Draymond Green Reportedly Liked Post That Disrespects Kevin Durant's Role On The Warriors' Championship Runs

A recent Instagram post by Sports Fluent, highlighting an offensive sequence of the Warriors, sparked the controversy. The post suggested the team's dependency on Stephen Curry rather than Durant, igniting debates within the NBA community. Interestingly, Green seemingly endorsed the post's message by liking it on Instagram, as captured by an NBA fan and shared on social media.

This incident reignited discussions about the strained relationship between Green and Durant. Despite their initial collaboration in bringing Durant to the Warriors, reports suggest that Green began to diminish Durant's influence on the team over time. Tensions between the two escalated during the 2018/19 NBA season, culminating in a public on-court argument where Green reportedly expressed sentiments suggesting the team could succeed without Durant.

Durant's subsequent departure from the Warriors marked the end of an era, but tensions between him and Green persisted. Despite occasional displays of mutual respect, such as Green's recent acknowledgment of Durant's basketball prowess, their relationship remains complex and marked by fluctuating dynamics.

Green's recent social media activity suggests that he continues to hold firm to his belief that the Warriors did not need Durant to succeed. While he may not harbor animosity towards Durant personally, his actions indicate a refusal to let go of the narrative that the team thrived independently of Durant's contributions.

As the NBA playoffs approach, Green's endorsement of this narrative may spark reactions from Durant and reignite tensions between the two players. Despite their history of camaraderie and rivalry, it seems that the complexities of their relationship continue to shape their interactions on and off the court.

The Warriors Could Have Had Trouble Getting Out Of The West Without Kevin Durant

The Golden State Warriors' dominance during their back-to-back championship runs with Kevin Durant undoubtedly solidified their place in NBA history. However, suggesting that they could have navigated the Western Conference and secured titles without Durant is a contentious claim.

Prior to Durant's arrival, the Warriors faced formidable opponents in the West, including the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets. These teams presented significant challenges with their star-studded rosters and elite level of play. While the Warriors were successful in overcoming these obstacles, it's worth noting that Durant's addition provided them with an additional layer of talent and versatility that proved crucial in navigating the playoffs.

Durant's scoring ability, defensive prowess, and clutch performances were instrumental in several critical moments throughout the playoffs. His presence provided the Warriors with a reliable scoring option and a formidable defensive presence, particularly against tough opponents in the West.

Furthermore, Durant's impact extended beyond his contributions on the court. His presence altered opposing defenses' game plans, opening up opportunities for his teammates and creating mismatches that the Warriors could exploit. His chemistry with fellow stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green created a formidable lineup that was nearly impossible for opponents to contain.

While the Warriors certainly possessed a strong core prior to Durant's arrival, his addition elevated them to another level. His arrival not only strengthened their roster but also provided them with a sense of invincibility that permeated through the playoffs. Without Durant, the Warriors may have still been a formidable team in the West, but it's unlikely they would have achieved the same level of success and dominance that they enjoyed with him on board.

In conclusion, while the Warriors demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level prior to Durant's arrival, his presence undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their championship runs. Without him, their path through the Western Conference and subsequent success in the NBA Finals may have been significantly more challenging, if not insurmountable.