Kevin Durant‘s 3-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, though it brought several glories to him and the team, remained a contentious one. He always carried a target on his back. The media and the trolls had a fun time targeting him. But the Chief of the Dubs nation remained rock solid with KD and never wanted to lose him in free agency. Thus, it is natural that the Dubs would celebrate KD as he comes for the season opener with his Phoenix team.
In all the revelry, it would also be business for Steve Kerr’s team that wants to size up their new empowered rival. The western conference is murkier than ever.
Dubs Salute KD
Kevin Durant was an integral part of the Dubs dynasty. But except for the Warrior fans, the rest of the NBA world could not wait to pry him away from the Golden State Team. And after 4 years of his departure from the Bay, he returns to the Chase Center. And the governor, Joe Lacob, leads the cheering squad to let him know that he will forever be loved and cherished by the Warriors. Thus it comes as no surprise that he expects a “tremendous ovation” for Durant in his below post.
Joe Lacob on Kevin Durant's return on opening night: “I want to say this to all of our fans, it needs to be, it should be and it will be a tremendous ovation for a guy that helped us win two world championships… I have nothing but the highest regard for him.” 👏
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— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 18, 2023
There was a sense of guilt not only with the Warriors team and organization but also among the fans when KD went down in the finals against Toronto. KD risked his health for the sake of the team, and no Dubs fan, for that matter, any NBA fan, would forget that. In fact, immediately after KD left for Brooklyn, Mr. Lacob had announced that no one else would get to wear KD’s No. 35 jersey as it would be retired by the Dubs. And that love and respect for KD will always be there.
The New Super Team
The Phoenix Suns have three scorers that can light up any opponents on their own. Yet they find in each other’s company. Devin Booker compared his partnership with KD and Bradley Beal to that of a Spiderman movie, in which there were 3 Spidermen saving the world. It remains to be seen if this trio will bring laurels to the franchise, that has never won a championship in its history.
If the Suns win a ring, it would be the ultimate relief for KD, who is tormented by the weight of his 2 championships with the Dubs. If that happens, he will be as relieved as LeBron and Steph were, who went through the same trial by fire.
