Kevin Durant is a 12 time All-star with two NBA Championship rings, a former league MVP, a NBA scoring champion, and a two time NBA Finals MVP. He will also be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee. His career has checked all of the boxes.
On the other hand, KD has been a "Robin" caliber talent when it comes to actual winning. I said this several years ago, but the masses became irate at the mere thought. Once again, I was correct, and now NBA teams are starting realize this as well.
During his time with the Golden State Warriors KD did not lead the team in any statistical categories. In addition, he greatly benefitted from being wide open and/or getting single coverage as two defenders chased Steph Curry all over the court. Teams have to guard Steph Curry as soon as he passes half court - FACTS. We all know what happens when Curry is doubled, and that he goes crazy when he is not. Curry's "poison" is MUCH DEADLIER than Durant's.
Furthermore, during the playoffs it became crystal clear that KD is a leading candidate for a "best supporting actor" rile, but he is not a "leading man" material. Golden State won before him, with him, and they won after him. Durant was literally a replaceable piece.
Andrew Wiggins filled his position brilliantly. Wiggins does not have Durant's prima donna attitude, and he is a much better defender. It is now obvious that Durant needed the current NBA champions more than they needed him.
Kevin Durant has been in the league 14 years and he still has $192M due him on a four year GUARANTEED contract. Wishful thinking will lead one to believe that he will continue to excel. Reality says otherwise. The average NBA career lasts five years, so KD has already been "blessed" with 9 extra seasons. Nothing lasts forever.
Durant is currently 33 years of age and on the decline just like his peers, former teammates, former scoring champions, and former league MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Furthermore, let's not forget how Jason Tatum "young boyed" Durant as the Boston Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets.
Although Kevin Durant fans want to believe otherwise, his next four seasons will not be better than his last four. Teams that are "chip chasing" rightfully avoid older high priced players not named Lebron. As Durant once confidently told reporters, " Everyone knows who I am.". This is true. We also know who Durant is not - BATMAN.
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