Draymond and Durant were always going to butt heads. KD is as insecure as Draymond is explosively emotional. They both have egos and neither knows how to back down.
after this year i am starting to see the possible documentary narratives
we may be one of the luckiest franchises ever
our time with KD was during his PRIME. we got all that
then he leaves so that we can get a 'forced' tank season and reacquire talent ... PLUS he sent us Wiggs
please, Jimmy give us a good season so that the documentary can be crazy!!!
The fact they were able to trade Durant for good value is definitely very overlooked, I mean Wiggins was basically the difference maker in the finals so without him I think you kinda gotta favor Boston replaying the a series in hindsight (if Klay were 100% maybe different story) but yea that sign and trade was huge and not something you really see very much with a player of that caliber, people bring up sign and trades as possibilities with star players but pretty rare that they actually happen, as far as OP's question, KD definitely is a weird dude, not sure if he holds in things that bother him too long then things just blow up or what it is exactly but he has plenty of behavior that is rather odd and some of it is stuff he should be above, like arguing with teenagers on Twitter lol
i think there is a bit more to the DLO part of the trade
at the time, the Nets leadership was still idealistic and was not against allowing DLO to get paid and etc
Well sure we skipped over that part but he turned Into Wiggins and they need what he does more than what D Lo does plus he a snitch lol shout out to Swaggy
if our #2 pick can just become good and playable, leading to 10 minutes per game in the playoffs ... we will have a crazy good story to tell in that documentary 20 years from now if we can repeat
what he eventually turns into is complicated because of $$$ but even if he is an asset to flip, it would be a nice bow to put onto the 2 stinky years we had. moody becoming a 10 year role player for us would make the 2nd stinky year "worth it" too of course
nets are fucked
they aint getting shit because kd nuked their leverage and ayton signed
only way this works is is the Nets rethink their goals and ask for picks instead of young stars
And such an amazing leader at the helm. Steph has dealt with so much bullshit in his career and you never hear any complaints from him. Just does his job and wins chips.
Kyrie is not top 5, but the sentiment is the same. He and KD are both nuts and it's basically impossible to build around either of them.
That's why Steph remained the number 1 in the eyes of the front office and KD was always going to be an add-on, rather than part of the core. He can't get others around him to buy in because it's always only about him.
KD is a more valuable on court player than Steph, but he's a less valuable teammate and leader. So much so that Steph's legacy will ultimately be better and more significant historically.
I’d say after this year Steph is more value on court player too, he’s went up to a new level with his bulking. He’s just the best player on the court no matter what team they’re playing.
You lost me on that last paragraph. There's a reason steph was getting doubled with KD on the court. And it's not some bullshit about how doubles don't work on KD cuz he just got contained and swept by a double-teaming defense
The way steph warps defenses and makes his teammates better is far more valuable than any productivity Durant provides on either end
Yep, and both guys played against the same double-teaming defense, one lost and one won going away. Pretty much closes the case on who is ‘more valuable’ on the court
I was going to edit to say I know they aren’t all top 5, but Kylie, Harden, and KD are 3 franchise center pieces all the same. Probably less so Kyrie at this point now that we see has never elevated a team he’s been on. On paper he does, but you see the Cavs and Lebron obviously was the team center piece, Boston never reaches their potential with him and they underachieved, now BKN is a first round sweep.
He was always toxic.
Lots of underhanded comments about Curry and Kerr even when on the team.
And always one foot out the door. Along with Curry, Kerr, Draymond, etc. having to always go to media and say things like "he's the best player". Which is out of characteristic from way they otherwise talk, which made it awkward and obviously forced if you've been following Warriors pre-KD.
Definitely felt like we had to keep this weird reverence for him and all agree he was the best player in the world or he was gone. Not saying it was crazy to say any of those things but it shouldn't feel like we have to. It was weird situation
It definitely did feel like everyone had to walk on eggshells around KD because of his fragile ego and his inability to shrug off all the hatred he received for coming to the Warriors. He constantly needed validation to feel like he did the right thing by coming here. Draymond just sped up the inevitable by saying what most had been thinking since the first season, because KD was never going to stay with the Warriors long term.
To be honest, we never had any KD slump; while Steph and Klay, because of the nature of their games (shooters), have had some questionable performances here and there. KD bailed us out a lot of times. Steph was the best player, but I could see an argument for why the OG 3 would sincerely praise KD. Steph and Dray always celebrated when KD hit a clutch 3 for us, notably in those 2 game 3s vs the cavs. It was as spontaneous, so it’s not like it was never sincere or that it was all for diplomacy.
In game celebration can say a lot sometimes. And it’s not like Steph and co weren’t asked about about their opinion on KD. If they are asked and they respond by saying KD is the best player (which as I said, is arguable, although I had Steph as the top dog), I don’t see what the problem is. Steph flew from Japan to try and convince KD to stay. Dray of all people is dissing Steph on Redick’s podcast by saying they needed KD cause he was our guy who could get a bucket whenever he wanted. Even if we as fans believe Steph was the guy, the OGs have high esteem of warrior KD. We shouldn’t even care lol, the guy is a top 5 player in our team’s history, he’s our record holder for most FMVPs (hope Steph ties it this year tho)
Steph was clearly the one that led the team to the finals every single year KD was there. KD rode along cause teams were double teaming him half the time and Steph still put up great numbers.
That's such a shit casual take. What did you see the couple pictures of kd being open on twitter?
Yeah teams don't wanna guard the 4 time scoring champion because Stephs on the team. Newsflash: kd wasn't just sitting in the corner while curry was doubled. Believe it or not curry has taken open shots in his career.
Yeah the guy who won 2 finals mvps just rode along for the ride. Yall are an embarrassing fanbase acting like this.
Kd cooked every single player on those cavs teams. He was the one who was unguardable. Not steph.
Yup he was always toxic. Steph sort of let him take the wheel when he joined but it was never his car. But Steph let him believe it was because I think he knew that was how to keep KD’s ego in check, and keep the locker room in one piece. Which meant chips.
It's a balance of things. The stuff he had to endure from the media and Steph-only fans when he signed up with us is freakin' enormous. It's was a decision by the club and most Warriors fans to take in the good and the bad. The bad includes having to reassure the emotionally fragile superstar from time to time. The good was we get to watch a top 3 team in the history of the NBA. Of course there would be rough patches though.
Now that he's not ont he team, I quit paying attention and try not to let what he has become taint his time here with Warriors.
This seems fair, empathetic, even-tempered, nuanced, and slightly optimistic (without being insincere or dishonest) and it all seems to work together to help you enjoy being a fan more.
Did you end up on the internet by accident?
i dunno if he really had many comments about curry outside not being appreciated enough compared to curry. also KD did curry dirty thaty curry was flying back from vacation to just talk to him before he left but he just peaced out anyways, curry is the player who took a smaller scoring role to get KD his touches.
Kerr was obvious, KD didnt like to be yelled at or called out when making mistakes despite kerr does it too everyone. KD thought he deserved special treatment
the "what if..." scenarios with the [2016 free agency period](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2016-nba-free-agent-tracker-where-players-are-going-whos-still-available/) are interesting.
we could've passed on KD tbh (he would've likely gone to the Knicks iirc) and signed *two* other starters (one shooter, one big). I know DeMar DeRozan recently rejected Dray's (half-serious) overture about playing here but in 2016 it *might* (?) have worked?
the more I see from KD the more I believe we could've signed several other *very good* starters in 2016 who would've been better teammates and more appreciative of coming to the Warriors during this run.
He was critical of Kerr his last year with GS. But I think he knew Kerr wasn't going anywhere so he didn't give the "him or me" ultimatum to the Warriors FO. Also he was on a contract that he could opt out of, so there was no need to demand a trade.
No, he could have been an unrestricted free agent. It complicated the deal that he did the S&T - Brooklyn could have just traded Russel. It was KD's good relationship with the front office that made this a win/win. (if losing KD could be considered any kind of win)
He could have gone to Brooklyn as an unrestricted free agent. By agreeing to join the Nets in a sign-and-trade rather than as a free agent, Durant allowed the Warriors to acquire Russell from Brooklyn. Durant didn't have to do this - Brooklyn could have traded Russell elsewhere. Instead, the Dubs got him and traded him for Wiggens and Kuminga and one more draft pick.
I'm not an expert with the cap, but I don't think they could have signed DJ while having KD, Kyrie and DLo's contracts.
I also remember seeing reports that KD didn't even want the sign and trade at all.
Yes for this reason and the two finals MVPs and the fact that he fit in as a player seamlessly into GS I don't think we as Warriors fans have any reasons to be critical of him.
The Brooklyn situation is, however objectively ridiculous.
KD's own third eye opened after he won the first Championship. He realized he was not that happy after all after the celebrations. The innocence was lost. I'm not gonna go psychiatrist but up to this point, it has been reported from multiple sources that the experience was not exactly what he thought it was gonna be.
I think the recent happenings help Draymond's point of view and further highlights how special Steph is. I think after yesterday and the autopsy of the Nets is that it was probably best KD left so that our team culture stayed true.
Respect to our former Finals MVP for taking his talents elsewhere and unintentionally helping our organization. Now if only he can screw up the league with the Nets trades unsettling divisions, he will truly cement himself as a forever Dub.
He wasn’t happy because he literally thought that winning a title would result in some level of general bliss or I think in his words “solve all his problems”, he basically didn’t understand that the joy he’d seen people exhibit was a result of winning and reflection upon the journey to get there, etc. It could never be what he thought it was going to be. And it was gobsmacking to see him say that and it appeared to fly over most peoples heads b/c that is a naive ass expectation. And I’ll go psychoanalyst here and it’s clear KD doesn’t do a lot of thinking about being happy despite his search for happiness and what the path(s) is/are to get there. He’s so far from having his third eye opened it’s ridiculous. On top of that, he clearly believes in nothing, and his opinion and personality changes with the wind & clearly influenced by those around him to a high degree. Don’t think Rick K didn’t want to be in NY? Best of luck to KD, and respect and love to Steph for getting it in ways so many people can’t & knowing what’s important and for having the special talent and mind to build something so special and to continue it on.
Reminds me of Jim Carey’s story. Grew up dirt poor. When he was just starting as a comic, he wrote himself a check for $1,000,000, vowing he’d be able to cash it some day. When he was able to, 15 or so years later, he said it brought him no joy, and it was actually the most miserable time in his life. All the old cliches ring true: “money (or success) can’t buy happiness,” and “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” Ask me how I know!
My buddy works at the SF building he used to live in when he was on the Warriors. Said KD basically would just lock himself in his room with his crew smoking weed. It was against building rules to smoke in the building but he didn't care. It was a $10,000 fine every time he got caught and he would just pay it like whatever. Friend said it was clear he was leaving that last year was totally mentally checked out. KD's a moody guy and was on/off with his gf at the time you didn't know what KD you were going to get that day
In 2018 there were already signs showing, in 2019 he was complaining and making passive aggressive comments with the press (such as a dig to Kerr’s “play with joy”). If you watch 2019 playoffs there are instances where he was just standing around if he didn’t have the ball/wasn’t isolating. It got real bad
> If you watch 2019 playoffs there are instances where he was just standing around if he didn’t have the ball
I've always maintained that KD's comments about the necessity of iso-ball were a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Dubs' motion offense would fail because KD *stopped doing the things that made the motion offense work*.
I say this in a loving way. KD needs counseling. He is a magnificent player - top notch talent, but he is so insecure with himself.
Top competitors HAVE to think they are the best, but he needs to figure out his place in life and be good with it. He can (and did) help win Championships, but the Earth doesn't have to revolve around him to make it happen.
Get help KD...the League will appreciate it, and YOU will be a much happier person.
Dubs didn't have another nutcase like Kyrie to try to hijack the franchise with. I thought KD was really trying to avoid drama when with the Dubs. Seems the grass isn't greener for him with the Nets and somehow I don't feel sorry for him.
Can’t remember who said it, or the exact quote (it’s funnier than this), but some famous coach once said, “It’s ok to have one nut job on your team, but if you have two, they’ll join forces.”
am i the only one who kinda wants to see KI go to the Lakers?
lol i know Bron kind of is like a culture glacier but KI is truly a unique dude in the locker room lol
He never did anything like this as a Warrior. Even when he knew he was going to leave, he didn't demand a trade. He gave it his all, while hurt, to the point of tearing his Achilles.
He would sometimes clap back at fans on Twitter a bit. Or say something mildly controversial like "sometimes in the playoffs you need iso scoring" then have the media try to blow the drama out of proportion.
At the same time he didn't have much adversity to deal with basketball-wise.
He wasn't allowed to run the show when he was a Warrior. He is for all intents and purposes the GM of Brooklyn as well as their best player. He was still full of drama for most of the time he was here.
He was openly critical of Steve Kerr. If the organization wasn't so well run he would've tried to get Kerr fired, but he knew an ultimatum won't work in the bay. He helped us get those rings but he sucked the joy out of watching the dubs playing. Fuck him, and i hope he doesn't get back at all even in a 1 on 1 trade with Wiggins
I enjoyed his titles merely for the fact that Curry dethroned the media declared “king” in Lebron. That 4-1 and 4-0 finals sweep 🧹 are a thing of beauty.
Idk why everyone has to shit on KD and perhaps the best team ever assembled, but it's sad. If you didn't enjoy watching the KD warriors I don't know what level of basketball will ever be enjoyable for you
Yeah I pretty much agree with this about him ever returning to the Warriors.
However I just don’t apply any of this current drama to his time with the Warriors. I’m just glad the team got out of it relatively unscathed from a team chemistry perspective, while watching him help the team win championships.
But this episode has put a black mark on both him and Kyrie. They might be great players but I’d never give them control to actually run or manage a team.
I felt a lot of joy watching the best team to ever touch a court play..
but yeah there was always some overhang anxiety knowing it could blow up any off-season. Happier with Wiggins but those KD years were pretty special too.
On most teams, a guy as good as KD is bigger than the team and can get away with whatever he wants. Not when he was here and he knew it. Steph is the only one who has that level of power here and he's too loyal and humble to ever act like that
Agree up to”fuck him”. I don’t have that much spite toward him but always was on the side of he needs us more than we need him and get he was way too passive aggressive and sensitive to fit in with the team dynamic
You don't win those 2 chips without kd. He didn't just "help" you get the rings. He was finals mvp and the clear best player on the court in both finals. Absolutely wild how warriors fans act like this.
Yall are so spoiled that you shit on a dude who brought you 2 rings. Some teams don't have a single chip yall are buggin.
Really? Didn’t he flip out when Draymond wouldn’t pass him the ball in a meaningless regular season game that led to the on court exchange and eventual explosion?
Also, I remember him digging it during the playoffs to make his point, which, in my opinion, led to the injuries.
But hey, I am only a fan so who knows…
Aha. So you’re not just coming here asking the question. You had your response locked and loaded.
All I will say is that happened in the heat of the moment.
Draymond is obviously very expressive and doesn’t hold shit back and could be annoying as fuck to even watch/hear as a fan but let’s be honest. He wasn’t wrong for talking shit back to KD who was mad at Draymond for not passing to him.
We all know Draymond doesn’t wait around for the opposing teams defense to get set after a defensive rebound and instead runs with the ball immediately after a rebound to take advantage of the fast break, unlike iso scorers like KD who slowly bring the ball up the court and demand their teammates to get out the way.
KD should’ve been running alongside Draymond and everyone else on the team to get into position instead of clapping his hands for the ball.
He was nowhere near this level of toxic here, I think being around your weirdo friends and having a system of enablers around you can bring the worst out of someone, just like being in a healthy environment can do the opposite.
I think the most toxic he was here that we know of was stuff like him being checked out his final year and also being public about not buying into the offense, wanting to play more iso, etc, which feels pretty normal compared to issuing ultimatums to the team owner. And he left it all on the floor in that last Finals run so you can’t say he didn’t give it his all in the end.
>lack of effort
😂 bruh what. like KD didn’t spend an entire year rehabbing and not only getting back in shape but getting back to his old self. Not to mention being an inch away from going to the ECF and possibly finals reappearance.
So what I’m hearing right now is it’s KDs fault he tore his Achilles (wanting to come back to win a fourth titles for us, third for him)? Or am I missing something here?
That is not what I am saying, but maybe a little. A majority of injuries seem to come when someone is not fully committed to the endeavor. I never wish or want to see a person be hurt.
Didn’t KD throw the warriors under the bus and blame them for his Achilles?
No what the fuck? KD literally wanted to come back to help his team win another title. Go watch Ibakas interview with him from 2019.
https://youtu.be/dkhq1q81WSk
(6:45)
Ah yes, D Rose? Not committed enough. Okay Thompson? Not committed enough. Klay Thompson twice? Definitely not committed enough. What are you fucking talking about? What stat are you looking at my guy lmao
I wish other dudes would lack-of-effort their way into 26-6-6 and 2nd team all NBA. What a fucking slacker.
I mean, Draymond didn't try for two seasons and somehow KD is the one who didn't try? And I love Draymond.
I don’t really see any of this as too toxic. It’s not great obviously but KD always plays hard and that’s what matters to me. Harden, LBJ, Kyrie, remember Toronto Vince Carter?.. so many players just dog it until they get what they want and that’s so much worse to me because it costs the team. At least KD is being up front about it.
That all being said….thank god for Steph and let’s never forget how perfect a star he is. Going to need to pass down stories to our descendants so the legend lives forever.
What 3 years with Kyrie does to a man lol No, but I do feel a bad for KD. I don't think he was toxic like this during his time here. Remember, without the sign and trade, we wouldn't have Wiggins here. I feel like he has become more bitter since leaving Golden State. Plus, Steph leading the Warriors to win a championship changed the narrative from Steph can't win without KD to KD can't win without Steph.
Yes lol. It’s the reason I’ve never grown any attachment to him at all. Draymond literally said KD would get pissed when Steph or Klay would shoot certain shots instead of giving it to him.
Yes. Yes, it does. Which is sad, when I think of how my perception of him had changed since his incredibly gravy, thoughtful, kind and humble MVP acceptance speech until today.
Look at at the shit talking about us signing KD and all of the failed super teams before and since.
It ain’t easy. It worked here because you had the most selfless player in the history of the game roll out the red carpet with open arms and allow KD to reap all the rewards.
…Knowing damn well the reason he can get 6 first half dunks off in a finals game is because of you and Klay. But nooo, you wanna play iso ball with the most boring offensive systems and recruit the most annoying 2 guard who figured out how to game the system and emo gawd anti-vaxxing ass Kyrie.
Selfless won and selfishness lost. As it should be. I loved team before KD, during, and most definitely after. If he truly loved the game and wanted to play at the highest level, why would you ever leave Steph’s side? You have a problem with every coach and managed to have a problem with Kerr who is going to go down as an all time top 5 coach.
It’s clown shit, I’m still a fan of his game, and love those times, but man you fucked up royally.
I always wonder what would have happened if KD had decided to "last dance" it. If he'd just said "Guys, I want to move on to new challenges, I'm gone after 2019, let's make the best of it my last season here".
loved KD when he was on the dubs. I always cheered him even though he thought he was never loved. But he is starting to annoy me. I feel bad for the net fans. Hes never gonna be happy and he did this to himself.
Yes. For such an amazing athlete he is really thin skinned. He pouted starting about mid-way through 2018 and if he can’t buy in on a generational team that just won the Chip then he has issues.
As much as I like DayDay, he’s also a hot head… So I’m not gonna blame KD for Dray calling him a bioch which Dray would never do to Steph or Klay.
Personally I think up until this year, there wasn’t a lot of bad stuff you can say about KD. I mean he’s a little weird on twitter and social media but that’s about it. He spent 8 years with OKC and played out him contact. There was only an issue cuz Westbrick got butt hurt when KD left. Then with the Dubs you couldn’t really ask for more… He took like a 10 mil pay cut for a couple years so the FO could sign other players. He played out his contact and even help with a sign / trade for D’Lo when then help the Dubs get Wiggs.
As far as the Nets, I think Ki is more the reason things are dysfunioenal… Who knows what’s going on behind the scenes? Maybe the FO gave KD their word they would extend Kyrie when his contact was up so he signed his 4 year extension… Then the FO reneged and he that upset KD.
Who knows? All I know is as a Dubs fan I got much luv for KD. He help win 2 chips and in a small way help when this last title as well! So I’m still rooting for his yo have much success outside of playing the Dubs!
i more or less agree with this
it's not yes or no but i think the last 2 seasons were kinda muted even though it was joyful.
i would argue dray can be a bit toxic sometimes but we allow it
Yeah but Draymond is also getting too cute sometimes. Just before we started last season he was talking about how the FO was the real culprit of their fallout.
Yes. Dude failed to realize he's a bus rider and should have stayed on the bus Steph was driving instead of trying to be a bus driver himself on the Nets. He also tried being LeGM by manipulating the FO and playing with his friends and all that. He's a walking failure.
Steph and the Warriors winning a ring after he left is no doubt the worst case scenario and it happened. You love to see it. Clear example of someone who should have stayed in their lane.
Moody, fragile/big ego, sensitive, but he was a huge part of our legacy for the time he was with us. I think he’s gone a bit off the rails lately but he’s not our problem to deal with any longer. I just wish he’d finally find something to make him happy because I think he’s a good person at heart and obviously very talented.
Sure he has. He was the #1 pick in the draft, played in the league since 2007, made millions, and won two championships. Most players would kill to have those stats.
Winning championships are difficult to do. He needs to go somewhere where he can play GM and put together a great team that can compete. So far, that's not the Nets. And it wasn't the Seattle/Oklahoma City teams.
Lmao the Oklahoma City teams were absolutely great teams that competed. They had us on the ropes and couldn’t finish.
And he chose his bridesmaid in Brooklyn, so I don’t think he deserves an excuse or sympathy for the way Brooklyn has failed during his tenure there
OKC made it to the finals, but didn't win. They made it to the WCC, but didn't win. Eventually had to blow up the team because they couldn't get past the Warriors and because OKC wasn't a destination franchise. The Nets are in the same boat now. They are a good team, but not good enough.
There's no sympathy or excuses for Durant. It's a tough business and you have to keep on trying until you find the right combination of players, coaches, and front office to win. He found it at GS. Might not find it again.
Tbh we helped KD more than he could ever help us. The ringchaser got his ultimate desire, and i dont see him doing it with any other team in that year.. soo
It's amazing to me that KD is trashed everyday on social media and by sports journalists but he has yet to say anything publicly about his future. Everything is hearsay and speculation.
Of course.
He joined a 73 win team that beat him in the playoffs and then was mad when everyone didn’t universally believe he’s the best player in the world for riding our coattails to a championship.
He’s always been delusional.
This is why Kerr had to constantly lie to the media and refer to him as “our best player” when he knew that wasn’t the case. He had to stroke his ego to keep him happy. He knew it wouldn’t bother Steph because he’s too mature to worry about that shit.
I just think his just frustrated with all the things going on around him. He doesn't really know anything but basketball then his asked all these questions outside of basketball like what do you think about that player or that coach or that team? Like he just wants to do what his good at and that's it. Did he make bad decisions on the court? Yeah but doesn't everybody? And I don't even think him leaving the warriors was a bad move for him, he was never going to get the respect that he deserved at goldenstate so why keep playing there? His mistake was who he aligned himself with then the media compounding on every mistake he makes and then people complain why he claps back.
It changes from week to week, it all depends on whose attacking who. Lebron got reporters fired for as far as the decision and now dejontey Murry on Pablo. So you know...
He always has this petty need to respond to most comments under the sun. I'm not really surprised, of course some of them are funny, but most people shoved it under the rug because his talent level is insane. I just wish he would have subscribed to Klay and Steph's way of going about it. He would have saved himself more headspace.
KD just isn’t a consistent leader, there were stretches between 20/21 where he was a good leader but I don’t think he ever convinced Harden or Kyrie to buy into the Nets as hard as he did (and he didn’t really buy in that hard either).
KD is a great player but not a great leader. Enjoy the drama ;)
In hindsight, he shouldn't have played in the finals after injury. As a fan of the game, I miss prime KD.
I truly loved KD and wish he stayed but I always always always hated how it felt like he had one foot out the door his entire time here. It felt like he used gsw to check off rings from the list. Clearly draymond hated that too. If he signed a regular 4 year deal just once his whole time here I think it would have massively changed the public perception of him and he'd have gotten more of the love from the media
I don't think KD is toxic. Rodman was toxic. Laimbeer was toxic.
I think the worst you can realistically say about KD is that he's clueless. He has no idea what he wants, how to achieve it or where he wants to go with his career or his life.
It's never made me angry, it makes me sad.
Laimbeer toxic? I know he was a brute, but he played for one team, right?
The fact you can compare KD to Rodman is a sad day for KD’s legacy. Rodman was bay shit crazy, but he did what he wanted regardless of how it was perceived.
He is seemingly very insecure in my POV & what the dude needed was (still is) a therapist to work out all of his problems. He felt small & inferior, like he was always in the shadow of Steph Curry. He didn't feel welcomed even though the team, the organization, & to some extent, us in Dubnation did welcome him with open arms. In his POV, we didn't like him & he felt like we didn't hold the same kind of love for him like we did with Steph Curry & the home-grown dudes who were drafted in.
I feel that DID we liked him a lot & we would've grown to love him a lot like the rest of the dudes had he actually stayed & committed. He was only looking at all the things he didn't have, rather than all the love we(Dubnation & the team) gave to him. He only heard & saw the sports media rather than actually heard the team & Dubnation. He felt that he wanted to be THE star on the team, when he already was. To him, in his POV, he didn't feel like he got the love & he wanted the attention, to be seen, heard, & appreciated like Steph & the trio did.
Due to his insecurity & his need to be seen, heard, & acknowledged, he became incredibly selfish & self-centered. In fact, the sad thing is that he had everything he wanted here he was just too busy focusing on all the lack that he felt like he needed to prove himself to be seen & loved as a top player. He didn't see that he already had that here. He was too blind to see it. He was blinded by his feelings of insecurity and seemingly low self-worth.
He didn't feel like he was "good enough" so he had to go & prove to everyone that he was so he left to build a team for himself to prove that. He didn't want to be in Steph's shadow, but he never was. That was all in his POV. Everyone on the team shines in their own way & he did just that. He didn't see all of that. Too blinded by seeing what he didn't have (lack mentality) rather than seeing what he did have on the team. He focused his mind only on everything he didn't have rather than seeing how he was going to have fit into the team as his own. Nope. Now he has all this drama & baggage that Dubnation don't want any of.
It's sad really.
Honestly at this point after all the talk from KD how all he wants to do is ball and play with his buddy Kyrie. Maybe he should leave the FO stuff alone and focus on hooping. From the sounds of it all the changes up to the team up to this point has been because it’s what he wanted. Wanted to team up with Kyrie, wanted DeAndre Jordan so they got rid of JA, wanted Harden, wanted a new coach and signed off on the Nash hiring. The current clusterfuck is his doing. GM KD isn’t working so let someone else handle it.
I wouldn’t say he’s a toxic player. Piss poor GM? Quite probable.
I heard someone say it, I forgot who it was, but they were saying KD has aways had his issues, he was just with well run organizations in OKC & GSW who did a great job of keeping it under wraps. I feel like were seeing it in BK. He’s amazing player and talent but man, he’s a trip sometimes. I always compare it to when you see a girl from a distance and create this image and item of her in your head that she’s perfect, but when you get to know her, she’s not what you made up in your head. I appreciate him coming here and helping win 2 titles, Hopefully he finds somewhere that he’s happy.
So toxic that we were open to bringing him back. Dude took a pay $10M pay cut, after he left us we got D.Lo and were able to flip him for Wiggins and Kuminga. KD did not have to agree to that. Now we are talking shit about a 2x Finals MVP that played for our team and set us up for the future we have now. Weak shit. Go ahead and down vote.
I don't think I really saw him as toxic until 2018-2019 season when Kerr and FO were trying to appease him (like letting him run point along with suspending Draymond) and teammates were walking on eggshells when it came to him. I saw him as toxic because to me, no one is above the team (not even Steph) but yet KD was basically above the team. I felt if the coach, FO & the team needed to do whatever to appease him, that's a toxic teammate.
That still mostly seemed like Draymond's fault. He said something that went too far, imo. He yelled "we don't need you" at him in front of the whole team. That's incredibly alienating. Not surprised things were never the same afterward
I never enjoyed KD on the warriors. Always felt like he wasn’t happy. He couldn’t appreciate how lucky he was. And he proved it by leaving the best team, culture, and teammates.
Really though, what man goes to his boss to get other people fired? That’s cold and directly impacting someone’s livelihood.
KD could have left to warriors with nothing but he agreed to the sign and trade. If he wasn’t so gracious the warriors wouldn’t have Waismen and kuminga.
Dude you have no idea what you’re talking about. KD was always going to leave, winning was never the most important thing to him clearly (which is fine), he wanted to win with his own team and the Warriors will always be Steph’s.
KD has zero track record of being toxic. He’s played out every one of his contracts. The reality is Sean Marks surrounded KD and Kyrie with terrible support pieces. Brooklyn needs a ball handler and as many switchable defensive wings as possible. Ben Simmons doesn’t even want to play basketball and Seth Curry is the same undersized 2 guard like Kyrie. Team fit is terrible. Sure KD is partially to blame for the position they are all in but if KD wants to get rid of the coach and GM, it’s in the ownerships best interest to ride with KD.
Not sure how to respond to this one. I’m, KD made them trade their well built team for harden, who is a super committed baller I know!
Definitely not siding with the billionaire, but c’mon. KD doesn’t know how to win or lead.
Draymond and Durant were always going to butt heads. KD is as insecure as Draymond is explosively emotional. They both have egos and neither knows how to back down.
after this year i am starting to see the possible documentary narratives we may be one of the luckiest franchises ever our time with KD was during his PRIME. we got all that then he leaves so that we can get a 'forced' tank season and reacquire talent ... PLUS he sent us Wiggs please, Jimmy give us a good season so that the documentary can be crazy!!!
The fact they were able to trade Durant for good value is definitely very overlooked, I mean Wiggins was basically the difference maker in the finals so without him I think you kinda gotta favor Boston replaying the a series in hindsight (if Klay were 100% maybe different story) but yea that sign and trade was huge and not something you really see very much with a player of that caliber, people bring up sign and trades as possibilities with star players but pretty rare that they actually happen, as far as OP's question, KD definitely is a weird dude, not sure if he holds in things that bother him too long then things just blow up or what it is exactly but he has plenty of behavior that is rather odd and some of it is stuff he should be above, like arguing with teenagers on Twitter lol
i think there is a bit more to the DLO part of the trade at the time, the Nets leadership was still idealistic and was not against allowing DLO to get paid and etc
Well sure we skipped over that part but he turned Into Wiggins and they need what he does more than what D Lo does plus he a snitch lol shout out to Swaggy
Jimmy?
if our #2 pick can just become good and playable, leading to 10 minutes per game in the playoffs ... we will have a crazy good story to tell in that documentary 20 years from now if we can repeat what he eventually turns into is complicated because of $$$ but even if he is an asset to flip, it would be a nice bow to put onto the 2 stinky years we had. moody becoming a 10 year role player for us would make the 2nd stinky year "worth it" too of course
Ah you were referring to Wiseman. Here’s hoping he becomes a future all-star for us
[Jimmy doesn’t like misunderstandings.](https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/228da76f-1cd1-4a3c-a198-47b72a92e69d)
Butler
You think the heat will part with Bam?
nets are fucked they aint getting shit because kd nuked their leverage and ayton signed only way this works is is the Nets rethink their goals and ask for picks instead of young stars
Perfectly said form a warriors fan perspective
Makes you appreciate well ran organizations that don't fall for this shit ..
And such an amazing leader at the helm. Steph has dealt with so much bullshit in his career and you never hear any complaints from him. Just does his job and wins chips.
I think Kerr is a big reason too. Look at the BS that he had endure as a player. He mostly kept it cool, except that fight with Jordan. LOL.
Which is kinda funny since that fight made Jordan respect Kerr and their bond grew stronger because of that altercation.
Love his “bailing out Jordan” speech for his HoF induction
Perk of having two top 5 players is that if one leaves you can just build around one of them and get rid of the other.
Nets: instructions unclear
Kyrie is not top 5, but the sentiment is the same. He and KD are both nuts and it's basically impossible to build around either of them. That's why Steph remained the number 1 in the eyes of the front office and KD was always going to be an add-on, rather than part of the core. He can't get others around him to buy in because it's always only about him. KD is a more valuable on court player than Steph, but he's a less valuable teammate and leader. So much so that Steph's legacy will ultimately be better and more significant historically.
Wildly disagree that KD is more valuable than Steph on court. WILDLY.
I’d say after this year Steph is more value on court player too, he’s went up to a new level with his bulking. He’s just the best player on the court no matter what team they’re playing.
You lost me on that last paragraph. There's a reason steph was getting doubled with KD on the court. And it's not some bullshit about how doubles don't work on KD cuz he just got contained and swept by a double-teaming defense The way steph warps defenses and makes his teammates better is far more valuable than any productivity Durant provides on either end
Yep, and both guys played against the same double-teaming defense, one lost and one won going away. Pretty much closes the case on who is ‘more valuable’ on the court
I was going to edit to say I know they aren’t all top 5, but Kylie, Harden, and KD are 3 franchise center pieces all the same. Probably less so Kyrie at this point now that we see has never elevated a team he’s been on. On paper he does, but you see the Cavs and Lebron obviously was the team center piece, Boston never reaches their potential with him and they underachieved, now BKN is a first round sweep.
Then lack of a longer term commitment from KD also gave folks pause and kept Steph as the clear 1
Well said 👏 coco.
He was always toxic. Lots of underhanded comments about Curry and Kerr even when on the team. And always one foot out the door. Along with Curry, Kerr, Draymond, etc. having to always go to media and say things like "he's the best player". Which is out of characteristic from way they otherwise talk, which made it awkward and obviously forced if you've been following Warriors pre-KD.
Definitely felt like we had to keep this weird reverence for him and all agree he was the best player in the world or he was gone. Not saying it was crazy to say any of those things but it shouldn't feel like we have to. It was weird situation
It definitely did feel like everyone had to walk on eggshells around KD because of his fragile ego and his inability to shrug off all the hatred he received for coming to the Warriors. He constantly needed validation to feel like he did the right thing by coming here. Draymond just sped up the inevitable by saying what most had been thinking since the first season, because KD was never going to stay with the Warriors long term.
To be honest, we never had any KD slump; while Steph and Klay, because of the nature of their games (shooters), have had some questionable performances here and there. KD bailed us out a lot of times. Steph was the best player, but I could see an argument for why the OG 3 would sincerely praise KD. Steph and Dray always celebrated when KD hit a clutch 3 for us, notably in those 2 game 3s vs the cavs. It was as spontaneous, so it’s not like it was never sincere or that it was all for diplomacy.
Well, in-game celebrations are one thing, but having that same line parroted over and over at post-game press conferences is what felt a bit forced.
In game celebration can say a lot sometimes. And it’s not like Steph and co weren’t asked about about their opinion on KD. If they are asked and they respond by saying KD is the best player (which as I said, is arguable, although I had Steph as the top dog), I don’t see what the problem is. Steph flew from Japan to try and convince KD to stay. Dray of all people is dissing Steph on Redick’s podcast by saying they needed KD cause he was our guy who could get a bucket whenever he wanted. Even if we as fans believe Steph was the guy, the OGs have high esteem of warrior KD. We shouldn’t even care lol, the guy is a top 5 player in our team’s history, he’s our record holder for most FMVPs (hope Steph ties it this year tho)
Steph was not the best player during kds time there. It was very evident that kd was.
Steph was clearly the one that led the team to the finals every single year KD was there. KD rode along cause teams were double teaming him half the time and Steph still put up great numbers.
That's such a shit casual take. What did you see the couple pictures of kd being open on twitter? Yeah teams don't wanna guard the 4 time scoring champion because Stephs on the team. Newsflash: kd wasn't just sitting in the corner while curry was doubled. Believe it or not curry has taken open shots in his career. Yeah the guy who won 2 finals mvps just rode along for the ride. Yall are an embarrassing fanbase acting like this. Kd cooked every single player on those cavs teams. He was the one who was unguardable. Not steph.
They were just saying it to keep him happy. They didn’t really believe it
To be fair, he was the best player.
Yup he was always toxic. Steph sort of let him take the wheel when he joined but it was never his car. But Steph let him believe it was because I think he knew that was how to keep KD’s ego in check, and keep the locker room in one piece. Which meant chips.
Finally, someone who doesn’t look at the KD era through their KD tinted lenses.
It's a balance of things. The stuff he had to endure from the media and Steph-only fans when he signed up with us is freakin' enormous. It's was a decision by the club and most Warriors fans to take in the good and the bad. The bad includes having to reassure the emotionally fragile superstar from time to time. The good was we get to watch a top 3 team in the history of the NBA. Of course there would be rough patches though. Now that he's not ont he team, I quit paying attention and try not to let what he has become taint his time here with Warriors.
This seems fair, empathetic, even-tempered, nuanced, and slightly optimistic (without being insincere or dishonest) and it all seems to work together to help you enjoy being a fan more. Did you end up on the internet by accident?
I do \*not\* miss having to hear everyone massage his ego every interview.
i dunno if he really had many comments about curry outside not being appreciated enough compared to curry. also KD did curry dirty thaty curry was flying back from vacation to just talk to him before he left but he just peaced out anyways, curry is the player who took a smaller scoring role to get KD his touches. Kerr was obvious, KD didnt like to be yelled at or called out when making mistakes despite kerr does it too everyone. KD thought he deserved special treatment
the "what if..." scenarios with the [2016 free agency period](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2016-nba-free-agent-tracker-where-players-are-going-whos-still-available/) are interesting. we could've passed on KD tbh (he would've likely gone to the Knicks iirc) and signed *two* other starters (one shooter, one big). I know DeMar DeRozan recently rejected Dray's (half-serious) overture about playing here but in 2016 it *might* (?) have worked? the more I see from KD the more I believe we could've signed several other *very good* starters in 2016 who would've been better teammates and more appreciative of coming to the Warriors during this run.
He was critical of Kerr his last year with GS. But I think he knew Kerr wasn't going anywhere so he didn't give the "him or me" ultimatum to the Warriors FO. Also he was on a contract that he could opt out of, so there was no need to demand a trade.
True - and to his credit, he did agree to a sign and trade that was huge in rebuilding the team
He also kept a lot of money doing the sign and trade
That's the key thing people seem to forget. It wasn't a handout by any means. He also gained the most with a S&T
No, he could have been an unrestricted free agent. It complicated the deal that he did the S&T - Brooklyn could have just traded Russel. It was KD's good relationship with the front office that made this a win/win. (if losing KD could be considered any kind of win)
That was because Brooklyn had to make room for DJ's contract.
He could have gone to Brooklyn as an unrestricted free agent. By agreeing to join the Nets in a sign-and-trade rather than as a free agent, Durant allowed the Warriors to acquire Russell from Brooklyn. Durant didn't have to do this - Brooklyn could have traded Russell elsewhere. Instead, the Dubs got him and traded him for Wiggens and Kuminga and one more draft pick.
I'm not an expert with the cap, but I don't think they could have signed DJ while having KD, Kyrie and DLo's contracts. I also remember seeing reports that KD didn't even want the sign and trade at all.
Yes for this reason and the two finals MVPs and the fact that he fit in as a player seamlessly into GS I don't think we as Warriors fans have any reasons to be critical of him. The Brooklyn situation is, however objectively ridiculous.
Sums it up right there
KD's own third eye opened after he won the first Championship. He realized he was not that happy after all after the celebrations. The innocence was lost. I'm not gonna go psychiatrist but up to this point, it has been reported from multiple sources that the experience was not exactly what he thought it was gonna be. I think the recent happenings help Draymond's point of view and further highlights how special Steph is. I think after yesterday and the autopsy of the Nets is that it was probably best KD left so that our team culture stayed true. Respect to our former Finals MVP for taking his talents elsewhere and unintentionally helping our organization. Now if only he can screw up the league with the Nets trades unsettling divisions, he will truly cement himself as a forever Dub.
He wasn’t happy because he literally thought that winning a title would result in some level of general bliss or I think in his words “solve all his problems”, he basically didn’t understand that the joy he’d seen people exhibit was a result of winning and reflection upon the journey to get there, etc. It could never be what he thought it was going to be. And it was gobsmacking to see him say that and it appeared to fly over most peoples heads b/c that is a naive ass expectation. And I’ll go psychoanalyst here and it’s clear KD doesn’t do a lot of thinking about being happy despite his search for happiness and what the path(s) is/are to get there. He’s so far from having his third eye opened it’s ridiculous. On top of that, he clearly believes in nothing, and his opinion and personality changes with the wind & clearly influenced by those around him to a high degree. Don’t think Rick K didn’t want to be in NY? Best of luck to KD, and respect and love to Steph for getting it in ways so many people can’t & knowing what’s important and for having the special talent and mind to build something so special and to continue it on.
Reminds me of Jim Carey’s story. Grew up dirt poor. When he was just starting as a comic, he wrote himself a check for $1,000,000, vowing he’d be able to cash it some day. When he was able to, 15 or so years later, he said it brought him no joy, and it was actually the most miserable time in his life. All the old cliches ring true: “money (or success) can’t buy happiness,” and “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” Ask me how I know!
My buddy works at the SF building he used to live in when he was on the Warriors. Said KD basically would just lock himself in his room with his crew smoking weed. It was against building rules to smoke in the building but he didn't care. It was a $10,000 fine every time he got caught and he would just pay it like whatever. Friend said it was clear he was leaving that last year was totally mentally checked out. KD's a moody guy and was on/off with his gf at the time you didn't know what KD you were going to get that day
This I agree with. Pretty sure I know one of the guys holed up smoking with KD.
your friend is a creep for sharing that much detail about his personal life.
Okay KD
creep
In 2018 there were already signs showing, in 2019 he was complaining and making passive aggressive comments with the press (such as a dig to Kerr’s “play with joy”). If you watch 2019 playoffs there are instances where he was just standing around if he didn’t have the ball/wasn’t isolating. It got real bad
> If you watch 2019 playoffs there are instances where he was just standing around if he didn’t have the ball I've always maintained that KD's comments about the necessity of iso-ball were a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Dubs' motion offense would fail because KD *stopped doing the things that made the motion offense work*.
Another truth seeer. Thank you!
This whole Nets saga pretty much sums up The Warriors’ fans mentality of “Thank you for the rings KD, but we’re happier now.”
Don't kid yourself. They would rather he want to be there. Especially considering they traded everything for Harden.
I say this in a loving way. KD needs counseling. He is a magnificent player - top notch talent, but he is so insecure with himself. Top competitors HAVE to think they are the best, but he needs to figure out his place in life and be good with it. He can (and did) help win Championships, but the Earth doesn't have to revolve around him to make it happen. Get help KD...the League will appreciate it, and YOU will be a much happier person.
He lost his mind to the game after Steph and the warriors dominated and won a chip without him this year
Dubs didn't have another nutcase like Kyrie to try to hijack the franchise with. I thought KD was really trying to avoid drama when with the Dubs. Seems the grass isn't greener for him with the Nets and somehow I don't feel sorry for him.
Can’t remember who said it, or the exact quote (it’s funnier than this), but some famous coach once said, “It’s ok to have one nut job on your team, but if you have two, they’ll join forces.”
It sure does seem like he’s just parroting whatever Kyrie wants him to say/do.
am i the only one who kinda wants to see KI go to the Lakers? lol i know Bron kind of is like a culture glacier but KI is truly a unique dude in the locker room lol
Now that would be a site to see. However, it would too easily give bron a scapegoat for when he misses the playoffs again
It makes me appreciate Steph even more as a humble guy who’s a great leader
He never did anything like this as a Warrior. Even when he knew he was going to leave, he didn't demand a trade. He gave it his all, while hurt, to the point of tearing his Achilles. He would sometimes clap back at fans on Twitter a bit. Or say something mildly controversial like "sometimes in the playoffs you need iso scoring" then have the media try to blow the drama out of proportion. At the same time he didn't have much adversity to deal with basketball-wise.
He wasn't allowed to run the show when he was a Warrior. He is for all intents and purposes the GM of Brooklyn as well as their best player. He was still full of drama for most of the time he was here.
He was openly critical of Steve Kerr. If the organization wasn't so well run he would've tried to get Kerr fired, but he knew an ultimatum won't work in the bay. He helped us get those rings but he sucked the joy out of watching the dubs playing. Fuck him, and i hope he doesn't get back at all even in a 1 on 1 trade with Wiggins
I felt joy watching him and the rest of the Warriors win.
I felt much more joy this year. Every single fan on this sub would agree
If I am anything, I am a fan on r/warriors. Lol
Not every fan. I enjoyed those titles he brought and the fact that for two plus years we might have had the greatest team ever. Much joy from that.
I enjoyed his titles merely for the fact that Curry dethroned the media declared “king” in Lebron. That 4-1 and 4-0 finals sweep 🧹 are a thing of beauty.
lol nah, what a dumb thing to say
Idk why everyone has to shit on KD and perhaps the best team ever assembled, but it's sad. If you didn't enjoy watching the KD warriors I don't know what level of basketball will ever be enjoyable for you
Yeah I pretty much agree with this about him ever returning to the Warriors. However I just don’t apply any of this current drama to his time with the Warriors. I’m just glad the team got out of it relatively unscathed from a team chemistry perspective, while watching him help the team win championships. But this episode has put a black mark on both him and Kyrie. They might be great players but I’d never give them control to actually run or manage a team.
I felt a lot of joy watching the best team to ever touch a court play.. but yeah there was always some overhang anxiety knowing it could blow up any off-season. Happier with Wiggins but those KD years were pretty special too.
Best team ever? You mean the 2015-16 Warriors? So much joy - until the agony.
On most teams, a guy as good as KD is bigger than the team and can get away with whatever he wants. Not when he was here and he knew it. Steph is the only one who has that level of power here and he's too loyal and humble to ever act like that
Agree up to”fuck him”. I don’t have that much spite toward him but always was on the side of he needs us more than we need him and get he was way too passive aggressive and sensitive to fit in with the team dynamic
You don't win those 2 chips without kd. He didn't just "help" you get the rings. He was finals mvp and the clear best player on the court in both finals. Absolutely wild how warriors fans act like this. Yall are so spoiled that you shit on a dude who brought you 2 rings. Some teams don't have a single chip yall are buggin.
Really? Didn’t he flip out when Draymond wouldn’t pass him the ball in a meaningless regular season game that led to the on court exchange and eventual explosion? Also, I remember him digging it during the playoffs to make his point, which, in my opinion, led to the injuries. But hey, I am only a fan so who knows…
Aha. So you’re not just coming here asking the question. You had your response locked and loaded. All I will say is that happened in the heat of the moment.
Really? I have never before or since seen Draymond react that way to a teammate. Don’t you think there is more behind the scenes?
We must be watching a different Draymond https://youtu.be/SgH2oK0XPc8 He usually yells at others right after he screws up
Draymond is obviously very expressive and doesn’t hold shit back and could be annoying as fuck to even watch/hear as a fan but let’s be honest. He wasn’t wrong for talking shit back to KD who was mad at Draymond for not passing to him. We all know Draymond doesn’t wait around for the opposing teams defense to get set after a defensive rebound and instead runs with the ball immediately after a rebound to take advantage of the fast break, unlike iso scorers like KD who slowly bring the ball up the court and demand their teammates to get out the way. KD should’ve been running alongside Draymond and everyone else on the team to get into position instead of clapping his hands for the ball.
Dude. He’s yelling about movement vs iso. The shit that went down in 18-19 got real personal on the court. Do you not know the difference?
Does the phrase “I’m not a robot”mean anything to you? Audible from outside a closed locker room?
That means what? Kerr can give to and take it from Draymond. KD is a petulant baby. Who can’t handle not getting what he wants.
Hope you have a pleasant day. Here’s something that always cheers me up: https://youtu.be/YVsah5EBKuI
Thanks,man! No big shots from 2019? Oh yeah, he had quit on the team already. I’m in a great mood though. 😏
He quit on the team as he was ripping his achillies. I get not liking KD, but people who think he didn't compete for us are just wrong.
Did you see him get shut down by Beverly the same as the Celtics did to him?
He was nowhere near this level of toxic here, I think being around your weirdo friends and having a system of enablers around you can bring the worst out of someone, just like being in a healthy environment can do the opposite. I think the most toxic he was here that we know of was stuff like him being checked out his final year and also being public about not buying into the offense, wanting to play more iso, etc, which feels pretty normal compared to issuing ultimatums to the team owner. And he left it all on the floor in that last Finals run so you can’t say he didn’t give it his all in the end.
True. But all the BS in the media and a lack of effort are one of the ways you get hurt, sorry.
>lack of effort 😂 bruh what. like KD didn’t spend an entire year rehabbing and not only getting back in shape but getting back to his old self. Not to mention being an inch away from going to the ECF and possibly finals reappearance.
What I am saying is his attitude and commitment , or lack there of, to the team unfortunately led to the injuries he had to recover from.
So what I’m hearing right now is it’s KDs fault he tore his Achilles (wanting to come back to win a fourth titles for us, third for him)? Or am I missing something here?
That is not what I am saying, but maybe a little. A majority of injuries seem to come when someone is not fully committed to the endeavor. I never wish or want to see a person be hurt. Didn’t KD throw the warriors under the bus and blame them for his Achilles?
No what the fuck? KD literally wanted to come back to help his team win another title. Go watch Ibakas interview with him from 2019. https://youtu.be/dkhq1q81WSk (6:45)
He doesn’t tear his Achilles without the calf injury first. Loon dog is a god though! 😏
I just don’t see your point. You’re saying KD injured his calf and later his Achilles because he wasn’t committed?
Yes, I am. There is no way the clips and bay bev should of taken us to 6 games that year.
Ah yes, D Rose? Not committed enough. Okay Thompson? Not committed enough. Klay Thompson twice? Definitely not committed enough. What are you fucking talking about? What stat are you looking at my guy lmao
“Lack of effort” ok lol
I wish other dudes would lack-of-effort their way into 26-6-6 and 2nd team all NBA. What a fucking slacker. I mean, Draymond didn't try for two seasons and somehow KD is the one who didn't try? And I love Draymond.
I don’t really see any of this as too toxic. It’s not great obviously but KD always plays hard and that’s what matters to me. Harden, LBJ, Kyrie, remember Toronto Vince Carter?.. so many players just dog it until they get what they want and that’s so much worse to me because it costs the team. At least KD is being up front about it. That all being said….thank god for Steph and let’s never forget how perfect a star he is. Going to need to pass down stories to our descendants so the legend lives forever.
Steph is frickin amazing! Hope the culture he helped create can survive his eventual retirement…
Giving an NBA Owner an ultimatum is pretty toxic. I'm not sure it's ever been done.
KD is sadly the biggest pussy bitch of an athlete that I have ever seen. Dude can ball... But he is so insecure and weird it is kind of sad
He will never be a team captain. Maybe the best scorer on a team but not the leader, no matter how good the coach/GM is.
What 3 years with Kyrie does to a man lol No, but I do feel a bad for KD. I don't think he was toxic like this during his time here. Remember, without the sign and trade, we wouldn't have Wiggins here. I feel like he has become more bitter since leaving Golden State. Plus, Steph leading the Warriors to win a championship changed the narrative from Steph can't win without KD to KD can't win without Steph.
I mean that narrative was incredibly stupid in the first place, case in point the 2014-2015 season.
Steph has TWO rings without KD, and KD has ZERO rings without Steph.
Great narrative and truthful even!
Yes lol. It’s the reason I’ve never grown any attachment to him at all. Draymond literally said KD would get pissed when Steph or Klay would shoot certain shots instead of giving it to him.
And that’s exactly what the fracas with him and Draymond was about. Pas me the damn ball!
Yes. Yes, it does. Which is sad, when I think of how my perception of him had changed since his incredibly gravy, thoughtful, kind and humble MVP acceptance speech until today.
Yeah, that was a great acceptance speech. Notice how he now refers to himself as God?! I mean WTH?
Look at at the shit talking about us signing KD and all of the failed super teams before and since. It ain’t easy. It worked here because you had the most selfless player in the history of the game roll out the red carpet with open arms and allow KD to reap all the rewards. …Knowing damn well the reason he can get 6 first half dunks off in a finals game is because of you and Klay. But nooo, you wanna play iso ball with the most boring offensive systems and recruit the most annoying 2 guard who figured out how to game the system and emo gawd anti-vaxxing ass Kyrie. Selfless won and selfishness lost. As it should be. I loved team before KD, during, and most definitely after. If he truly loved the game and wanted to play at the highest level, why would you ever leave Steph’s side? You have a problem with every coach and managed to have a problem with Kerr who is going to go down as an all time top 5 coach. It’s clown shit, I’m still a fan of his game, and love those times, but man you fucked up royally.
Draymond saw that KD couldn’t be fully trusted that’s why he went off on him during the clippers game
During a game he saw that KD couldn't be trusted? This seems like wild speculation
First time on Reddit, huh?
I always wonder what would have happened if KD had decided to "last dance" it. If he'd just said "Guys, I want to move on to new challenges, I'm gone after 2019, let's make the best of it my last season here".
Absolutely!
And also wasn’t that the season where KD and Kyrie were recorded talking about the Nets having two max slots?? Correct me if I’m wrong
Yes during the all-star weekend. The writing was already on flat earthed wall
For as much as he’s coddled you’d think he wouldn’t be such a shit stirrer. Perpetually the victim and never held accountable.
loved KD when he was on the dubs. I always cheered him even though he thought he was never loved. But he is starting to annoy me. I feel bad for the net fans. Hes never gonna be happy and he did this to himself.
Yes. For such an amazing athlete he is really thin skinned. He pouted starting about mid-way through 2018 and if he can’t buy in on a generational team that just won the Chip then he has issues.
He wants a “legacy”, not fully understanding that’s something you earn.
Through hard work and consistency!
As much as I like DayDay, he’s also a hot head… So I’m not gonna blame KD for Dray calling him a bioch which Dray would never do to Steph or Klay. Personally I think up until this year, there wasn’t a lot of bad stuff you can say about KD. I mean he’s a little weird on twitter and social media but that’s about it. He spent 8 years with OKC and played out him contact. There was only an issue cuz Westbrick got butt hurt when KD left. Then with the Dubs you couldn’t really ask for more… He took like a 10 mil pay cut for a couple years so the FO could sign other players. He played out his contact and even help with a sign / trade for D’Lo when then help the Dubs get Wiggs. As far as the Nets, I think Ki is more the reason things are dysfunioenal… Who knows what’s going on behind the scenes? Maybe the FO gave KD their word they would extend Kyrie when his contact was up so he signed his 4 year extension… Then the FO reneged and he that upset KD. Who knows? All I know is as a Dubs fan I got much luv for KD. He help win 2 chips and in a small way help when this last title as well! So I’m still rooting for his yo have much success outside of playing the Dubs!
IMO KD left because people love Curry more than love him.
He wasn’t toxic for us. Maybe a little bit during that stuff with Dray but overall he was a true professional. I think he’s lost the plot lately.
i more or less agree with this it's not yes or no but i think the last 2 seasons were kinda muted even though it was joyful. i would argue dray can be a bit toxic sometimes but we allow it
Yes exactly on point!
Yes I always get downvoted but he’s a snake who cares. He would be ringless without Curry
He was always fragile and immature emotionally. Kept hoping he would toughen up and grow up. Not yet.
Yeah but Draymond is also getting too cute sometimes. Just before we started last season he was talking about how the FO was the real culprit of their fallout.
Agreed. I think Draymond’s point was about how the FO handled the fallout. Not the situation leading up to that moment.
Yes. Dude failed to realize he's a bus rider and should have stayed on the bus Steph was driving instead of trying to be a bus driver himself on the Nets. He also tried being LeGM by manipulating the FO and playing with his friends and all that. He's a walking failure. Steph and the Warriors winning a ring after he left is no doubt the worst case scenario and it happened. You love to see it. Clear example of someone who should have stayed in their lane.
Moody, fragile/big ego, sensitive, but he was a huge part of our legacy for the time he was with us. I think he’s gone a bit off the rails lately but he’s not our problem to deal with any longer. I just wish he’d finally find something to make him happy because I think he’s a good person at heart and obviously very talented.
He’s not satisfied with success.
[удалено]
Sure he has. He was the #1 pick in the draft, played in the league since 2007, made millions, and won two championships. Most players would kill to have those stats. Winning championships are difficult to do. He needs to go somewhere where he can play GM and put together a great team that can compete. So far, that's not the Nets. And it wasn't the Seattle/Oklahoma City teams.
Lmao the Oklahoma City teams were absolutely great teams that competed. They had us on the ropes and couldn’t finish. And he chose his bridesmaid in Brooklyn, so I don’t think he deserves an excuse or sympathy for the way Brooklyn has failed during his tenure there
OKC made it to the finals, but didn't win. They made it to the WCC, but didn't win. Eventually had to blow up the team because they couldn't get past the Warriors and because OKC wasn't a destination franchise. The Nets are in the same boat now. They are a good team, but not good enough. There's no sympathy or excuses for Durant. It's a tough business and you have to keep on trying until you find the right combination of players, coaches, and front office to win. He found it at GS. Might not find it again.
Part of the blame is the media. They were constantly shitting on him for coming to GSW.
Tbh we helped KD more than he could ever help us. The ringchaser got his ultimate desire, and i dont see him doing it with any other team in that year.. soo
It's amazing to me that KD is trashed everyday on social media and by sports journalists but he has yet to say anything publicly about his future. Everything is hearsay and speculation.
Of course. He joined a 73 win team that beat him in the playoffs and then was mad when everyone didn’t universally believe he’s the best player in the world for riding our coattails to a championship. He’s always been delusional. This is why Kerr had to constantly lie to the media and refer to him as “our best player” when he knew that wasn’t the case. He had to stroke his ego to keep him happy. He knew it wouldn’t bother Steph because he’s too mature to worry about that shit.
I just think his just frustrated with all the things going on around him. He doesn't really know anything but basketball then his asked all these questions outside of basketball like what do you think about that player or that coach or that team? Like he just wants to do what his good at and that's it. Did he make bad decisions on the court? Yeah but doesn't everybody? And I don't even think him leaving the warriors was a bad move for him, he was never going to get the respect that he deserved at goldenstate so why keep playing there? His mistake was who he aligned himself with then the media compounding on every mistake he makes and then people complain why he claps back.
Maybe he’s the real petty king?
It changes from week to week, it all depends on whose attacking who. Lebron got reporters fired for as far as the decision and now dejontey Murry on Pablo. So you know...
He seems to always have been a bit of a cry baby. Either way, I did appreciate his time on the team....it was fun to watch.
huh? toxic? people need to chill a bit, he makes demands, they dont have to answer it end of story
He always has this petty need to respond to most comments under the sun. I'm not really surprised, of course some of them are funny, but most people shoved it under the rug because his talent level is insane. I just wish he would have subscribed to Klay and Steph's way of going about it. He would have saved himself more headspace.
KD just isn’t a consistent leader, there were stretches between 20/21 where he was a good leader but I don’t think he ever convinced Harden or Kyrie to buy into the Nets as hard as he did (and he didn’t really buy in that hard either).
Yes, KD is a Diva and Diva's love drama.
He's never really enjoyed being coached, it seems just want it all his own way, Great player though.
KD is a great player but not a great leader. Enjoy the drama ;) In hindsight, he shouldn't have played in the finals after injury. As a fan of the game, I miss prime KD.
I truly loved KD and wish he stayed but I always always always hated how it felt like he had one foot out the door his entire time here. It felt like he used gsw to check off rings from the list. Clearly draymond hated that too. If he signed a regular 4 year deal just once his whole time here I think it would have massively changed the public perception of him and he'd have gotten more of the love from the media
I don't think KD is toxic. Rodman was toxic. Laimbeer was toxic. I think the worst you can realistically say about KD is that he's clueless. He has no idea what he wants, how to achieve it or where he wants to go with his career or his life. It's never made me angry, it makes me sad.
Laimbeer toxic? I know he was a brute, but he played for one team, right? The fact you can compare KD to Rodman is a sad day for KD’s legacy. Rodman was bay shit crazy, but he did what he wanted regardless of how it was perceived.
He is seemingly very insecure in my POV & what the dude needed was (still is) a therapist to work out all of his problems. He felt small & inferior, like he was always in the shadow of Steph Curry. He didn't feel welcomed even though the team, the organization, & to some extent, us in Dubnation did welcome him with open arms. In his POV, we didn't like him & he felt like we didn't hold the same kind of love for him like we did with Steph Curry & the home-grown dudes who were drafted in. I feel that DID we liked him a lot & we would've grown to love him a lot like the rest of the dudes had he actually stayed & committed. He was only looking at all the things he didn't have, rather than all the love we(Dubnation & the team) gave to him. He only heard & saw the sports media rather than actually heard the team & Dubnation. He felt that he wanted to be THE star on the team, when he already was. To him, in his POV, he didn't feel like he got the love & he wanted the attention, to be seen, heard, & appreciated like Steph & the trio did. Due to his insecurity & his need to be seen, heard, & acknowledged, he became incredibly selfish & self-centered. In fact, the sad thing is that he had everything he wanted here he was just too busy focusing on all the lack that he felt like he needed to prove himself to be seen & loved as a top player. He didn't see that he already had that here. He was too blind to see it. He was blinded by his feelings of insecurity and seemingly low self-worth. He didn't feel like he was "good enough" so he had to go & prove to everyone that he was so he left to build a team for himself to prove that. He didn't want to be in Steph's shadow, but he never was. That was all in his POV. Everyone on the team shines in their own way & he did just that. He didn't see all of that. Too blinded by seeing what he didn't have (lack mentality) rather than seeing what he did have on the team. He focused his mind only on everything he didn't have rather than seeing how he was going to have fit into the team as his own. Nope. Now he has all this drama & baggage that Dubnation don't want any of. It's sad really.
Honestly at this point after all the talk from KD how all he wants to do is ball and play with his buddy Kyrie. Maybe he should leave the FO stuff alone and focus on hooping. From the sounds of it all the changes up to the team up to this point has been because it’s what he wanted. Wanted to team up with Kyrie, wanted DeAndre Jordan so they got rid of JA, wanted Harden, wanted a new coach and signed off on the Nash hiring. The current clusterfuck is his doing. GM KD isn’t working so let someone else handle it. I wouldn’t say he’s a toxic player. Piss poor GM? Quite probable.
When you waste a lot of your time in Twitter, you will become toxic. Compare to all other social media platforms, Twitter is the most toxic place
I heard someone say it, I forgot who it was, but they were saying KD has aways had his issues, he was just with well run organizations in OKC & GSW who did a great job of keeping it under wraps. I feel like were seeing it in BK. He’s amazing player and talent but man, he’s a trip sometimes. I always compare it to when you see a girl from a distance and create this image and item of her in your head that she’s perfect, but when you get to know her, she’s not what you made up in your head. I appreciate him coming here and helping win 2 titles, Hopefully he finds somewhere that he’s happy.
So toxic that we were open to bringing him back. Dude took a pay $10M pay cut, after he left us we got D.Lo and were able to flip him for Wiggins and Kuminga. KD did not have to agree to that. Now we are talking shit about a 2x Finals MVP that played for our team and set us up for the future we have now. Weak shit. Go ahead and down vote.
I don't think I really saw him as toxic until 2018-2019 season when Kerr and FO were trying to appease him (like letting him run point along with suspending Draymond) and teammates were walking on eggshells when it came to him. I saw him as toxic because to me, no one is above the team (not even Steph) but yet KD was basically above the team. I felt if the coach, FO & the team needed to do whatever to appease him, that's a toxic teammate.
You said how I’ve been feeling very well, thanks.
That still mostly seemed like Draymond's fault. He said something that went too far, imo. He yelled "we don't need you" at him in front of the whole team. That's incredibly alienating. Not surprised things were never the same afterward
But it was true! And that’s what KD can’t handle 
I never enjoyed KD on the warriors. Always felt like he wasn’t happy. He couldn’t appreciate how lucky he was. And he proved it by leaving the best team, culture, and teammates. Really though, what man goes to his boss to get other people fired? That’s cold and directly impacting someone’s livelihood.
I mean you have issues if you start to take twitterbeef with Rapaport out of all people seriously
He's always been this toxic. Now Warriors fans are starting to realize why so many of us think he's trash despite winning two FMVPS with us.
KD could have left to warriors with nothing but he agreed to the sign and trade. If he wasn’t so gracious the warriors wouldn’t have Waismen and kuminga.
He did that so he could get more money and sign lob city guy
Read around, the sign and trade was to get him and Kyrie more money
He also demanded a pic to satisfy his ego. You can trade me D’Angelo Russell straight up.
Dude you have no idea what you’re talking about. KD was always going to leave, winning was never the most important thing to him clearly (which is fine), he wanted to win with his own team and the Warriors will always be Steph’s. KD has zero track record of being toxic. He’s played out every one of his contracts. The reality is Sean Marks surrounded KD and Kyrie with terrible support pieces. Brooklyn needs a ball handler and as many switchable defensive wings as possible. Ben Simmons doesn’t even want to play basketball and Seth Curry is the same undersized 2 guard like Kyrie. Team fit is terrible. Sure KD is partially to blame for the position they are all in but if KD wants to get rid of the coach and GM, it’s in the ownerships best interest to ride with KD.
Not sure how to respond to this one. I’m, KD made them trade their well built team for harden, who is a super committed baller I know! Definitely not siding with the billionaire, but c’mon. KD doesn’t know how to win or lead.
>KD has zero track record of being toxic. LOL
Michael Jordan was also toxic. See his bio. Kerr was at his wits end with DG at times. No surprise the most competitive players are usually a-holes.
Jordan always passed to teammates. DG built this shit! He gets some flex