https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2016/05/31/the-thunders-consolation-prize-for-losing-to-warriors-may-be-kevin-durant/今日我睇左呢篇
Washington post個記者寫既
As Durant examines what has happened this season, and what’s ahead, it’s hard to see another situation that provides him a better alternative. Not only did the Thunder push the Warriors to the brink this season, but Durant has a worthy co-star in Russell Westbrook and a young roster with players who should improve in the years to come.
Steven Adams was arguably the breakout star of these entire playoffs, playing at an all-star level in the postseason at just 22. While Serge Ibaka has long been considered the third star in Oklahoma City, Adams presents a long-term anchor in the middle — one who seemingly got better every time he stepped on the floor in these playoffs.
Enes Kanter, a controversial re-signing on an expensive contract as a restricted free agent last summer, gave the Thunder big minutes against the Spurs, while young wings Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters grew as well.
None of that takes into account the job Billy Donovan did in his first year as coach. Donovan was hit with some criticism early in the season, but he grew into the job and wasn’t overmatched against either Gregg Popovich in the Spurs series or Steve Kerr in this one.
Oklahoma City has the potential to take the next step. But what are the likely alternatives for Durant? Golden State, the team he just lost to in a knockdown, drag out fight? San Antonio, the team he just beat in the Western Conference semifinals? Neither of those seem realistic. The same goes for both Los Angeles teams, with the Clippers likely making one final run with their current core and the Lakers still in the throes of a rebuild.
Some have suggested a fit in the Eastern Conference, where only James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are a legitimate threat to a team featuring Durant. But no team in the East, not his hometown Washington Wizards, or the New York Knicks, or the Boston Celtics, can provide a better opportunity to win next season than he’ll have in Oklahoma City.
