Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the Thunder has been criticized from every angle. John Wall has spoken out in regards to this and defends Durant’s decision for leaving.
You can usually count on John Wall for being outspoken and just saying what is on everyone else’s mind. After learning about Kevin Durant’s decision to leave, many were quick to become critics but all in all, can you blame Durant for wanting to leave and actually win? Absolutely not. If you date it back to his high school days, he hasn’t really won anything besides the MVP award in 2014.
NBA Summer League has started and we’re all getting a sneak peek at the new stars of the NBA. During Sunday’s Wizards game, John Wall was asked about Durant’s decision to leave the Thunder. Here’s what Wall had to say.
“Well, one thing I can say is it’s a lot different than what the old-school era was when Steve [Smith] and those guys played,” Wall said. “They stayed on one team and got it done, but that’s what the new NBA is now. Guys want to get rings and give themselves a better chance. He made the decision. At the end of the day, he made the decision that makes him happy. I think a lot of people don’t respect that, but you love the game, you play it to be happy, not to be sad and be frustrated. If he’s happy and comfortable in that situation, you have to respect the decision. LeBron [James] did the same thing to make him happy and figure things out and maybe he can figure out how to win championships and how to win on another level and then he can probably go back to wherever you want to go. I think it’s great for the game of basketball. It’s going to be exciting to see those guys meshed together. Come on, [the Warriors went] to two NBA championships without a guy like that. To replace and get that?”
This is something that a few have touched upon. Our generation has turned into one that is used to seeing players leave and not “stick it out” with their teams. But in a sense, I feel like Wall alluded to his own frustrations. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Wall leaves the Wizards when his time is up, which is right around the corner now.