http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65124/20100304/durant_wants_to_sign_extension/ In a day and age when you have all the big stars even on winning teams with management showing they will do whatever it takes to support them still threatening to leave their teams because of attention/big markets/exposure, its nice to see Durant say the management did their job, fans support me, Im willing to commit quietly and not make a big story out of it or try to build hype about it even though this is a really small market college city. Just gained a little more respect for this kid, you don't see this mentality anymore, the tim duncan like superstars that an ownership and fanbase can only dream of. I'd like to think we have that with Yao, theres duncan obviously, and then if he counts as a superstar, Al Jefferson although anyone with his age and potential could get a max contract took some millions off bc he felt he didn't deserve it yet.
Also the much hated Dirk Nowitzki I remember once said after it was reported he turned down marketing deals that would've made him millions to focus on soley hoops 'i didn't come here to be on a billboard, I came here to play ball'. So although hes from the mortal enemy mavericks, and theres nothing wrong with chasing the money, still have to commend that rare mentality and commitment to the game.
not just max player resigning with their team, but the threats of leaving for bigger markets, or just trying to build hype to the day often you'll hear james say 'mark your calenders to July 1st(or whatever date it is) its going to be a big day in the history of the game' just thats jsut pure marketing as I am saying theres nothing wrong with trying to cash out on the marketing part, but it is nice to see a guy when your owner does their job, quietly say I will resign here no questions asked, they did their job, and I will do mine, give peace of mind to owners and fans rather than make a circus about it
I would never fault a player for trying to milk a team for everything he can, because the team is looking out for its best interest as well.
He'll be in his prime in 5 yrs. The kid will be 26? 27? he's a great player, my fave outside of the Rockets.
Yeah but I can't think of a single guy who went Rookie to Max who hasn't done this, due to the way the cap works. None of them even make noise about moving either - it's the second contract where they begin to investigate options. Check back in a few years and see if Durant is still happy in the small pond that is OKC.
Why wouldn't Durant want to stay in a college like atmosphere... he's still a kid... I know I wouldn't want to move to NY... that place is a crap
Ha, I live in NY now for school and the weather is not the only thing that can get tiring. It does have its unique charm, yet long term you can really appreciate the convenience of a place like Houston.
OKC is the right team for Durant, he is playing with a core of young but damn talented guys that allows him to be the leader. OKC is the ideal team for him and they are damn fun to watch, lookin' forward to see those hit their prime.
New York is awesome. You go to downtown Houston and then go to Manhattan, it's not even close. However, you need to make some money to enjoy the lifestyle there.
Houston is kind of boring though. I went to LA for 3 weeks last summer and fell in love with the city.
I know there are a bunch of Houston only homers here and that's fine, but people in general move around the country and the world. that's pretty normal, staying at one place forever is usually not the norm.
Why wouldn't he before every GM starts to clamp down due to the upcoming collective bargaining agreement?
Maybe the expiring collective bargaining agreement also plays into it. Get the extension money now, dont wait for a lower priced market to kick in. Though that might not matter to any player under contact with the league wanting cuts all around. NY
