Kevin Durant on the Thunder’s title hopes: ‘I feel like we’re close’

In Kevin Durant’s seven NBA seasons, the worst thing that may have happened to him was LeBron winning a championship. By doing what many proposed as impossible for the four-time MVP, James’ first championship forced the public and media to turn all their parasitic eyes toward the next superstar who they’d haplessly proclaim doesn’t have “it” like those before them did.

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Since 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t returned to the NBA Finals, a path many didn’t think was in their future. The James Harden trade following the ’12 Finals. Russell Westbrook’s injury in round 1 of the 2013 playoffs. Serge Ibaka’s injury versus San Antonio last playoffs. All of that played a role in the Thunder’s championship chance.

And despite all of that, the Thunder are still one of the premiere teams in the league, and like the rest of us, Kevin Durant thinks the Thunder are a piece or two from a NBA championship.

One could argue that if the above scenarios never happened, the Thunder may have won a championship. It’s difficult to overcome the loss of Russell Westbrook as well as the loss of Serge Ibaka, especially against a team where his defensive presence had a huge impact.

Regardless of the “what-ifs”, Durant is right. Outside of Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson., this roster is extremely flawed. Scott Brooks’ coaching doesn’t help with the flaw either. With a better system, Brooks could put his role players in a better position, allowing them to be more effective when the game slows down in the playoffs. It’s what Gregg Popovich has done these last few years as well as Erik Spoelstra during the Heat’s back-to-back championships.

And depending on who you ask, the Thunder have failed to add that guy this off-season. They lost Derek Fisher and Caron Butler, drafted Mitch McGary, and signed Sebastian Telfair and Anthony Morrow in free agency.

Does either addition move the needle for Oklahoma City?

Minus injury, is this team better than they were a year ago?

These are questions drawn when discussing the Thunder’s championship chances next year.

While LeBron James is drawing a mass of attention in Cleveland, all eyes will be on Kevin Durant. He’s won the scoring titles. He’s won the MVP award he’s coveted. Next up is the championship.

This could be, in terms of media coverage, a make or break season for the eight-year veteran.