Golden State Warriors: Where would they be without Kevin Durant?
By Tony Pesta
The entirety of the NBA world shook when the Golden State Warriors acquired Kevin Durant during the 2016 offseason.
Since joining the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant has experienced a great amount of success. Back to back trips to the NBA Finals as well as two championships in a row. Durant also earned a pair of Finals MVP’s to go along with his achievements.
Of course, KD’s presence was a major reason for the Warriors recent reign over the league. He took them to heights they may have not been able to reach without him. Or, did he?
Before Durant made his decision to sign with the Dubs, this franchise was already trending upwards. Stephen Curry was on pace to become the best player in the league as he and the Warriors broke numerous records.
The Warriors had already made two straight NBA Finals appearances and won the 2015 title vs the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the following season, they won an NBA best 73 games and fell one game short of back to back trophies. Along the way, they even dropped off Durant and his current team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It is clear to anyone that this franchise was destined for greatness with or without the signing of KD. This is because of the fact that Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were all still young and in their primes. There weren’t many teams in the league that could compete with this elite trio.
The addition of Durant simply put them over the top. With KD, they went from one of the best teams in the league to the unquestioned powerhouse they are today. There is no telling whether or not they could have won their last two championships without the performances from their two-time Finals MVP.
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So, if KD decides that it is time for him to start another chapter next season, where does this leave the Dubs? Well, there is no reason to think they would fall off the map. In fact, it’s rather the opposite. Curry would once again have full control over his team and likely keep this franchise at the top of the food chain.