Kevin Durant has not played well based on his own MVP expectations. The Thunder have struggled in late game situations and Durant has been frustrated by Tony Allen and the Grizzlies defense. They have lost three of four overtime games this series including game 5 in which Durant missed a critical free throw and went 0-8 behind the three point line.
I don't want to break down the series or what Durant has or hasn't done. What happened next is what really interests me. The Oklahoman ran the headline Mr. Unreliable in reference to Durant's play in the series. It caused an obvious uproar and the Oklahoman actually ran an apology to the headline that "missed its mark."
As a journalist, I'm supposed to be outraged at the apology. New York and Los Angeles criticize their stars on a daily basis. Why should Oklahoma or Durant be any different? Even if the backlash wasn't intended, you absolutely can't print an apology. It is the job of beat writers to print objective criticism not be fan boys waving pom poms.
As a journalist, I'm supposed to support the headline and hate the apology, but I don't.
My initial reaction was one of a fan. At least, what I thought a fan reaction would be. It was a quick text exchange with a die hard Thunder fan that really left me stunned and inspired me to write this post. I was shocked that Durant was not untouchable by local media and surprisingly, my friend didn't feel that he should be. He reminded me that Oklahoma City is one of the kindest media outlets to their local teams in the country. If Durant were to leave and play for the Knicks he would face similar criticism regularly. So criticism is fair when it's...fair.
I disagree. I believe Durant should be given unconditional support by everyone in Oklahoma City including the media. Let me be very clear with my feelings:
Oklahoma City does not deserve Kevin Durant.
I don't mean the fans don't deserve him. I'm not saying the city hasn't been good to him. I'm saying it's Oklahoma City.
1. Kevin Durant is a transcendent talent.
2. Kevin Durant will be the MVP.
3. Kevin Durant is a model citizen.
4. Kevin Durant has left tons of money on the table by playing in OKC.
5. The Thunder will never be as good as they are now if Kevin Durant leaves.
If Durant gets criticized in Los Angeles or New York he would still be in Los Angeles or New York. I'm not saying OKC is a bad place to live but as a young millionaire on top of the world, would you stay? Thunder fans are mistaken if they think Durant doesn't have grander aspirations than being a big fish in a small pond. He didn't sign with Jay Z to blend in.
If Durant played in New York his endorsement income would double. I understand money isn't everything. At some point rich is rich, but can you really just ignore millions of dollars? Athletes have a responsibility to earn everything they can. They live a life where their earning potential ends well before standard retirement age. OKC is not New York, not Los Angeles, not Dallas, not Washington D.C. Durant stayed in OKC because he was young and comfortable with his surroundings. He's older now, he's an MVP and he's tasted the Finals. He's growing up and he will outgrow OKC.
If the Thunder don't produce a championship before Durant becomes a free agent OKC can kiss him goodbye. Trying to keep him would be akin to asking the future #1 draft pick to stay in college. It doesn't make sense. That's why I think the media and everyone else should kiss his ass every step he takes. When he plays great, tell him he's the greatest. When he struggles, help pick him up off the mat. Never say a disparaging word, much less call him Mr. Unreliable. Shower Durant with love to hopefully make the decision to leave a little more difficult. Leave the criticism to the national media. ESPN and others will make sure to point out when Durant isn't getting it done. OKC should provide a safe haven. His happiness in Oklahoma is bigger than this season.
Some might argue that he responded to the headline by playing his best game of the series, and therefore the criticism was effective. An elimination game was all the motivation Durant and the Thunder needed, not a stupid headline.
The bottom line: OKC needs to understand what and who they are. I would be scared to death of any headline, interview or fan comment that might upset Durant. Like it or not, he is sensitive. Like it or not, that headline bothered him and his mom. Like it or not, OKC is held hostage to his talent. Durant is the ultra hot girlfriend and OKC is the nerd that doesn't deserve her. Sorry. It's true. How should that nerd respond? Worship the ground she walks on and do anything that makes her happy because he knows he will never do better. Just be glad she likes you and don't screw that up.
Here's what happens if the Thunder lose tomorrow:
1. Scott Brooks get fired. It's not necessarily Sam Presti's style to give up on Brooks. He likes to stay the course and has shown he is capable of surprises (ask James Harden), but the pressure to keep Durant will force his hand. Brooks will appear as a modern day Doug Collins who took Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls as far as he could, but it took Phil Jackson to take them to the promised land. On top of that pressure, plenty if not most of the blame should fall on Brooks for failing in the first round. Four overtime games in a row and the Thunder only pulled out one. Not good. They have no direction late in games and forgo set plays for individual plays. In many instances they couldn't get the ball in Durant's hands. Durant described himself as a "decoy" and said he needs to get a rebound to get a touch late. That's not a vote of confidence for Brooks.
2. Russell Westbrook comes under attack. Westbrook faces the lions share of criticism in OKC. In many instances it is deserved. His athleticism is unquestioned but his judgment isn't always stellar. His belief in his game is his greatest strength and weakness. The chemistry between Westbrook and Durant will be over analyzed and will lead to more grumbling, more pressure and the eventual dissolution of the dynamic duo. Another reason why a coaching change will be imperative. The Thunder need a leader that can teach the two to play more seamlessly together.
3. The Durant narrative changes. No longer the up-and-comer, championship expectations are here now. The pressure starts to boil over. Durant will start to face LeBron type scrutiny. Nothing he does in the regular season will matter. The national conversation will switch to "can he win the big one." The good news is that was the motivation and realization both Jordan and LeBron needed to become a champion.
Admittedly, that is the doomsday scenario. These words are mostly wasted if the Thunder win tomorrow and move on. The headline will most likely be forgotten and if the Thunder win a championship they will enjoy a long and happy life with Durant, Brooks and Westbrook. That's what's fun about superstars and the NBA playoffs. It's do or die. Game 6 was the most important game in Thunder history and they responded with their best game of the playoffs. Now, game 7 is the most important game in Thunder history.
Side note: Keep playing Steven Adams and hope Mike Conley is slowed by his hamstring.
Absolutely right on the mark! Now that Stirling has screwed up the Clippers my prediction of Blake coming the Thurnder is no longer a pipe dream. Add him to OKC and that team is cooking!!
ReplyDeleteGreat article!!