If you love the Thunder, or just the NBA in general, then you have learned to automatically associate Kevin Durant with Oklahoma City. As a result, you’re probably also aware that Durant will become a free agent in 2016. There’s been much speculation on where KD will go. Some have said New York. Others have mentioned Washington D.C. Then there are the OKC faithful that hope the Thunder can keep KD in OKC.
That’s where Thunder fan Ben Parker comes in. Parker is among the thousands of OKC fans that would do anything to see KD stay put in Oklahoma City. Parker has started a website called okloveskd.com where anyone that wants to let Durant know he’s loved in Oklahoma City can go and do so with the click of a button.
When I heard about the site I decided to sit down and ask a few questions to find out why and how Mr. Parker came up with this idea, and what got the ball rolling.
Q. So when and how did you come up with the idea to start this website?
A. I was tired of seeing all the KD to DC shirts and websites and hated hearing all the rumors and speculation on where his career was headed, so I decided to do something about it and spent about six hours putting the site together this past week. Glad I had time to get it rolling!
Q. How many people have used the site to show their love for Durant so far?
A. The link that’s a part of my pre-written tweet has been hit 956 times. And we’ve had over 150 posts to social media. I just hope people keep using the hashtag #okloveskd when they’re posting to social media. All lowercase, that’s what we’re going with!
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Q. What would KD’s career continuing in Oklahoma City mean to you?
A. The Thunder is an incredible organization, and they do great things on and off the court. And I think KD is a great face for their organization. He’s an incredible player and a fierce competitor. He’s also very generous, thoughtful, and kind. He represents us as fans. Outsiders wouldn’t know it, but we’re crazy about sports here in Oklahoma. Passionate and competitive. But this state is full of hard working people with big hearts and I think that helps all of us identify with KD. And just to watch him play. It’s amazing.
Q. Is there anything you want to say to Thunder Nation about your site?
A. I’d just like to ask them to keep spreading the word and posting. If you’re a Twitter user please use the tweet button on the site! It helps for a few reasons. One, it helps us keep a good count and two, it tags KD in every post. One more way to let him know we want him to stay in OKC! Keep using the #okloveskd hashtag and tell all your friends. Don’t be shy about posting on a regular basis!
Q. If Kevin does leave in 2016, how will that change your personal view of him and how do you think that will change the way the city sees him, if at all?
A. To me, it doesn’t change. He’s an amazing player and his off the court work shows the true KD. I don’t see how you can turn on the guy. If in the end he thinks a move is better for himself or his family I can’t argue with that. I can only wish him the best. I’ll be a KD fan for life. I certainly can’t speak for OKC, but I do think people want him to stay!! Though I don’t know what the reaction will be if he leaves.
I think Thunder fans everywhere can respect what Mr. Parker is doing. We should all get behind him and do our part to try and keep KD in OKC. So go check out okloveskd.com and let Durant know how much he means to fans everywhere.