Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016 from the Oklahoma City Thunder. His arrival was not well received as some fans viewed it as a cheap way for him to win a championship, as the Dubs were already a battle-ready and winning franchise. The move paid off, as he won two championship rings and two Finals MVP awards.
Gilbert Arenas recently suggested that Durant’s legacy got impacted negatively due to this move, with what he achieved both before, during, and after he joined being overlooked because of the perception that he joined a “ready-made” team so that he could win his first NBA title. A case that has divided a lot of fans and analysts.
Speaking on the “Night Cap Show” podcast, Arenas dived into the topic, defending the legacy and impact KD had when he joined the Warriors and how he played a role in ensuring that the team’s other superstars flourished. Durant’s decision to join positively boosted the value and legacies of his teammates, especially Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Draymond said it they wouldn't have won, they wouldn't have beat the Cavs if KD didn't come. Now this is the problem here though. One player legacy was sacrificed for three other players' legacy. While that same move cemented three players in the Hall of Fame, one as probably the best point guard I'd ever played, that's three players in the Hall of Fame, one as probably the best point guard I'd ever played, that's gonna get a statue. His sacrifice gave them that. Gilbert Arenas said via Night Cap podcast
In conclusion, no matter the side the fans are on, Kevin Durant‘s impact on the Warriors’ back-to-back championship-winning success can’t be easily overlooked. He is turning out for the Phoenix Suns to guide them to a strong regular season finish, where he hopes to one day become an all-time great.
Gilbert Arenas on why there are no more fights in the NBA
Gilbert Arenas opened up on the difference between the league during his time and now, when the rivalry between teams was at a maximum level. He observed that the change started in the past eras when NBA rivals often engaged in heated confrontations on the court, the modern-day league lacks the same level of intensity. Gilbert Arenas attributed this shift to the fact that the current players often train together during the offseason, which eliminates any potential for animosity. Additionally, with the NBA imposing hefty fines for on-court brawls, Agent Zero believes it prohibits players from resorting to violence.
Punches don't cost $25 anymore. Right? It don't. It cost $500, it cost $250,000. That elbow LeBron gave young fella, that little elbow, boom. And he missed one game, $390,000, that elbow cost him. Not a punch, not a fight. Gilbert Arenas added
While many may believe that if players from the past competed in today’s NBA, they’d still exhibit the physical style that characterized their era. However, Agent Zero asserts that the hefty fines from the NBA would calm them.
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