Kevin Durant reminisced about his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) as the most cherished era of his illustrious career. In a candid conversation on Boardroom’s Aux Money, Durant reflected on the formative years he spent with OKC, describing it as the foundation of his journey in the NBA.
“It has to be that OKC time, period because it was like the entry point into the to all of this… That’s the foundation of everything so we was young and we was playing against dynasties.”
“We was competing against the Lakers with Kobe, when they won a back to back Dallas when they won a championship, Miami with LeBron and D Wade and all them.”
“That was the start of it all and I think coming in early all of us, James, me, Russ, Serge we was all 22, 23 and getting thrown into the fire like that that probably was the best.” (56:16)
Durant fondly recalled the experience of entering the league alongside fellow stars such as James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka. He emphasized the significance of their youthfulness and the challenges they faced as they competed against established dynasties.
The OKC team, with its core of young talents, found themselves pitted against formidable opponents, including the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the star-studded Miami Heat featuring LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
The competitive nature of those matchups and the intensity of playoff battles against championship-caliber teams left an indelible mark on Durant. Despite their relative youth and inexperience, Durant and his teammates embraced the challenge, demonstrating resilience and determination beyond their years. The camaraderie forged during those early days in OKC laid the groundwork for Durant’s growth as a player and leader.
For Durant, the OKC era represented more than just basketball; it symbolized the beginning of a transformative journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. The collective experiences shared with his teammates, both on and off the court, shaped his identity as a player and fueled his desire for greatness.
The memories of those formative years with OKC continue to hold a special place in Durant’s heart, serving as a constant reminder of his humble beginnings and the journey that propelled him to NBA superstardom. Despite achieving success with multiple teams throughout his career, Durant acknowledges that his time with OKC will always stand out as a pivotal chapter in his basketball odyssey.
The OKC Dynasty Could Have Ruled The NBA For Generations
The potential of the Oklahoma City Thunder dynasty, had Kevin Durant not departed, remains a tantalizing “what-if” scenario in NBA history. The Thunder, boasting a core of Durant and Russell Westbrook, stood on the precipice of greatness before their roster underwent seismic changes.
The 2016 Western Conference Finals saw the Thunder take the Golden State Warriors to the brink, with a 3-1 series lead slipping away in heartbreaking fashion. Despite falling short, the Thunder’s performance signaled their ability to challenge the league’s elite and suggested that they were on the cusp of championship glory.
Had Durant remained in Oklahoma City, the Thunder would have possessed a formidable duo capable of dominating the NBA landscape for years to come. With Durant’s scoring prowess and Westbrook’s relentless intensity, the Thunder boasted a potent combination of talent and athleticism.
The synergy between Durant and Westbrook promised sustained success for the Thunder. Their collective growth and development over time would likely have propelled them to multiple championships and firmly entrenched them as the league’s premier franchise.
In this alternate timeline, the Thunder would have emerged as perennial contenders with at least three titles to their name, with Durant and Westbrook each capturing MVP honors along the way. Their dominance would have reshaped the NBA landscape, with other teams scrambling to keep pace with the Thunder’s juggernaut.
While Durant’s departure altered the course of NBA history, the potential of the Thunder dynasty remains a compelling narrative. The mere thought of Durant and Westbrook wreaking havoc on the league for years to come serves as a reminder of the tantalizing possibilities that could have been. Though their story took an unexpected turn, the legacy of the Thunder dynasty continues to captivate fans and ignite discussions about what might have been.
