Has Kevin Durant ruined the NBA season?

On July 4th (Independence Day) 2016, Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder and signed with the Golden State Warriors. Ever since then, fans have been in an uproar about the impending NBA season. Analysts and fans have scolded Durant for leaving a championship contending team to a team that won the championship a season ago. Stephen A. Smith has been at the forefront of this backlash as he has stated that Durant ruined the NBA season. But has he really? Did Durant ruin the NBA season? Here's a few reason why he hasn't.

Experts said this about the Golden State Warriors last season

Around this time last year, but particularly around mid season, analysts were stating that the Warriors were making the NBA boring and that people were losing interest. However, Stephen Curry led the league in jersey sales and the Warriors were one of the most watched teams in NBA history.

Everyone was watching the Warriors and the Cavs as well as they also were watched a lot during season in anticipation of a Finals rematch. In fact the last day of the regular season was one of the most watched of all time as it was Kobe Bryant's last game and the Warriors broke the record for most regular season wins. The 2015-16 viewership was up compared to the more recent years.

Despite the Super team, there was a different outcome

Like I just stated, everyone thought the Warriors ruined the NBA last year, but they lost. It is possible. It can be done. Nothing in life is certain and just because Kevin Durant signed with the Warriors, doesn't mean they will win. We are just going to have to watch and find out. The Cavs were the underdog and no one gave them a shot, but they are currently the reigning defending champions.

Warriors NBA Finals appearance was almost guaranteed

Kevin Durant's leaving OKC did make the West playoffs a bit more boring, but it was safe to say that the Warriors had a high possibility of making the Finals again. Yes the Thunder had them on the ropes last season, but the Warriors are a more complete team and they would have likely made it to the NBA Finals again. I don't think the Thunder would've gotten a 3-1 lead again.

Regardless of what you think of KD's decision, you aren't going to stop watching the NBA. If so, then you weren't real fans to begin with. The competition is duller now I won't lie, but it's basketball. Everyone states that they won't watch, but when it comes back on you will be drawn to it.

Here's what's in store for NBA fans this season from the Warriors!


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