Booing Kevin Durant is the wrong move for Thunder fans

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

When Kevin Durant makes his triumphant return, Thunder fans should do everything but boo.

After nearly a decade in Oklahoma City, fans have yet to see Kevin Durant grace their court since May when everyone was hoping to have another Finals trip in store. Sadly, the season came to an end in Golden State, where just a month later, Durant would announce his decision to ultimately play there.

Since July, many fans have lashed out at the former MVP for taking the easy way out to win championships. Some even burned his jerseys and even gave the guy death threats. Fortunately those do not represent the real fans. Those few do not represent the majority.

As the game gets closer and closer, many fans are starting to think about what they are going to do when they call his name again. On Saturday night, many will likely boo once Durant’s name is called, but Thunder fans should definitely not boo. In fact, they should clap, cheer or simply stay silent.

Although I will not be at the game in person, I will personally cheer at my TV once Durant’s name is called during player introductions. I know that this decision may not be popular, but I just can’t boo him. He was my favorite player ever since I could remember. The Thunder have always been my favorite team because I am not that old, plus I never really had a favorite NBA team. So once I got into NBA basketball, Durant was always my favorite player and role model.

Yes, I know Durant left the Thunder and the fans out to dry, but that is his decision. Although not a popular one, nobody can force him to stay. I was very sad and even began to become angry with him when he left, but I knew that I could not hate him. How could I be so selfish to hate the player I loved for so long? I know it hurts. I know we would do anything to have him back, but the reality is he plays in Golden State now.

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What we as fans can do is be thankful for his time that he spent here. He did so much to put this city on the map for sports and so much in the community, and he still does. Booing will change nothing. It won’t take back all the years he wheeled our team to wins. It won’t change all those years he helped the community. It won’t change anything. It will change how the NBA will view us. They will view us as petty and angry about the past and can’t put this behind us.

I know how hard it has been. Everyday when I open my closet I see his jersey. I feel the pain. I feel the sadness. But, I also feel thankfulness for him. I see my Westbrook jersey hanging right beside his and feel a sense of joy. I have joy because I know that we have Westbrook on our side.

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This situation could be much worse. Yes, a franchise player left us, but we still have another one. We still have an MVP candidate, and we still win games. It is not nearly as bad as Cleveland when LeBron James left. When he left, they were the number one pick in the NBA draft. With Durant gone, we are still a playoff team and for that we should be thankful.

Saturday night, most people will boo, but that is definitely not how Thunder fans should act. How can we throw away eight years of greatness over one decision? Don’t boo Durant, cheer for him. But cheer for Westbrook louder than you ever have. If you truly want to hurt Durant, cheering someone louder than ever would really leave a staple in his mind. I know there is no way I can boo.

Durant was my role model forever, and although I did not agree with his decision, I still respect him as a player and man. I thank him for letting me love basketball as much as I do today. I thank him for making me respect the game of basketball more. I thank him for the years he spent here. I thank him for giving a state hope and happiness to an NBA franchise.

I will see you tonight, Durant.

Note: Join the Thunderous Intentions staff tonight beginning pregame running all game long and for the post game reflection. Whether you chose to clap or boo, share your opinions in this live blog with TI and Thunder fans.

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