"We're still going to take you down" — Kobe Bryant's unique perspective on Kevin Durant's decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016
Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant
© Mark D. Smith - USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant’s decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2016 was met with disgust by some fans and analysts. Interestingly, Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant — one of the fiercest competitors to have ever lived — offered a very unique perspective.
That’s unfair
Months after the 73-win Warriors bowed down to LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals, Durant signed a two-year, $54.2 million contract with the Dubs. Analysts deemed this the weakest move by any superstar in history. Fans said Durant had tarnished his reputation. Bryant, who had just retired after 20 years in the league, shared his thoughts on the matter.
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"I would have thought less about myself if I looked at that move and said, 'That's unfair,'" he said. "If you're a real competitor, you look at that and say, 'OK, lace 'em up. Let's go. I don't care how many players you have over there; we're still going to take you down,'" Bryant said, per The Jim Rome show via Bleacher Report.
Die-hard fans of Kobe wouldn’t be surprised by these comments. The Black Mamba was the type who never backed down from competition. A few years ago, a clip of Devin Booker complaining about the double teams being sent at him during a pick-up game went viral. Booker said he shouldn’t be double-teamed since he gets it all season long. Kobe was asked for his thoughts in the viral video. He said that the other team should send another defender to him.
Durant’s legacy
Despite Bryant’s unique perspective, this chapter in Durant’s career will be questioned over and over again once he finally hangs up his jersey and sneakers. From time to time, superteams do form in the NBA. It’s just the tried-and-tested formula to win a string of titles.
But what made Durant’s move odd was that he joined a team that was already a contender. In fact, they won 73 games in the regular season — the most in NBA history. And so do the Warriors, despite giving up a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals need the help of another superstar? If Durant didn’t join them, would the Warriors suddenly turn into bottom feeders and not have another shot at the title?
These are some of the questions that will be debated in the coming years when it’s time to evaluate Durant’s legacy. Whatever side you’re on, you better believe it’s going to be an interesting debate.
