Kevin Durant Won’t Come to Boston, But He Should
By Jeremy Karll
From being the second pick in the draft in 2007, to making a Finals appearance, to winning MVP of the league, Durant has been nothing less than spectacular during his NBA career.
The hottest free agent this off-season is without question, Kevin Durant. KD, The Durantula, MVP, or Scoring Champ are all names he goes by. From being the second pick in the draft in 2007, to making a Finals appearance, to winning MVP of the league, Durant has been nothing less than spectacular during his NBA career.
Always seen as second fiddle to LeBron James, and now sometimes seen that way on his own team, it will finally be time for Durant to have the spotlight on him, and with nothing to take it away. The options that Durant has are limitless this off-season. He’s in control of his own destiny, and wherever he chooses to play will love him.
Durant can sign a one-year deal and then chase after more money the following year, or can sign somewhere long-term. There’s been rumors about him wanting to go home and play for the Washington Wizards, or try to make basketball even bigger in Canada by joining the Toronto Raptors. There have also been talks about him trying to take over Kobe Bryant‘s legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers, or joining forces with Stephen Curry, which then the Golden State Warriors may actually never lose a game. Then, of course, there’s the very real possibility that he stays with the one team he has played for in his NBA career, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With all those teams in mind, the smartest move may be one he hasn’t even thought of yet, and that would be joining the Boston Celtics.
It seems far-fetched and very wishful thinking to think the Celtics have a realistic chance of landing the seven-time all-star. And it is, however, is it that big of a stretch to think there’s even a small chance Durant could end up wearing green next season?
The words, “The Celtics need a true star to be considered a real competitor” are starting to sound like a broken record player. It’s known that Boston is a very good team but lacks a go-to player, or at least someone to compliment Isaiah Thomas. It doesn’t need to be said that Kevin Durant could easily be that guy.
Durant is a once in a lifetime player. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, and in any way, has allowed him to average 27.4 points per game in his career, fourth all-time in NBA history. Despite only being 6’9″, Durant’s freakishly lengthy arms allows him to shoot over defenders, as well as post-up on the block. He shoots 38.1 percent from three in his career, yet has gotten inside to attempt 22.3 percent of his career shots inside of three feet. Durant has won four scoring titles in his career, yet has become almost forgotten in Oklahoma City this season.
Russell Westbrook has played out of his mind, but Durant still averages 27.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, a career-high, for the Thunder. Despite Stephen Curry’s ridiculous range, Durant has an argument at being the game’s best scorer.
Durant’s all-around game can be accredited to his long arms, which is why he got the name Durantula. He has averaged 1.3 blocks per game this season, a career-high, and 4.6 assists per game. He makes everyone on the court better, which was seen when he only played in 27 games last season and the Thunder missed the postseason.
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There is no arguing Durant’s greatness, or the fact he’ll be a first ballot hall-of-famer. There’s also no arguing that at only 27-years old, he still has a lot left in the tank However, he isn’t getting any younger and his window is quickly closing to win a ring, especially with Golden State’s dominance.
That leaves the question of, where should Durant play?
A lot of people may look at money as a deciding factor for Durant. However, wherever he goes, he’ll make sure he gets paid a maximum contract. Plus, all the endorsements he has, I don’t think the little extra money that Oklahoma City can offer will be that much of a deciding factor. I think he knows that it will only get harder to win a championship, and he needs to look at the best situation for him.
The Lakers are a mess and even though carrying on Kobe’s legacy would be special, they’re nowhere near championship level — even with Durant.
Toronto would be an interesting fit, although I don’t think they go seriously after Durant this off-season. After signing DeMarre Carroll to a huge contract last off-season, I expect them to stick with DeMar DeRozan to keep their core together.
The three teams that have a chance, in my mind, are the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Wizards are on the verge of missing the playoffs this season, and the addition of Durant will get them closer but not push them over the edge to a team that could win it all. They have too many other holes.
Golden State would instantly be favorites to break the 72-win Chicago Bulls record, however, I don’t think Durant is the type of player to team up with an already great team, he wants to win one on his own — not a shot at LeBron.
Ultimately, I think the Oklahoma City Thunder resign Durant.
Although, Durant should take a hard look at the Boston Celtics. With his length, he could start at power forward to keep Jae Crowder in the starting lineup, somewhere Durant has played at 21 percent of the time this season, according to Basketball Reference. He would also be a leader for a young team, and while Boston is looking for a star, Durant would be the superstar to push them to favorites in the Eastern Conference, not just competitors.
Durant is one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA, unlike Carmelo Anthony, so his and Isaiah Thomas’ games would be able to co-exist. Not to mention that Thomas has become more of a playmaker this season and Boston’s ball movement would create a lot of open shots for Durant.
With the youth that Boston already has, and their abundance of draft picks, they would be able to rise to the top quickly with Durant at the helm, and stay there. Durant would also be playing in the weaker Eastern Conference for the first time in his career, which would give him a much easier path to the Finals.
Boston has enough cap room to pay him, as well as go out and sign another big time free-agent to give them one of the best starting fives in the league. The money, championship-caliber level roster, and great head coach are all there for Durant in Boston.
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Boston has been seen as a great fit for Durant by many, yet have not been seen as a realistic destination. It seems unlikely that Durant comes to Boston, but don’t count out Danny Ainge.