Durant-ula Spinning a New Web in Norcal

Amidst a sea of commentary revolving around number 35's most recent move across the country, you may find yourself frustratingly ambivalent about Durant and the Warriors. It's an odd move, and an even more odd thing to criticize once you look at the facts. Let's look at the facts. The Warriors currently hold the best record in the NBA at the All-Star break, they are number 1 in power rankings, and first in points scored, field goal percentage, assists, and blocks. These are fantastic numbers by any means. So if you're like me, a fan initially skeptic of KD's acquisition, it's tough to argue with numbers. Who's to say what those numbers would look like if he hadn't made the move. A Warriors team freshly out of both winning and losing a championship has a pending fragility about them that we've seen in losses to bottom-of-the-barrel teams. But did they need Durant? Did they really need another superstar?

As a fan of the Warriors, he is last thing they needed. With two highly proficient scorers in Curry and Thompson, one of whom holds the record for most points in a single quarter and the other holds the record for most threes in a season (set previously by him, twice) a scorer should have been at the bottom of the list. The 'Splash Bros' share an on-court dynamic that is ineffable. The modern day Jordan and Pippen. One picks up where the other is lacking. It's beautiful. And with Thompson's interest in the spotlight equivalent to a baby's interest in broccoli, Curry could shine. But that all shifted with Durant. Now we have two superstars, one of which is used to that light, and the other whom had to share the number 1 spot with the triple-double crazed Tasmanian Devil.

As a fan of Durant, it was the best decision he's made in his career. Going from a pressure-cooker to a well-rounded, efficient team has allowed him the freedom to express his talents. And the guy is seriously talented. He's essentially a 7 foot guard with the lateral movement of a 1 and the reach and rebounding prowess of a 5. The game hasn't seen a player with this unique ability arguably ever, and his move away from a stagnant Thunder team has allowed him to blossom. With the pressure off, Durant is able to relax. He is able to pick his moments, flex his basketball I.Q., and execute - something every NBA player desires. To paraphrase Tiger Woods, every game feels like the driving range. 

So where does that leave my verdict on the decision? Well, only time will elucidate a full answer. There's still 26 games to play plus playoffs, and a slow-and-steady Spurs team to overcome. There have been truly impressive games this season that borderline on boring to watch as a fan. When the victory is solidified at half-time, I find myself uncomfortably wishing it was closer for sheer entertainment value (an unsettling internal conflict that poses another question altogether). However, the harmony still hasn't been found throughout the team. With the current squad, will the instruments ever fully be in tune with each other?

Check back in towards the end of the season for the next chapter in the the Durantu-la saga... 

P.s. Fun fact, the shoes held by Kevin Durant in the picture are from his sixth signature line. My personal favorite iteration, these shoes had an extravagantly emphasized asymmetry to the tongue. This was an offset that was played with brilliantly by Nike, offering unique pattern and color blocking.