A year after Kevin Durant’s next chapter, Thunder fans can turn the page.
Prior to Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City in February, hot take artists told OKC Thunder fans to “move on.” We, rightfully, didn’t listen. The wound was still fresh. “My Next Chapter” still rang hollow.
The transformation of Durant from “humble kid who always said the right thing” to “angry victim who lacked self-awareness” confused and upset us. Thunder fans had no disillusions about beating the Warriors on that night. Fans weren’t there because they couldn’t move on. They were there to support Russell Westbrook and the team they loved. They were there to show that, despite what he said, we truly did care about him as more than a basketball player.
One year after Durant ruined Fourth of July for Thunder fans, maybe it’s time to finally move on.
The season is over. It ended exactly how we all expected it to end. A 73-win team added the greatest scorer in the game today. They were never going to lose. Durant got his ring and Finals MVP. He played great because he’s a great player, playing with three All-Stars instead of one.
Russell Westbrook got the MVP. He turned in one of the greatest regular seasons in NBA history. He lifted the franchise and the fans up from the lowest point. Sam Presti acquired Paul George to ensure that the team will be more than a one-man show next year. Unlike last year on this day, we hope for next year.
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I’m ready to move on.
I’m happy with Russell Westbrook and Paul George. I’m happy with the direction the team is headed. Durant seems happy. He’s sacrificing millions for a billionaire. Good for him.
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Sure, Durant keeps throwing shade. The ring on top of the cupcake. The Twitter replies. It’s easy for him to act like this when he’s unchallenged, given the team he’s on. Personally, it doesn’t bother me. It’s kind of endearing to know that it’s still on his mind. That the cupcake thing hurt him so much that he keeps bringing it up, to prove that it doesn’t hurt him.
Durant seemingly crippled the franchise a year ago. He turned the 2016-17 NBA season into a predictable slog. But that was last year.
It’s a new Fourth of July. Westbrook is still here. Now, George is here as well. Instead of sitting back and waiting for the Warriors to crumble under the luxury tax, the Thunder and other teams are loading up. Durant’s 2016 decision turned the 2017 offseason into the craziest offseason in NBA history. All signs point to the craziest season in NBA history.
Let’s enjoy one last cupcake today, Thunder fans. And let’s move to our next chapter.