The Phoenix Suns are ramping up their preparations to chase a championship ring as they prepare for a first-round clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While their position as the sixth seed might have the Wolves as the slight favorites, their opponents know just how tough the Suns can be.
However, there’s more to this series than just inching closer to an NBA championship. Stephen A. Smith believes this series and the rest of the Suns’ playoff run will have great significance on Kevin Durant and his legacy as one of the best basketball players to ever set foot on the hardwood.
Stephen A. Smith thinks the Phoenix Suns losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves will leave a major dent to Kevin Durant’s legacy
During one of the most recent First Take episodes, the well-known broadcaster made a daring statement that pokes directly ad Durant’s image as a player.
He mentioned that while he did win two Finals MVP trophies during his time with the Golden State Warriors, it’s not one that he won by himself. He joined a 73-win team that needed him to get over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He then hit Durant where it hurts, per Brendan Mau of Burn City Sports:
Much to the chagrin of his loved ones and him and others who definitely have a problem with me saying this. He hasn’t been out the second round since he departed from Golden State. He never won a title before he arrived. When he departed from Oklahoma City to go to Golden State, it was after they were up 3-1 and gave up a 3-1 lead, lost to the Golden State Warriors in that season that they won 73 games and ultimately lost to LeBron James in the NBA Finals.
He tried winning his ring outside of the Warriors’ influence with Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, but the team eventually fell through without making a deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Phoenix Suns is probably Durant’s best bet at winning a ring that doesn’t have the Dubs’ fingerprints all over it. While he still has elite teammates in Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, it was clear to everyone that he’s the star man running the show together.
If his team falls to the Timberwolves in the first round, his legacy will take a huge hit in the eyes of many hoops fans.
More must-reads: