One reason I was told KD-Kyrie prefer the Nets is because the Knicks have so much baggage that if they failed everything would come down on them. If they take Nets to say ECF they would be still hailed as saviors. Less pressure, better overall situation & still in NY
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) June 30, 2019
As you can see above I reported on this yesterday and now it is being confirmed.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie didn’t want to deal with the Knicks dysfunction and media scrutiny. I can’t say that I blame them, but they are going to take a hit any way from looking like they were running away from a challenge.
Here is what is being said via Bleacher Report.
Neither Irving nor Durant were eager to wear the “savior” mantle that’s thrust upon every star player, coach or executive who lands at Madison Square Garden, from Stephon Marbury, Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas to Carmelo Anthony, Mike D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh.
It’s different in Brooklyn, where the Nets generally operate below the radar, with less scrutiny and more measured expectations. The stars were impressed by Marks, a San Antonio Spurs disciple who favors a low-key, no-nonsense, egoless management style.
Durant had grown weary of the perpetual drama in Golden State, even while leading the Warriors to two straight championships. What some found refreshing about the Warriors—their big personalities, their outspokenness on both on- and off-court issues—Durant found distracting. He wanted a team that placed basketball above all else.
And he wanted to escape the draining debate about whether the Warriors were Stephen Curry’s team or his. At times, Durant felt taken for granted as the Warriors worked to reemphasize their pre-Durant “beautiful game” of constant movement—at the expense of Durant’s isolation play.
Sometimes it is best to move on.
You know the saying, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side? With that being said the only way to find out is to go to the other side.
We will see what happens.
Flip the page for more videos of why KD went to Brooklyn.