The 2018 NBA Manifesto
Kevin Durant
SF/PF - 6’9, 240lbs - 29 years old - 11 years of experience
The point of Kevin Durant was never to change the Warriors’ system. That system had just yielded 73 wins and is the backbone of the NBA’s most dominant dynasty since Jordan’s Bulls.
The point of Kevin Durant was never to change or diminish the importance of Stephen Curry. Curry is the system. It only works when he is there, taking charge, taking priority.
Instead, the point of Kevin Durant was to be the ultimate second option.
The system, led by Curry, is option number one. But in losing the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors found out that they need a backup plan. They needed someone who, when the beautiful game was either misfiring or successfully stymied, could go out and get his own. They needed someone who could salvage any play, score on anyone, and score from anywhere. Every team needs that player, obviously, but it turns out 73-9 teams do, too.
After some teething trouble, that is what Durant has become. Were he not of the elite historic talent that he is, he would be an awkward fit, a good but non-Warriors player who broke plays and did not fit the system adequately. He does, after all, stand still a fair bit these days.
Instead, he is the second system. And it works a charm.
Player Plan: Has a $26.25 million player option he will not exercised. Needs to be re-signed at all costs, and by all accounts, he will be.
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SF/PF - 6’9, 240lbs - 29 years old - 11 years of experience
The point of Kevin Durant was never to change the Warriors’ system. That system had just yielded 73 wins and is the backbone of the NBA’s most dominant dynasty since Jordan’s Bulls.
The point of Kevin Durant was never to change or diminish the importance of Stephen Curry. Curry is the system. It only works when he is there, taking charge, taking priority.
Instead, the point of Kevin Durant was to be the ultimate second option.
The system, led by Curry, is option number one. But in losing the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors found out that they need a backup plan. They needed someone who, when the beautiful game was either misfiring or successfully stymied, could go out and get his own. They needed someone who could salvage any play, score on anyone, and score from anywhere. Every team needs that player, obviously, but it turns out 73-9 teams do, too.
After some teething trouble, that is what Durant has become. Were he not of the elite historic talent that he is, he would be an awkward fit, a good but non-Warriors player who broke plays and did not fit the system adequately. He does, after all, stand still a fair bit these days.
Instead, he is the second system. And it works a charm.
Player Plan: Has a $26.25 million player option he will not exercised. Needs to be re-signed at all costs, and by all accounts, he will be.
