Fansided

5 reasons Kevin Durant signs with Los Angeles Clippers

By John Buhler

March 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson (33) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson (33) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers shouts to his team during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on March 23, 2016 in Oakland, California (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 23: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers shouts to his team during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on March 23, 2016 in Oakland, California (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. Won’t be vilified playing for a villain

Entering 2016-17, the Clippers are still one of the most despised teams in the NBA. It has more to do with the antagonistic characteristics of its coach and its star players. Doc Rivers jaws like no other coach on the sideline for not getting his way. Chris Paul grinds on teammates and has never fouled anybody in his life, according to him. J.J. Redick played for Duke. DeAndre Jordan is hated by the Dallas Mavericks for not signing with them last free agency period. Blake Griffin punches equipment managers.

Adding all of that with potential nepotism between Rivers and his son, backup point guard Austin Rivers, and that racism scandal involving former owner Donald Sterling and it’s understandable why the Clippers can rub people the wrong way.

Fortunately for Durant, he’s adored by NBA fans all over for his play with the Thunder. Even if he were to sign with the Clippers, it wouldn’t hurt his perception, as it is Los Angeles and he would be joining a very good basketball team. He might even help the Clippers be less hated around the league.

Not that the Clippers really need Durant to aid in the locker room, as Los Angeles is already a pretty tight group, but his innate likability might help the Clippers advance further in the Western Conference Playoffs than ever before. It’ll be easier for the club not having to be a primary antagonist in the league next summer as the Clippers push for a title.

Next: 3. Intensifies Golden State rivalry.

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