Paul Pierce Criticizes Kevin Durant for Leaving Thunder: 'I Stuck It Out'
Paul Pierce is not a fan of Kevin Durant's decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors.
The 39-year-old—who lucked out when the Boston Celtics acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in 2007—took a stab at the star forward when he announced his decision in July:
During a recent appearance on NBA Radio, Pierce criticized Durant for jumping ship to the team that bested his Thunder in a seven-game Western Conference Finals:
"I could have left Boston years ago, but I stuck it out. I just feel like when you're that close as a competitor, you don't go join the team that just pushed you out. That's just me personally, but we're living in a day and time where it's a new generation. Guys I don't think [are] as hungry or as competitive as my generation was, and that's why you'll probably see more of that.
"
When asked about Boston's star-studded trio, Pierce declared trades the sanctimonious path to success.
"That's how you build teams," he said, in contrast to Durant's using his free-agent leverage to pick his preferred place of employment.
Pierce plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, who are now stuck behind Durant's Warriors, competing for the Western Conference's No. 2 seed.
Funny how that works.
[ NBA Radio, h/t Jon Hamm via Hoops Hype's Jorge Sierra]
