Kevin Durant is thankful for having the chance to play in Rio, a therapy from his controversial decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors. (Photo : Getty Images/Mike Coppola)
Kevin Durant is aware that his decision to join the Golden State Warriors was heavily criticized but was thankful he was able to get away from it temporarily in Brazil. Durant was part of Team USA which copped the gold medal over Serbia, 99-66.
For the one-time MVP, it was a much appreciative respite considering he has been under heat for that celebrated decision to join the Golden State Warriors. Durant finds himself the ‘villain’ for the first time in his career, many taking shots at his decision to take the easy road to winning an NBA title, CBS Sports reported.
All that took a backseat recently when Durant starred in the thrashing of Serbia, USA Today reported. He exploded for 30 points for USA Basketball, a stint which allowed him to play alongside upcoming teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
It was technically a vacation of sorts though Durant still had to play ball with a purpose. Now that the mission of winning the gold is over and done with, the 27-year-old forward will have to prep himself as he joins his new team in training camp.
For whatever little time is left, Durant will be back in the limelight again and likely to draw the same heat he had during free agency. While he does have his reasons, abandoning a team that nurtured him and opting not to work for an NBA title is expected to hound him for the rest of the season.
A former teammate, Serge Ibaka bared he understands Durant’s move though it was something he didn’t expect. In an interview with Complex, Ibaka believes that it was a tough decision for Durant to make that call. But in the end, Ibaka says that it was all about doing what he feels would make him happy.
Despite being surprised by the move, Ibaka believes that everyone just has to deal with his decision. He stresses that this is the reason why they play the game and Durant is no exception.
With Durant’s entry, the Golden State Warriors have become contenders again next season. It will be interesting how things pan out when his new team faces the Thunder on February 2017, ESPN reported.
Check out the video below covering Kevin Durant’s temporary escape from the hatred.
