The NBA officially is in the “superteam” era, and Kevin Durant’s decision to sign with the mighty Golden State Warriors is the latest proof.
It’s hard to blame Durant for joining the team that gives him the best chance to win a championship, but KD has received criticism for adopting the “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” approach after Golden State knocked off his Oklahoma City Thunder in this year’s playoffs.
Indiana Pacers president and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird recently was asked about this whole notion of superteams, and he responded in typical Bird fashion.
“I know back in the day, I couldn’t imagine going to the (Los Angeles) Lakers and playing with Magic Johnson,” Bird said in an interview on SiriusXM’s “Above the Rim” radio show, via For The Win. “I’d rather try to beat him, but these guys are different, and I understand a lot of it, and it’s within the rules, so they can do whatever they do.
“I remember years ago, we were fighting for free agency — pure free agency — so there could be more movement. I could never imagine myself going off and joining another team with great players because I had great players, and I was already in a great situation.”
Despite appearances, Bird’s comments shouldn’t be read as an indictment on Durant. As Bird himself admits, he had a terrific supporting cast in the likes of Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and many others. He developed an excellent chemistry with those players en route to multiple titles, and thus had no real reason to leave Boston.
NBA free agency also is much different now than it was 30 years ago, when team payrolls and player salaries were a fraction of what they are today.
Still, Celtics fans can take solace in knowing that Bird never would have fraternized with the enemy — although a superteam with Bird and Magic would be pretty incredible to watch.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
