Kevin Durant is starting to fit in with his new teammates in Phoenix. The former NBA MVP is ramping up for another deep playoff run. Except for this time, he will be back in the Western Conference. This past Sunday, Durant returned to his home away from home. Oklahoma City is where the former Texas Longhorn grew up in the NBA. His professional career was born in Seattle. However, the franchise relocating to Oklahoma City gave Durant a place to cut his teeth among the stars.
Everyone knows the story by now. Durant left his home with the Thunder for greener pastures in Golden State the summer before the 2016-17 season. The move was a crushing blow to the Thunder franchise. As many fans believed the team was a yearly title contender with Durant on the roster. Leaving the place that gave you your start can be difficult. Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers have watched their hometown king leave them twice. For Thunder fans, they've never forgotten Durant's goodbye and let him know about it.
Kevin Durant Understands Thunder Fans Frustrations
Kevin Durant understands the reasoning behind the boo birds in OKC. When a community loses its star player, it can be a gut punch. The organization has to start over when such a significant loss happens. After Durant's departure, the organization said goodbye to Westbrook shortly after. Westbrook and Durant are still the most synonymous names in the history of the Thunder organization. However, the franchise only has one Western Conference title to show for it.
The Thunder were a team of potential. For so many years, many wondered would it be the year for OKC. A team that once had three league MVPs on their roster ended up with zero championships. Thunder fans have the right to be hurt over Durant's exit. However, the future looks bright in Oklahoma City. The franchise basically owns the next few drafts. In the process of rebuilding, the team has found a star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As well as hoping injured rookie Chet Holmgren pans out as another monster draft pick. While the future looks bright, sometimes, it's hard to forget the past. Do you think it's time for Thunder fans to move on from the Durant hate? Let us know in the comment section below. For the latest NBA news, stick right here with us at HNHH.
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