OKC Thunder In the news: Frazier disses Anthony, Kerr talks Durant Decision 2019
OKC Thunder in the news Labor Day edition dives into Walt Frazier throwing shade at Carmelo Anthony and Kerr avoiding K.D. Decision 2019 talk.
So much shade gets thrown at former OKC Thunder stars Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. Granted Durant will always have to battle the critics because his move to join the NBA’s all-time in season winning record team. And, it was his former team had that very team on the ropes down 1-3.
Due to these facts Durant will always draw ire. It’s been revisited a million times, but to put it in perspective It would be somewhat similar to James Harden leaving the Rockets to join the Warriors after pushing them to seven games. As much as we want to move on, that fact will never change.
As for Carmelo Anthony, he may not boast the record those in New York wished for or one of the greatest Knicks in history desired. Case in point …
Walt Frazier disses Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant
To wit, apparently there’s no love lost between former New York Knicks star Walt Frazier and Carmelo Anthony. As one of the Knicks beloved, Frazier went on a bit of a rant detailing why Melo’s jersey doesn’t belong in the rafters. Frazier pegs Allan Houston, Bernard King (who DEFINITELY should be recognized), John Starks and Charles Oakley ahead of Anthony.
Having witnessed the overall greatness of Charles Oakley I can’t say I disagree. Like Thunder Nation views Nick Collison is how many of the Knicks faithful (and Raptors fans despite his brief tenure) view Oak. The New York Post article offered insight from “Clyde” Frazier following his interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
"“Probably not because he didn’t win a title,” Frazier said. “I’m surprised they didn’t put Allan Houston up there. I’m surprised Bernard King, who is in the Hall of Fame, they haven’t put Bernard up there. So those two guys I think are deserving. Perhaps maybe John Starks. Even the Oak Man, Charles Oakley, but that probably won’t happen with all the stuff he’s done at the Garden.”"
Frazier also throws shade Durant’s way:
The T.V. announcer offered up more opinions as colorful as his wardrobe. Topping the list was Kevin Durant having damaged his reputation via his move to the Warriors.
"Durant, as great a player he is, I would still hold back [giving him credit] because he joined a team that really didn’t need him,” the Knicks legend told SiriusXM NBA Radio on Tuesday. “He’s right there with LeBron, probably would’ve surpassed LeBron as the best player in the game soon, but for him doing that I still don’t give him the full credit that he probably would’ve deserved if he stayed in OKC and won a title with that team.”"
Frazier says Durant will always have an asterisk beside his name based on his 2016 decision to join a 73 win team. Interestingly Walt also feels KD is on the precipice of surpassing LeBron James as the best in the business. As good as KD is, I’m wondering if someone a little younger might steal that mantel like an Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Much will be learned this season in that regard. However, Frazier’s point isn’t completely out in left field since James won a title with only one superstar beside him whereas KD joined a team with three All-Stars and two of the best reserve men in the NBA.
Kerr not worried about Durant Decision 2019:
The irony of Frazier’s statement about Durant and his own personal distaste for super teams is the location most frequently mentioned for K.D. to land outside Oakland is New York.
It’s a rumor with some legs given Durant’s relationship with Kyrie Irving who is also rumored to want to head to the Mecca this summer. Depending on the validity of rumors for Jimmy Butler to also factor into this mix it has the potential for a super team to be created in 2019. This of course would require some financial maneuvering by the Knicks. Moreover, how the Knicks current star Kristaps Porzingis returns from injury mid season will also factor in.
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Although my preferences lie with the Thunder in the west and Raptors in the east (hey – I live in Toronto), it does make sense the ‘Powers That Be’ are anxious for the Knicks to return to the upper echelon. Regardless of how small market teams perform T.V. contracts and advertising sponsors would be delighted to have their two largest market teams back in the mix.
As for Durant, his current coach (Steve Kerr) isn’t taking the bait regarding his potential departure in next summer’s free agency period. Rather, Kerr took the typical coaching stance. It’s commonplace for virtually every NBA coach to offer sound bites which speak to remaining in the moment and never getting too high (after wins) or low (after losses).
It’s a mantra they must teach coaches when they begin coaching. Think about it have you ever heard a coach say “we need to win or else…” or “yes, I’m extremely worried player x will bolt this summer”. Forget it, even though Kerr who is known for his biting sense of humor, he won’t offer anything coming close to that narrative. Clutch Points writer Bruno Manrique offers up Kerr’s quote from the San Jose Mercury News.
"“You don’t worry about that,” Kerr said, according to Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News. “This year is this year. We’ll worry about all that stuff later on when the time comes. This is about this season. We’ll see where it goes.”"
Expect for this to remain a hot topic all season. And if there is any trouble with focus or wins expect the intensity to build especially with the numerous Warriors 2019 State free agents.
Thunderous Intentions 30 for 30:
The series which examines which player from every NBA team would best fill a spot on the OKC Thunder is in the home stretch. This weekend Lawrence George served up a few more off the radar trade assets who would best fulfill a role on the OKC Thunder.
Later today catch George’s take on Raptors 3-point sniper C.J. Miles.
Ranking top 50 dunks in Thunder franchise history. dark. Next
That wraps up In the news for Monday September 3. Enjoy your Labor Day long weekend and make sure to catch up on your favorite team and players here at TI.