The Golden State Warriors have become one of the most successful organizations in the NBA over the past decade. With four NBA championships in just nine seasons, the Warriors have become synonymous with winning and success. Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have solidified their legacies not only within the Warriors organization but also in the broader landscape of the NBA. However, Kevin Durant’s legacy with the Dubs is a tad bit more complicated.
While the Dubs won their first title in 2015 without him, KD played a pivotal role in their subsequent title triumphs in 2017 and 2018. Durant joined the Warriors in the 2016 offseason following their disappointing loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Despite leading the Warriors to two NBA titles (winning two Finals MVP in the process), KD could never endear himself to the Warriors faithful.
Moreover, Durant left the Warriors rather unceremoniously, which further complicated his relationship with the Dubs’ fans. However, Detroit Pistons’ icon Isiah Thomas recently made a bold statement regarding KD’s stint with the Warriors.
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Isiah Thomas makes a surprising claim
During a conversation on the Draymond Green Show, Isaiah Thomas stated that Durant saved the Warriors dynasty’s legacy after LeBron embarrassed them in the 2016 NBA Finals. He said, “Kevin Durant comes that summer, and really saves y’all basketball legacy. You win two championships after that, and now the Golden State Warriors dynasty is cemented. Because if Durant don’t come that summer, and you guys are remembered as the 73-9 team that lost in the NBA Final. All of your legacies are different.”
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Isaiah Thomas’ assertions have caught many Warriors fans off guard. While there may be some validity to his claims, they do not provide a complete perspective on the situation. Kevin Durant left the Warriors after they lost in the 2019 NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors. Following KD’s departure, the Dubs endured a tough couple of seasons in which they weren’t really close to winning the title.
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Several fans and analysts were of the opinion that the Warriors dynasty had ended. However, the Golden State Warriors proved their doubters wrong, as they clinched the 2022 NBA title. The Warriors secured the title with a roster notably different from their 2018 championship team. Players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole played instrumental roles in their 2022 title triumph. The 2022 NBA title will forever cement the Golden State Warriors’ legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!