This will be a different type of preview today because I’m still in shock the Thunder found a way to lose against the semi-dumpster fire Nets on Sunday evening. Plus, I’m not sure what Steven Adams’ status will or won’t be tonight. Andre Roberson is out for an estimated three weeks with a knee sprain, but we don’t know yet on Adams.
So–I’d like to go another direction since nobody seems to care Kevin Durant will be a free agent either this July, or in July 2017 if he signs a one year deal after this season with an opt out at the same time Russell Westbrook will be hitting the market. Most think this is the scenario which will play out and it makes sense when you really think it through.
But still, I have to admit, if Kevin Durant does eventually decides to move on after 2017, as a long time NBA fan it wouldn’t kill me to see him end up New York with Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher because I have so much respect for both of them and what they could possibly do to help Durant finally win his championship.
Of course–if OKC wins a championship in either of the next two years I’d feel differently. But unless Sam Presti can find ‘that’ player to put OKC over the edge, I’m not holding my breath, just observing and waiting.
What I’m saying is if I were Kevin Durant’s uncle, and he were asking my advice on the matter, I’d say, “Stay in OKC through 2017 and see if Sam Presti can put a championship team together or go talk to Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher and see what they specifically have in mind as far as team building.”
Would suck for a guy from Deer Creek, Oklahoma who loves watching Durant play in person and who has no intentions of moving to New York, but at some point as his hypothetical surrogate uncle that’s what I’d probably say. If you’re going to make a move, then do it with a coach and general manager you respect to the max.
So this Phil Jackson interview is my preview for tonight. I love Phil Jackson because of the way he interacts with his players intellectually. He gives each of his players books to read which I just think is totally cool and he completely values the way he can bring the utmost out in each player. Plus, he’s just a very funny, engaging guy.