Does GSW losing mean KD has the green light to sign with them?

[ClipperRevival]

Replace KD with Barnes and I don't see anyone beating them. They desparately need a guy who can create his own shot when nothing is there. Curry can't do that against physical, playoff defenses and Klay is primarily an off ball player. How many times could GSW have used KD's iso scoring when their offense was stagnant?

Do you think KD signs with GSW? I think the chances are pretty good. And more importantly, he won't be crucified by the public for doing so.

[NBAGOAT]

Not sure about the last part. Signing with a better team on paper when you're already in a great situation might not look good. Also you could look at it another way, KD sees Golden State's weaknesses and now is even more confident he can beat them next year so he has less reason to leave.

[ClipperRevival]

Not sure about the last part. Signing with a better team on paper when you're already in a great situation might not look good. Also you could look at it another way, KD sees Golden State's weaknesses and now is even more confident he can beat them next year so he has less reason to leave.

You could be rignt. OKC is looking pretty strong right now. But damn, replace Barnes with KD and it could be a wrap for the rest of the league. It would tip the balance of power from two strong teams (OKC/GSW) and form a super team. But of course I could see KD just staying.

[Goofsta Knicca]

He'd be tickled pink to be playing so close to his favorite rapper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pNMqd45cmA

[NBAGOAT]

You could be rignt. OKC is looking pretty strong right now. But damn, replace Barnes with KD and it could be a wrap for the rest of the league. It would tip the balance of power from two strong teams (OKC/GSW) and form a super team. But of course I could see KD just staying.

well I wouldn't hold it against him if he did it but I'm sure others will. It is still the best chance at a championship. That team is on paper unstoppable on offense and would get 75 win predictions and legit talks at least about being the most stacked team of all time. With the way Durant looked on defense in the postseason, they arguably get better there too.

[ClipperRevival]

Bump.

[FLDFSU]

Wait, why is it okay for KD to go to a team that is a legitimate rival of his (having JUST beat him in the playoffs) but when Lebron came to Miami and played on a team that he has never even faced in playoffs nor two players he has faced in the playoffs (Wade and Bosh) all hell broke lose?

Why is it okay for Lamarcus Aldridge to sign with the Spurs and in some cases encouraged for him to do so while leaving behind a promising Blazers team...

Why is it okay for Carmelo to flirt with the Bulls, his rival in the offseason?

KD, a player that many on here thinks is the best player in the NBA, goes to the Warriors, who just won 73 games and a championship, and is the two-time defending conference champions, and won a title 2 years ago...and that's okay?

[TheReal Kendall]

The way Barnes was playing you could've replaced him with a Joe Johnson or anybody capable of making a shot and they win easily.

Barnes was a liability out there. His game really regressed.

But on topic I could see them winning a few rings with Kd as long as Curry show up

[ClipperRevival]

Wait, why is it okay for KD to go to a team that is a legitimate rival of his (having JUST beat him in the playoffs) but when Lebron came to Miami and played on a team that he has never even faced in playoffs nor two players he has faced in the playoffs (Wade and Bosh) all hell broke lose?

Why is it okay for Lamarcus Aldridge to sign with the Spurs and in some cases encouraged for him to do so while leaving behind a promising Blazers team...

Why is it okay for Carmelo to flirt with the Bulls, his rival in the offseason?

KD, a player that many on here thinks is the best player in the NBA, goes to the Warriors, who just won 73 games and a championship, and is the two-time defending conference champions, and won a title 2 years ago...and that's okay?

I never said it's OK. I just don't think he would be crucified given the fact that GSW didn't win it all and they showed flaws. So that's different from winning it all.

[HurricaneKid]

Wait, why is it okay for KD to go to a team that is a legitimate rival of his (having JUST beat him in the playoffs) but when Lebron came to Miami and played on a team that he has never even faced in playoffs nor two players he has faced in the playoffs (Wade and Bosh) all hell broke lose?

Why is it okay for Lamarcus Aldridge to sign with the Spurs and in some cases encouraged for him to do so while leaving behind a promising Blazers team...

Why is it okay for Carmelo to flirt with the Bulls, his rival in the offseason?

KD, a player that many on here thinks is the best player in the NBA, goes to the Warriors, who just won 73 games and a championship, and is the two-time defending conference champions, and won a title 2 years ago...and that's okay?

Because LeBron is held to a completely different standard than any player ever. That's why.

LaMarcus really is replacing Timmy.

But a player trying to build his resume into an all time legacy can't possibly go to the team that just knocked him out of the playoffs and won 73 games. That's just silly.

[hateraid]

OP is desperately wishing for anything to slow the Lebron train. :lol
This thread reeks of agenda

[Hey Yo]

If he wants to reduce his FGA to about 10 per game.....then he'll sign.

That's why he's NOT going to sign with GSW.

[Xoush]

It's not ok, I hope KD does no such thing.
What is it with you people that you always want super stars to collude, what is the fun in that. Would you rather see 2 super teams east and west and the rest of the league depleted of talent?

Returning to the original premise, I think KD would get far less criticism than LeBron, since
(1) he wouldn't do something comparable to the Decision
(2) he is less antagonizing than Lebron
(3) it is pretty much universally recognized that the chances of him and Westbrook staying on the same team and actually winning is very low.
Westbrook is a great player, but when the moment comes and the season is on the line he is bound to make stupid mistakes, he proved this far too often. KD is not assertive enough.

If KD choses to leave I would like to see him on a team like Boston or any other Eastern Conference team (except CC ofc).
That conference has been shit far too long.




On the other hand, how great would it be KD and Westbrook won next years finals against LeBron James and CC?

[34-24 Footwork]

The way Barnes was playing you could've replaced him with a Joe Johnson or anybody capable of making a shot and they win easily.

Barnes was a liability out there. His game really regressed.

But on topic I could see them winning a few rings with Kd as long as Curry show up

Because dude is forced to be a jumpshooter. I personally think he's a little more than that. Hope he leaves.

James Jones, Joe Johnson, Wesley Matthew, Wayne Ellington would all have been better fits and produced more.

[ClipperRevival]

Barnes REALLY laid an egg the last 3 games. REALLY. He played scared and unsure of himself. Most of his mid-range and 3 point shots weren't even close.

[ClipperRevival]

Because LeBron is held to a completely different standard than any player ever. That's why.

LaMarcus really is replacing Timmy.

But a player trying to build his resume into an all time legacy can't possibly go to the team that just knocked him out of the playoffs and won 73 games. That's just silly.

Well, if GSW had won it all, it would be out of the question but they didn't. And everyone could see that this team has flaws. You can argue they were the 3rd best team in the playoffs behind CLE and OKC this year. 2 straight 7 game series isn't exactly dominating.

[Knoe Itawl]

It's not ok, I hope KD does no such thing.
What is it with you people that you always want super stars to collude, what is the fun in that. Would you rather see 2 super teams east and west and the rest of the league depleted of talent?

Returning to the original premise, I think KD would get far less criticism than LeBron, since
(1) he wouldn't do something comparable to the Decision
(2) he is less antagonizing than Lebron
(3) it is pretty much universally recognized that the chances of him and Westbrook staying on the same team and actually winning is very low.
Westbrook is a great player, but when the moment comes and the season is on the line he is bound to make stupid mistakes, he proved this far too often. KD is not assertive enough.

If KD choses to leave I would like to see him on a team like Boston or any other Eastern Conference team (except CC ofc).
That conference has been shit far too long.




On the other hand, how great would it be KD and Westbrook won next years finals against LeBron James and CC?

1. The Decision was really the worst thing Lebron did, and even then the proceeds went to charity. Also, why does nobody mention that the Decision wouldn't even have been possible if people weren't clamoring to watch it? I'm sure all the people complaining watched it too, so what does that say about them?

2. That is irrelevant when talking about similar situations

3. Haha, and the chances of Lebron winning in Cleveland at that time with Mo Williams as his second best player, and nothing looking good coming on the horizon were even slimmer. At least KD has a Westbrook level player on his team.

[livinglegend]

The only reason why okc lost was because durant choked game 6. It has nothing to do with his teammates.
If he leaves to a 73 wins team and to the team that just beat him because he choked against them, it would look really bad.

[DMAVS41]

The only reason why okc lost was because durant choked game 6. It has nothing to do with his teammates.
If he leaves to a 73 wins team and to the team that just beat him because he choked against them, it would look really bad.

Bingo.

[Quickening]

Well, if GSW had won it all, it would be out of the question but they didn't. And everyone could see that this team has flaws. You can argue they were the 3rd best team in the playoffs behind CLE and OKC this year. 2 straight 7 game series isn't exactly dominating.

Yes you can argue OKC are better than a team who finished with 73 wins and beat them in the playoffs :hammerhead:

[Stringer Bell]

I don't think he would leave, certainly not to GS after losing a painful series to them.

He would be ridiculed. Not to the extent LeBron was, partially because he wouldn't have some stupid ESPN special, and partially because LeBron will always get extra criticism AND praise because he is LeBron, but he would still get ridiculed.

[Funktion]

KD said recently his decision will be a "basketball decision".

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16371994/kevin-durant-free-agency-basketball-decision

[Kblaze8855]

They desparately need a guy who can create his own shot when nothing is there. Curry can't do that against physical, playoff defenses and Klay is primarily an off ball player.

You know they already won a title and should have won another right? How can they desperately need anything?

And Steph created shots against physical playoff defenses the last two years. Losing the last time we saw him doesnt mean none of that happened. It just means they lost.

This team could win 2-3 more rings with the most minor of moves to keep what they have going.

[FLDFSU]

I never said it's OK. I just don't think he would be crucified given the fact that GSW didn't win it all and they showed flaws. So that's different from winning it all.

Who gives a flying f%ck they happened to not win the championship this year? GS was one game from back to back champions? This season KD lost to this same team. How in the flying f%ck is it now okay that he should get less flack than Miami got when Miami was half a decade removed from winning a title and just came off a being bounce in the first round in 2010. Oh, and Wade, Bosh, and James had never faced each other in the playoffs?

I am not talking about you per se but IS in general. How does Durant get away with losing a bitter battle against one of his rivals and the joins them the next season?

[Funktion]

KD is more humble and wouldnt make a spectacle out of the whole thing as what Bran did along with all the promises and assurances he made. That along with the fact that he was leaving his home state/hometown area.

[FLDFSU]

It's not ok, I hope KD does no such thing.
What is it with you people that you always want super stars to collude, what is the fun in that. Would you rather see 2 super teams east and west and the rest of the league depleted of talent?

Returning to the original premise, I think KD would get far less criticism than LeBron, since
(1) he wouldn't do something comparable to the Decision
(2) he is less antagonizing than Lebron
(3) it is pretty much universally recognized that the chances of him and Westbrook staying on the same team and actually winning is very low.
Westbrook is a great player, but when the moment comes and the season is on the line he is bound to make stupid mistakes, he proved this far too often. KD is not assertive enough.

If KD choses to leave I would like to see him on a team like Boston or any other Eastern Conference team (except CC ofc).
That conference has been shit far too long.




On the other hand, how great would it be KD and Westbrook won next years finals against LeBron James and CC?

This entire post is filled with BS. According to ISH, superstars are supposed to beat their rivals not join them. LeBron and Wade weren't half the rivals that KD and the Warriors are. Wade never won an MVP award and Miami never won 70 plus games in a season.

KD would be 10000000000x worse than anything Wade or LeBron and therefore should be harassed 10000000000000x more than the 2010 Heat ever was.

[Stringer Bell]

You know they already won a title and should have won another right? How can they desperately need anything?

And Steph created shots against physical playoff defenses the last two years. Losing the last time we saw him doesnt mean none of that happened. It just means they lost.

This team could win 2-3 more rings with the most minor of moves to keep what they have going.

People get so overboard with every little thing. The Warriors were a game away from repeating. They choked no doubt, but a couple of bounces go their way, no Bogut injury, maybe they repeat. Hell, maybe Cleveland would be celebrating a repeat if they were healthy in 2015, or OKC would be celebrating a title if Klay didn't go bananas in game 6.

There's no "desperate need" for anything for the Warriors, but adding a big guy for some interior defense, rebounding, and some points in the paint would be a good move.

Obviously having a player of KD's caliber is something Warrior fans can dream of, but I highly doubt that happens.

[ClipperRevival]

You know they already won a title and should have won another right? How can they desperately need anything?

And Steph created shots against physical playoff defenses the last two years. Losing the last time we saw him doesnt mean none of that happened. It just means they lost.

This team could win 2-3 more rings with the most minor of moves to keep what they have going.

Did you not watch the OKC/CLE series? They lived and died by the 3. When it wasn't hitting, they had long stretches where they couldn't generate offense because they have no one who can create their own shot consistently against set defenses inside the 3 point line. No one who has a post game. No one who can just beat guys off a TT position. All of their offense is based on body/ball movement, which is optimal ball but you also need that dominant, iso scorer sometimes when nothing is there.

[ClipperRevival]

People get so overboard with every little thing. The Warriors were a game away from repeating. They choked no doubt, but a couple of bounces go their way, no Bogut injury, maybe they repeat. Hell, maybe Cleveland would be celebrating a repeat if they were healthy in 2015, or OKC would be celebrating a title if Klay didn't go bananas in game 6.

There's no "desperate need" for anything for the Warriors, but adding a big guy for some interior defense, rebounding, and some points in the paint would be a good move.

Obviously having a player of KD's caliber is something Warrior fans can dream of, but I highly doubt that happens.

Perhaps I am going a bit overboard but the fact is, they were pushed to 7 games the last 2 series. Nothing CLOSE to domination or resembling an all-time great team. This team has flaws. They struggle against physicality. Their offense is too based on the 3. How can a great team not have something as fundamental as a guy in the post who you can throw the ball too and get a basket? Or leave him isolated in the TT position who can get his shot consistently? Those are bball fundamentals that GSW lacks.

In the last 2 series, they have been DOMINATED for stretches because of this fact. Physicality is a fact of the playoffs. So is the need to create shots within the 3 points line.

[bdreason]

Because dude is forced to be a jumpshooter.


Barnes's handle makes Klay's handle look like Curry's handle. :oldlol:

Spot up shooting is all Barnes is good for. Warriors fans were literally begging Barnes to take the ball to the hoop... and he consistently had wide open lanes. Barnes also has terrible lateral foot movement, which makes him a poor defender.


As for KD, I don't want him to join the Warriors. I'd rather spend the money on defensive players and bench depth.

[Xoush]

This entire post is filled with BS. According to ISH, superstars are supposed to beat their rivals not join them. LeBron and Wade weren't half the rivals that KD and the Warriors are. Wade never won an MVP award and Miami never won 70 plus games in a season.

KD would be 10000000000x worse than anything Wade or LeBron and therefore should be harassed 10000000000000x more than the 2010 Heat ever was.

Predictably you missed the main point of the post, when LeBron and company colluded they depleted the already weak Eastern conference of talent.
Thus ensuring a cakewalk to the finals everyear. Because of this, at one point Roy Fcking Hibbert was considered along with PG the main rivals of the Heat.

However, if Durant left his team there would be still plenty of great teams left in the West. We would still see competetive matchups in the playoffs.

This being said, I agree it's a catastrophy on a personal level. After getting beaten down like he was he must not join this team.

[Stringer Bell]

Perhaps I am going a bit overboard but the fact is, they were pushed to 7 games the last 2 series. Nothing CLOSE to domination or resembling an all-time great team. This team has flaws. They struggle against physicality. Their offense is too based on the 3. How can a great team not have something as fundamental as a guy in the post who you can throw the ball too and get a basket? Or leave him isolated in the TT position who can get his shot consistently? Those are bball fundamentals that GSW lacks.

In the last 2 series, they have been DOMINATED for stretches because of this fact. Physicality is a fact of the playoffs. So is the need to create shots within the 3 points line.

I agree with all of that. Even in the regular season, they had a tendency to give up big leads.

When they were down 3-1 against OKC, I kept thinking that OKC was taking advantage of all the weaknesses that you highlighted above.

As stated before, adding a big guy for some interior defense, rebounding, physicality, and some points in the paint would be a good move.

I always thought Charles Barkley had some validation when he said the Warriors were too reliant on jump shooting and the 3-ball. The game has changed and the 3-ball is a big part of the game now, but having someone to get you points in the paint, a larger guy who can do some damage in the post and get to the line, would be a great addition.

It's interesting, I watch the 80s finals and postseason highlights quite a bit, and the perception there was the Lakers were "finesse" and when they lost to Boston in 84', it was because they couldn't be "physical" like the best in the East in Boston. Looks like history repeats itself with the whole finals of the "finesse" Western Conference team having trouble with the physicality and half-court Eastern Conference finalist.

[imdaman99]

Nah he better not do that. He has a good enough team and if he didn't wet the bed in game 6, it could have been him holding up the Finals MVP trophy.

[FLDFSU]

Predictably you missed the main point of the post, when LeBron and company colluded they depleted the already weak Eastern conference of talent.
Thus ensuring a cakewalk to the finals everyear. Because of this, at one point Roy Fcking Hibbert was considered along with PG the main rivals of the Heat.

However, if Durant left his team there would be still plenty of great teams left in the West. We would still see competetive matchups in the playoffs.

This being said, I agree it's a catastrophy on a personal level. After getting beaten down like he was he must not join this team.

When the Heat formed you still had Boston, Orlando, and Chicago. If KD goes to Warriors what other teams will be left: LA, San Antonio, and ???

[Xoush]

When the Heat formed you still had Boston, Orlando, and Chicago. If KD goes to Warriors what other teams will be left: LA, San Antonio, and ???

The relative changes in the conferences are not comperable. If you include teams like Boston, Orlando, Chicago to measure the strength of the conference you have to be honest enough to include the Rockets, Blazers, Pelicans, Jazz etc.

[NBAGOAT]

The relative changes in the conferences are not comperable. If you include teams like Boston, Orlando, Chicago to measure the strength of the conference you have to be honest enough to include the Rockets, Blazers, Pelicans, Jazz etc.

:biggums: the West teams you listed besides the Rockets don't even compare to Boston, Orlando, Chicago. Saying that is unbelievable. If you're including them, you may as well include Atlanta and Milwaukee too.

[SilkkTheShocker]

KD will never win a title. He isn't swinging any one team's chances of winning it all. Total beta.

[Xoush]

KD will never win a title. He isn't swinging any one team's chances of winning it all. Total beta.

Heard similar things being said about Dirk Nowitzki.
Dirk Nowitzki didn't win either.






Until he did.

[FLDFSU]

The relative changes in the conferences are not comperable. If you include teams like Boston, Orlando, Chicago to measure the strength of the conference you have to be honest enough to include the Rockets, Blazers, Pelicans, Jazz etc.

Orlando and Boston went to the Finals immediately before Miami formed, and Chicago won the conference the same year of the Big Three. That is not the case with many of the teams you listed.

[FLDFSU]

And I know everyone likes to get forgetful when convenient but the 2011 Heat were not predicted to even win the conference and by the time the playoffs rolled around were predicted to lose in the second round.

The Warriors literally would be at 70 games over and under.

This is not comparable.

[BigTicket]

This would be a weak move by KD. Signing with GSW would basically be admitting that he can't make it on his own, so he has to join a team that's already champions.

Ringchasing at 27, and to the team that just beat you in game 7, is really not a good look.

[ClipperRevival]

This would be a weak move by KD. Signing with GSW would basically be admitting that he can't make it on his own, so he has to join a team that's already champions.

Ringchasing at 27, and to the team that just beat you in game 7, is really not a good look.

It's not a good look but he could possibly end up with 3-4 rings and 2-4 fmvp. I would rather have that than be ringless. He can still show his greatness by taking this team to new heights in the PLAYOFFS.

[PejaNowitzki]

This would be a weak move by KD. Signing with GSW would basically be admitting that he can't make it on his own, so he has to join a team that's already champions.

Ringchasing at 27, and to the team that just beat you in game 7, is really not a good look.


Not a good look but he'd be getting paid big time, winning a shitload of games, I mean the Warriors would be an instant favorite to win 65+ games and a title with him joining the cast. They'd be the NBA's version of the Death Star.


If he went there and won 3 or 4 titles, it'd be easy for him to just say "haters gonna hate" and not give a ****.

[KyrieTheFuture]

It's ****ing bullshit that no one is calling out KD for wanting to join the team that beat his ass. LeBron didn't join ****ing Boston