Will the 2016-17 NBA Season Still Be Competitive with Durant on the Warriors?
The 2016-2017 off season was a big one for free agency in the NBA. An all-star list of names were in the open market. Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade, Andre Drummond, DeMar DeRozon, Mike Conley, Al Horford, Bradley Beal, Dwight Howard, Bismack Biyombo, and many more talented players. To say the least the Summer got wild and the NBA is looking very interesting this year.
Kevin Durant shocked the league, by signing with the Golden State Warriors. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that was a soft move on Durant's part. Durant was a part of a team that was up 3-1 in the western conference finals on the Warriors and ended up losing in 7. If you are that close to beating a team and making it to the NBA finals why would you ever join the enemy. People say there is no drama between Westbrook and Durant, but if I were Westbrook I would lose all respect for Durant. Westbrook, though not alone, was left by Durant and has been out for vengeance. Westbrook is currently averaging 34.2 points per game, 10 assists per game, and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant although labeled a traitor, has been nothing but spectacular for the Warriors. Averaging 30 points per game, 3.3 assists per game, and 8 rebounds per game. Durant making himself an early MVP candidate once again, as he has done throughout his career.
On the other side of the League in the Eastern Conference is a scary force in the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron James seems as if he is at the top of his game looking young as ever. James has been an MVP candidate arguably every single season he has been in the NBA. Ever since his rookie season he has been one of the best players in the league. In my opinion Lebron James has been the most valuable player to his team every single year whether it has been in winning a championship or not.
So back to the question, will this NBA season be competitive with Durant on the Warriors? My answer to that question is yes. These guys in the NBA are not getting enough credit if people actually believe the Warriors are going to ruin the upcoming NBA season.
The Warriors already showed in the 2016-17 season opening against San Antonio that they can be beat, as well as against a young Lakers team. San Antonio and L.A. have shown already this talent can be stopped. Yes, once this team gets rolling the Warriors will be scary, but as a true basketball fan I have faith that this season is going to be exhilarating the follow.
When it comes to the NBA and the current era of basketball things are looking up. There is so much talent in this league, it is almost tough for an average fan to follow. When people say the NBA will not be competitive they are ignorant. The NBA might be more competitive this year than it has been in awhile.
The Eastern Conference is loaded with talent, and although Cleveland has looked almost unstoppable the conference is up for grabs. With Dwade and Rondo to the bulls, Derrick Rose in New York, Horford to Boston, Teague to Indiana, and Howard coming home to Atlanta things in the East are very different from last season.
The Western Conference has had some changes as well, Durant to the Warriors, Victor Oladipo joining the conference in Oklahoma City, Kobe retiring, and Pau Gasol rejoining the West in hopes of ring with the Spurs. The Spurs are out for vengeance against the Warriors. The Clippers are in search of a championship run with their current dynasty led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. James Harden and the Rockets have looked solid, with Harden showing he is arguably one of the best guards in the NBA. Even the young Lakers have looked good, already putting the loud Warriors to silence in an early season beat down.
It goes to show that no matter how good a team may be in the NBA they can always be stopped, whether they are stopped by strategy or even a strong team win, they can be stopped. The 2016-17 NBA is going to be very competitive, and I look forward to seeing the outcome.
