Let Durant Live (Week 6)

This past week Kevin Durant announced that he was going to be playing with the Golden State Warriors. This is the team which ended his championship run, the same team who eventually lost to King James in an epic game 7. Everyone is upset with Kevin’s decision to do this. Most people have been using the reason that, in the words of Steven A Smith, “It’s the weakest move from a superstar ever.”

My opinion is pretty simple. The man wants to win. He will do what’s best for his personal ability to win a championship. Isn’t that the purpose of playing? He did exactly that. He just went to a team with a superstar roster. Durant even shows a lack of jealousy by joining the team who beat him.

It is funny because it seems we used to be mad at superstar athletes for only caring about their money and being cry babies. We even bash players who would hold out for more money on contracts during the season because it would be hurting the team. But now we are in an era of superstars who love being team players. Players like Durant and Lebron, who do not mind taking a back seat at times for the greater good of the team. But that’s apparently not good enough.

The underlying message which I see in all of this is that it is considered weak to ask for help. Men are very competitive by nature, as well as our African-American community. We are so competitive that we cannot accept a man giving himself the best option for success without being considered weak.

Don’t get me wrong. I am competitive and don’t like asking for help either. I understand in a way, but we need to grow up and see the big picture. I think it is amazing to see players unite amongst themselves for the greater cause.

We have seen the same sort of moves in rap music lately. While there was the drama between Meek Mill and Drake, most rappers have no reason to diss each and bring each other down. For the most part we have superstars like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Kanye West, Future, and Jay-Z who understand that they are not enemies, simply competitors. They may throw shots at each other occasionally but they stay in their own lane. And then we are able to witness great music. Maybe the Tupac Biggie crisis in the 90’s taught us a lot more than we thought.

So let’s not allow our social expectations and expected gender roles effect of view of Kevin Durant. He is still a great player who wants to win. We should respect his humbleness.