Fansided

5 biggest disappointments of 2016-2017 playoffs so far

By Duane Rohrbacher

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kevin Durant’s health

The Warriors are completely fine without Kevin Durant. But, are we? We do not want another 2015 when the Cavs lost the NBA finals without Kevin Love or Kyrie Irving for almost the entire Finals series. If the Warriors do lose in these playoffs, and Durant is not at 100 percent, there will always be what ifs. And with all the contract decisions that the Warriors will have to face this summer, no one wants Durant’s health to be a reason the Warriors make changes.

If Durant is not ready, he’s not ready. We cannot fault him for resting, especially against the Blazers. But, why bring him back only to have him sit out again? Over the next few weeks, we will read dozens of speculative articles about Durant’s health and how it affected everything in the NBA. No one wants to read that! It would be better if the Warriors were fully healthy and Kevin Durant played 35 minutes a night in every game in the playoffs.

Durant is a lanky guy, and he is not that far removed from a lost season. Way back in 2014-15, Durant injured his foot, and he only played in 27 games after trying to test it out midway through the season. This time, he has an MCL sprain and bone bruise. Yes, it was his right foot, and it is his left knee, but below the waist injuries are always concerning for a tall, thin wing. Here is to hoping Durant is healthy for the rest of the playoffs.

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