After an incredible 2017 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, it is the time to reflect on the season that was. Last summer when Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors, many believed they were taking the steps to build a "Super Team". Headlines swirled concerning this opinion, but this was not the sentiment amongst the players in the Golden State locker room. Kevin Durant, in an interview in USA Today, reveals that he believes that the personality of the team couldn't be farther away from a "super team".
The road to becoming a champion isn't paved all in gold
Many believe that the Warriors should have won and did because of the "super team"-like roster they boasted. But, when Kevin Durant talked about the actual personality of the team, it sounded more like a band of vagabond outcasts who came together in a moment of greatness. In the interview, Durant discusses the different history and journey that some of his teammates took to get to the point of being champions. He believes that if this, actually, was a super team that these players wouldn't of had the travelled the roads they have.
- Steph Curry was the 7th pick in the 2009 Draft, there were plenty of teams who looked right over Curry. This assumption by coaches was something with which Curry became accustomed. Curry was not highly recruited out of high school either, due to his stature and because coaches didn't think he would be able to handle the professional level. Him being the son of Dell Curry, one of the best shooters in the history of the NBA.L
- Like Curry, Draymond Green was passed over by many teams in the 2012 NBA draft. He was selected 35th overall. Questions concerning his character and work ethic may have caused teams to over look him for other options.
- Klay Thompson was just another retired NBA players son with an OK shot.
- Livingston had previously suffered a serious knee injury. Many coaches and people around the NBA did not think he would ever regain his prior form.
- Andre Iguodala has also shuffled through a few teams rosters before he finally found a permanent home in Golden State.
From outcasts to champions
From their days of uncertainty and childhood dreams of NBA glory to solidifying themselves in the NBA history books, it was a long hard road of blood, sweat, and tears.
These guys beat odds since the beginning of their basketball careers to become the players they are today. That perseverance had the fruitful bounties for theses Warriors. As they end the season as champions, they also end this season with great accolades for their hard work. They went into the Finals with 4 All-Stars in there starting 5 and a 2 time MVP (1 of those MVP awards was unanimous), and came out with the respect and adoration of the league.
That interview with Durant really should make people think about the players on this roster as a group of guys who came together as a unit in their moment of basketball greatness.
Kevin Durant proved he belongs among the conversation of the greatest players in history. Now the question that will be next is whether or not this will be the beginning of a dynasty? Will these Warriors force teams to play a different scheme of basketball? Will this be the next evolution of basketball?
