating them, though I would predict they make it to the finals and lose to the Heat.

[pmj]

:bowdown:
http://i.imgur.com/ygd6XxM.png
Before the season predictions. Care to post any legit reasons?

If Lebron/Wade/Kobe has Durants cast in their prime.... Their reason would be what?

[J Shuttlesworth]

why does Russwest keeps posting start of the season predictions?
He's always loaded with excuses for the Thunder not winning the chip. He's basically anticipating LeBron or Duncan winning their next ring.

If I was a Thunder fan, I'd be furious that nobody picked the Thunder to win... I mean even the Pacers got a couple votes :wtf: and the Nets/Bulls got one too

[pmj]

The west is pretty close after the first round. I could see the Clippers or Spurs beating them, though I would predict they make it to the finals and lose to the Heat.

I pretty much agree, except for why should they lose to the Heat? Spurs and Clippers are pretty objectively better teams top to bottom. I guess I'm saying, I expect OKC to get to the Finals and win, so let's be fair here.
Durant should get the same treatment as others.

[KDthunderup]

The perception that any team this season is championship or bust is ridiculous. There are several teams this season who can win a chip and there are no clear cut favorites. It will come down to luck and which team just plays better on the day.

If there is to be any excuses for the title contenders it will be that there are other great teams capable of winning the title who beat them on the day.

[russwest0]

If you gonna bet on Scott Brooks coaching a team to da title, go ahead homie. I ain't stoppin you.

[Trollsmasher]

Deuxrant has the most faithless fans. No wonder, I would not put too much stock into that stick either.

[pmj]

If you gonna bet on Scott Brooks coaching a team to da title, go ahead homie. I ain't stoppin you.

THAT would be my only legit concern and I can be honest. If he puts up the coaching job he did last time, they can lose. Thanks for posting something legit instead of usual nonsense. Otherwise, I see OKC winning.

[Warfan]

Budadiiii is the only OKC fan who I've seen say title or bust, atleast he has some fukcing balls.

[KDthunderup]

Wtf is this championship or bust shit? No team is clear cut to win the title.

Can OKC win the title this year? Yes, for sure. But its no bust if we don't win it this year.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Why are you people obsessed with placing blame on individuals? Its a TEAM game.

[russwest0]

Budadiiii is the only OKC fan who I've seen say title or bust, atleast he has some fukcing balls.

I joined him on his permaban bet with LeBron vs Durant :confusedshrug:

[KDthunderup]

Why are you people obsessed with placing blame on individuals? Its a TEAM game.
This. Durant, Lebron, CP3 etc could all play on a god like level but it doesn't mean that they will win chit if there teammates don't play well.

[inclinerator]

Wtf is this championship or bust shit? No team is clear cut to win the title.

Can OKC win the title this year? Yes, for sure. But its no bust if we don't win it this year.
is it not considered a failure season if they lose?

[KDthunderup]

is it not considered a failure season if they lose?
Its always a failure when a contender doesn't win the chip

Out of the Heat, Spurs, Thunder, Pacers and Clippers, if any of those teams don't win it all this season it would be considered a failure.

[BlackVVaves]

Its always a failure when a contender doesn't win the chip

Out of the Heat, Spurs, Thunder, Pacers and Clippers, if any of those teams don't win it all this season it would be considered a failure.

And thus, championship or bust

[KDthunderup]

And thus, championship or bust
Well then all those teams are facing championship or bust seasons, not just OKC

[MiseryCityTexas]

thunder ain't winning shit. they could barely beat the rockets last year, and lost to an average grizzlies play-off team. who cares if westbrook was hurt.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Well then all those teams are facing championship or bust seasons, not just OKC
All of those teams will be happy w/ nothing but a championship. The reason we've been really saying the "chip or bust" for Durant is because his extreme stans have been trying to say he's the best player of the modern era or better than prime LeBron/Kobe. If they're considering KD to be that good, it should absolutely be ring or bust for that squad.

[houston]

If you gonna bet on Scott Brooks coaching a team to da title, go ahead homie. I ain't stoppin you.


yea man he needs larry brown asap

[KDthunderup]

All of those teams will be happy w/ nothing but a championship. The reason we've been really saying the "chip or bust" for Durant is because his extreme stans have been trying to say he's the best player of the modern era or better than prime LeBron/Kobe. If they're considering KD to be that good, it should absolutely be ring or bust for that squad.
I don't think any Durant fan actually believes he is the best player of the modern era or has proven yet to be better then Lebron and Kobe. KD fans have been saying KD has played better then Lebron this regular season which I think most sane LBJ fans would admit is true, but LBJ stans also say that LBJ has been coasting and the playoffs are where greatness is truly shown.

If you take away all the inane bias crap spewed around message boards and social media by fans and just look at the teams objectively there is no reason why Durant should be singled out as some player with the only capable stacked roster in the league of winning a title which a lot of tards around here seem to be inferring.

[BlackVVaves]

Well then all those teams are facing championship or bust seasons, not just OKC

Wouldn't say all. Miami, OKC, Clippers, Indy, Spurs are.

[BlackVVaves]

All of those teams will be happy w/ nothing but a championship. The reason we've been really saying the "chip or bust" for Durant is because his extreme stans have been trying to say he's the best player of the modern era or better than prime LeBron/Kobe. If they're considering KD to be that good, it should absolutely be ring or bust for that squad.

True that, no qualms with this.

2014 KD can't be considered greater than any version of Kobe without being attributed the expectations Kobe did when he had a team around him.

Good point.

[J Shuttlesworth]

I don't think any Durant fan actually believes he is the best player of the modern era or has proven yet to be better then Lebron and Kobe. KD fans have been saying KD has played better then Lebron this regular season which I think most sane LBJ fans would admit is true, but LBJ stans also say that LBJ has been coasting and the playoffs are where greatness is truly shown.

If you take away all the inane bias crap spewed around message boards and social media by fans and just look at the teams objectively there is no reason why Durant should be singled out as some player with the only capable stacked roster in the league of winning a title which a lot of tards around here seem to be inferring.
You're talking about the sane OKC fans, in which I would agree with you. We just say that shit because we've all heard the trolls on here saying shit like "Durant becomes GOAT candidate with a ring this year" or "Durant winning the finals would be the greatest playoff run of all time".

I think all those top 4 teams should have that "ring or bust" mentality, but yeah it's not as if OKC is the only team with enough talent to win the chip. We just say that to counter the trolls who claim he's had the GOAT season and all that shit.

[NumberSix]

I joined him on his permaban bet with LeBron vs Durant :confusedshrug:
Do you actually think we aren't aware that you ARE him? :hammerhead:

[russwest0]

Do you actually think we aren't aware that you ARE him? :hammerhead:

Shut tha fvck up b

[NumberSix]

Shut tha fvck up b
Don't make racial remarks in my kitchen

[Keno]

shit that's not enough. apparently durant needs phil jackson also to win, he needs the perfect team. meanwhile lebron is winning with a video coordinator as the coach.

[DMAVS41]

Why are you people obsessed with placing blame on individuals? Its a TEAM game.

Of course, but it's not really blame...it's more like a way to shut fans up.

For example, the reason you would see people hate on Durant for not winning is really just because of fans...let me explain;

You have seen quite a few people on here start arguing that KD is currently better than Kobe ever was. Better than Lebron...easily better than Dirk ever was..etc.

And if that was true....then he should lead his stacked team to the title. Just the way it is...all those guys have proven shit in the playoffs...and done things Durant hasn't done yet.

So if his fans want to be able to call 14 Durant better than Kobe ever was...he needs to play great and win. If he doesn't play great and they lose...then his fans need to shut the you know what up about KD being better than some of the best players ever at their peak.

I'm a huge Durant and Thunder fan actually...and the shit is annoying me.

[pmj]

Bump... How will people look at this run for Durant?

Is Ibaka being out two games a valid excuse?

Scott Brooks lack of an offense?

Or is it Durant not sustaining his reg season level of play?

[AintNoSunshine]

http://i.imgur.com/ygd6XxM.png
:wtf: Mike Huang the Bulls?? Give me your job.:facepalm

[gts]

Bump... How will people look at this run for Durant?

Is Ibaka being out two games a valid excuse?

Scott Brooks lack of an offense?

Or is it Durant not sustaining his reg season level of play?

As we saw throughout the playoffs the Thunder have some work to do.. bench is really bad... if Ibaka goes out they suffer and Brooks is obviously going to be discussed, his system seems to lack an identity.. when it clicks it really works but when they stumble there's no fallback plan, no lets get back to what we do well

[atljonesbro]

Durant gets a pass this year.

[DMV2]

Shitty coach. KD & Russ will be champions as soon as Brooks is gone.

5 points from the bench, all 5 points by 80-year-old Derek Fisher.

OKC has a legitimate 6th man in Lamb and he gets 6 minutes? :wtf:

[joeysms55]

No, Hell Even Lebron is getting shit on when he lose while he was in the CAVS while Lakers and Bostons have stacked teams. Compare Lebron's teammates in Cavs and to Durant's teammates. Yeah he should be pressured to win the chip no matter what

[WindmiLL]

Let's state it now: Does Durant have any excuse not to win?

He's the MVP.
He has a top 5 teammate.
He has legit big men and the best shot blocker in the NBA.
He has good role players.
No one can say the refs don't give him the benefit of the doubt, I'll leave it at that.



And people were comparing Durant to Cavs Lebron:oldlol:

On the Cavs Lebron was basically one man army on offense and on defense he was doing way more than Durant. He didn't have a teammate even close to the level of Westbrook or Ibaka. Yet Cavs Lebron received way more blame and criticism for being knocked out of the playoffs than Durant is receiveing right know or previous years when he had much much better team than Cavs Lebron.

It's actually pretty ridiculous to compare Durant to Cavs Lebron or any version of Lebron because from Lebron it is and was always expected so much more.

[ArbitraryWater]

Pass... lets wait until he has a better coach






















:oldlol:

[DMAVS41]

Of course, but it's not really blame...it's more like a way to shut fans up.

For example, the reason you would see people hate on Durant for not winning is really just because of fans...let me explain;

You have seen quite a few people on here start arguing that KD is currently better than Kobe ever was. Better than Lebron...easily better than Dirk ever was..etc.

And if that was true....then he should lead his stacked team to the title. Just the way it is...all those guys have proven shit in the playoffs...and done things Durant hasn't done yet.

So if his fans want to be able to call 14 Durant better than Kobe ever was...he needs to play great and win. If he doesn't play great and they lose...then his fans need to shut the you know what up about KD being better than some of the best players ever at their peak.

I'm a huge Durant and Thunder fan actually...and the shit is annoying me.


Exactly this.

Glad I posted this earlier...this is exactly why Durant is getting hated on right now.

His annoying fans...

Also, I might add, Durant did not dominate at really any point in the playoffs in key situations. Well, that is too harsh probably, but he didn't do the kind of things (on either end) that would make you think he was on peak Kobe level (as his fans claimed all year)

I also would like to add that this is why we need to see the playoffs...it's a different game.

And for the casual observer out there...every time I went to a watch party for a Thunder game in the playoffs...all the wives and girlfriends were always asking why Westbrook didn't win league MVP.

Sometimes those opinions are meaningless, but in this case...I think they are rather sobering. WB was the best player on the Thunder in the playoffs and the 2nd best player overall in my opinion.

[Goldrush25]

I can see that Durant's going to get a pass every year for something. Might as well get used to it.

[guy]

No he doesn't deserve an excuse. He's too much of a bitch to stand up to Westbrook and demand the ball more often and in better spots, which is basically the biggest reason why this team plays so damn sloppy way too often. Scott Brooks is too much of a bitch to tell Westbrook to pass it up more often as well, but ultimately Durant's the best player and leader of this team and he has a voice. He clearly has enough talent around him to lead a team championship, but he obviously doesn't have the leadership skills to put his teammates in check and utilize everyone the right way. I guess the criticism that he's way too much of a nice guy is a valid one.

Unless he gets assertive enough, which maybe his personality prevents him from doing so, they either got to fire Scott Brooks and replace him with someone that will help do what Durant should do, or they got to trade Westbrook. And if they trade Westbrook, I'm sure we will see a more assertive Durant like we saw when Westbrook was out, but then he might not have enough talent around him. Its either one problem or another that ultimately stems from his lack of aggressiveness. Dude needs to toughen up and throw that nice guy crying i love everyone and my mommy bullshit in the garbage.

If nothing changes with Durant, Westbrook, and the coach, they aren't winning any championships. Call me crazy, but if they aren't willing to make those type of changes, they should consider doing something pretty crazy and risky like letting everyone on their team other then Durant/Westbrook/Ibaka be available in a trade for Rondo, and then letting Westbrook play the SG. EDIT: they should also consider trying to trade for Kevin Love using everyone but Durant/Westbrook/Ibaka even if it is only for a 1-year rental.

[Roundball_Rock]

Durant's the best player and leader of this team and he has a voice.

You just said he failed to exhibit leadership? The leading scorer, who puts a ball through the basket, is not necessarily the leader. Putting a ball through a hoop and leadership are completely different skills.

He has no excuse. How often do teams with the two best players in a series lose? How often do teams with the #2 and #3 players in the entire playoffs lose? Lebron would not have lost with the OKC team.

[guy]

You just said he failed to exhibit leadership? The leading scorer, who puts a ball through the basket, is not necessarily the leader. Putting a ball through a hoop and leadership are completely different skills.

He has no excuse. How often do teams with the two best players in a series lose? How often do teams with the #2 and #3 players in the entire playoffs lose? Lebron would not have lost with the OKC team.

Well, I call Durant the leader of this team cause he needs to be the leader of this team, not cause he does a good job of it.

I wouldn't call Westbrook the 3rd best player of the playoffs, but I'll admit he's up there. Durant has no excuse. Lebron wouldn't have lost cause he's a better player. He's much better as a playmaker, which means they wouldn't have such a sloppy offense, even with some ball domination from Westbrook and even if Scott Brooks doesn't know what to do on offense.

[Roundball_Rock]

Westbrook was better than Durant in the playoffs.

Westbrook: 27/8/8
Durant: 30/9/4

Durant declined from 32/7/6 in the regular season while Westbrook improved on his regular season numbers, even if you use 2013 as the benchmark. Westbrook also was more clutch.

[guy]

Westbrook was better than Durant in the playoffs.

Westbrook: 27/8/8
Durant: 30/9/4

Durant declined from 32/7/6 in the regular season while Westbrook improved on his regular season numbers, even if you use 2013 as the benchmark. Westbrook also was more clutch.

Wait what? You're saying Durant was #3 and Westbrook was #2? Westbrook overall shot terrible from the field as well. Durant wasn't his normal efficient self but he was clearly better there.

Steven Adams also improved his regular season numbers as well. Is he better? That's irrelevant.

I was talking about just who are actual better players in the playoffs, not who performed better in these playoffs. Either way, in this case you may not be wrong, but I would disagree. Even if you want to argue going by the numbers, Westbrook's whole style of play can at many times be a hinderance and just throw his whole team off so I would never say I would've rather had Westbrook during these playoffs over Durant, which in my mind means Durant was better. I think saying Westbrook was/is better is just an overreaction since Durant is held to the higher standard and getting so much criticism as a result, and rightfully so.

[Unbiased_one]

Wait what? You're saying Durant was #3 and Westbrook was #2? Westbrook overall shot terrible from the field as well. Durant wasn't his normal efficient self but he was clearly better there.

Steven Adams also improved his regular season numbers as well. Is he better? That's irrelevant.

I was talking about just who are actual better players in the playoffs, not who performed better in these playoffs. Either way, in this case you may not be wrong, but I would disagree. Even if you want to argue going by the numbers, Westbrook's whole style of play can at many times be a hinderance and just throw his whole team off so I would never say I would've rather had Westbrook during these playoffs over Durant, which in my mind means Durant was better. I think saying Westbrook was/is better is just an overreaction since Durant is held to the higher standard and getting so much criticism as a result, and rightfully so.

Nah Westbrook was clearly the best thunder player in the playoffs

[K Xerxes]

Durant's been more consistent offensively, but Westbrook has had more huge games when it counted.

He shot like shit for sure, but Durant was pretty awful defensively, not even close to Westbrook. They've performed about equally overall, probably the edge to Westbrook.

It is very disappointing from the MVP, but he's young and has time.