NBA betting enthusiasts surely heard the declaration during Monday’s 4th of July festivities. Kevin Durant officially announced his decision to join the Warriors, and the internet exploded with a backlash of memes. Many are critiquing his decision, after all it was only six years ago that Durant was vocal about star players all flocking to the same team. Then, when his chance came he did the exact same thing. Sure it might’ve been hypocritical, but if Durant truly wanted to win a championship then going to Golden State was his best option. The opportunity presented itself and he chose to capitalize, you can’t hate him for that.
Sportsbook users might not be interested in all the drama, but they certainly want to know how this will affect NBA betting next season. Durant’s impact has already been felt as the Warriors are the heavy favorite sitting at +205. Although Cleveland is right behind them with +285, their odds show exactly what everyone is expecting from this team.
With the addition of Durant, Golden State has become the epitome of the “Dream Team”. Durant isn’t just joining a team of superstars; he’s joining the team that made it to finals the last two years. The team that won the championship in 2015, and in 2016 they broke the NBA record for most regular season wins.
Behind the efforts of reigning two-time MVP Steph Curry and the Warriors were able to overpower the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant’s previous team, during the playoffs. The decision to join the same team that beat him in the postseason is what is drawing the backlash from the media. Is it really fair to blame him for thinking “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”? Many are saying a lack of competitive spirit is responsible for this decision, but isn’t it that same competitive spirit that is driving him to find success? Sure the Thunder had a decent amount of talent and could’ve made an attempt for a championship. It certainly would’ve been more challenging, but when presented with the opportunity to surround yourself with the talent that Golden State has you’d be crazy not to jump on it.
“The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player – as that has always steered me in the right direction.” Durant wrote in a statement titled ‘My Next Chapter’. “But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth.”
“With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors.”
Many fans are still pulling the loyalty card. They believe that Oklahoma is entitled to Durant because they drafted him or some other half-baked reason. In the end, Durant is simply making a business decision. He’ll be able to make more money, live somewhere warm, and have a chance at winning multiple championships. In a game where winning is everything Durant’s decision is a win-win. At the end of the day, NBA betting enthusiasts can be sure of one thing: the Warriors will win next year, and they’ll win big.
