Gilbert Arenas is generating buzz this offseason by discussing a wide range of basketball-related topics, both past and present. In a recent episode of “Gil’s Arena,” the former All-Star guard expressed his thoughts on the 2016-17 Warriors’ recruitment of Kevin Durant. Arenas voiced his frustration that the Warriors didn’t receive the same criticism for pursuing Durant as Durant did for joining them, suggesting that Durant actually saved their legacy.
“We know those four went to the Hamptons to recruit. They were the [73-9] team that went to recruit so they could dominate the rest of the NBA. Everyone focused on KD for saying yes, but not on the Warriors for going out and getting a bazooka. Your guns weren’t big enough to beat LeBron James, so you had to go out and get a bazooka.”
“They are the [73-9] team… Everybody put the narrative on KD for saying yes & not the [Warriors]… Your guns weren’t big enough to beat LeBron James, that you got to go out & get a bazooka."
Gilbert Arenas on Kevin Durant saving Steph Curry's legacy 👀pic.twitter.com/Tzne76qU3D
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 22, 2024
The circumstances surrounding Durant’s decision to join the Warriors have always raised questions, largely because both sides were aware they were making a move that would change the league. The recruitment reportedly began with a phone call from Draymond Green to Durant, eventually leading to a formal pitch at the Hamptons with all of the Warriors’ stars present.
Could The Warriors Beat LeBron Without Durant?
The Warriors can only claim one playoff series victory over LeBron James without Kevin Durant on their roster, which was in the 2015 NBA Finals when both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were sidelined due to injury. The Warriors also faced injuries in the 2016 Finals, setting the stage for what could have been a thrilling rematch in the 2016-17 season. However, that anticipation was dampened when Durant joined the Warriors as a free agent.
This move has sparked ongoing debates about whether LeBron could have won more titles at the Warriors’ expense if Durant had never joined. Former Warriors guard Quinn Cook has even stated this publicly:
“They won in 2016, and if KD doesn’t go to the Warriors, they win again. I don’t see the Warriors beating that Cavs team. I just don’t think they matched up well.”
2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala also spoke about how playing alongside Durant made it nearly impossible to lose, helping the Warriors secure two titles over LeBron:
“I’ve had a lot of success playing with Kevin Durant. The 2010 World Championship was his coming-out party, and then two NBA championships came out of that. And then I played with him in the 2012 Olympics. I’m pretty much undefeated with KD.”
LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been fierce rivals throughout their careers, but it’s undeniable that Durant’s decision to join Curry’s side during the peak of their rivalry has skewed the stats. Nevertheless, it’s a testament to LeBron’s greatness that it took two superstars teaming up to secure titles, as beating LeBron alone proved too challenging.