5 reasons Kevin Durant signs with San Antonio Spurs
By John Buhler
4. To form an elite big three
The thought behind Durant leaving the Thunder to join the Spurs is to form a big three that frankly never had with the Thunder. Yes, James Harden was spectacular, but had to come off the bench in a sixth man type of role to get his much-needed shot attempts. Serge Ibaka was great for a few years, but rapidly declined in the last two. Now he’s with the Orlando Magic.
In San Antonio, Durant would be the star player on a new big three with the Spurs alongside small forward Kawhi Leonard and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. All three NBA All-Stars are capable of playing multiple positions and could function as one of the most dangerous lineups to go against. Leonard can guard anybody, Durant could play stretch four, and Aldridge if he gets over himself would be an outstanding stretch five.
Having Aldridge as the third wheel in San Antonio might hurt his ego, but he has to know that Leonard is incredible and Durant is an all-time great player. Durant’s inclusion in the Spurs’ starting lineup would usher in a new era in San Antonio with a new big three.
His trio with Aldridge and Leonard would help shift the Spurs into another era of dominance after the elder big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili finish out their Hall of Fame careers for the only NBA team they’ll ever play for.
Having Durant join the Spurs helps give San Antonio staying power for at least another five years in the brutal Western Conference. It also helps Durant’s of winning that elusive championship. San Antonio wins an NBA title about once every five or six years in their current basketball culture.
Next: 3. Best basketball culture in the NBA.