NBA Rumors: 5 reasons Kevin Durant signs with the Miami Heat
By John Buhler
5. New big star in a major media market
One thing that the NBA does an outstanding job is that it markets its star players very well, regardless of the size of the media market he plays for. Durant is a national star despite playing in the smallest media market in the NBA in Oklahoma City.
While Durant is beyond beloved by Oklahomans, the nearly seven-foot small forward isn’t able to hide in and around Oklahoma City. Sometimes star players feel compelled to play in a market where they aren’t the complete center of attention in every regard.
By going to the Heat, Durant will be in a vibrant city like Miami that has plenty of things to do besides watch the Heat play basketball. Greater Miami has a professional team in all four major North American sports leagues, a major Power 5 college football program in the Miami Hurricanes, hundreds of beautiful beaches, and an exciting nightlife that few cities can rival.
Though he can theoretically ‘hide’ like LeBron James did in his four years with the Heat, there’s no doubt that Durant would be the center of attention when he takes the floor at American Airlines Arena for the 2016-17 Heat.
Next: 4. Won't be hated for the move to Miami.