Kevin Durant Discusses Bandwagon Narratives, 'Big Dog' Stephen Curry

Following the Golden State Warriors' 2017 NBA Finals victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Durant addressed the notion that he was taking an easy route to a title by signing with the team last summer.

"Yeah, I hear all the narratives throughout the season that I was joining, I was hopping on bandwagons, I was letting everybody else do the work," Durant said, per Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. "But then that was far from the truth. I came in and tried to help my team. Like I said, I tried to be myself, be aggressive and sacrifice as well."

Golliver also shared Durant's comments in praise of Stephen Curry:

There's no question Durant jumped on the proverbial bandwagon to some extent. The Warriors won 73 regular-season games and were up 3-1 in the NBA Finals the year before he arrived.

But that's not to diminish the impact he has had on Golden State in his first season with the team. The Finals, in particular, highlighted how much Durant's presence helped the Warriors.

Durant won Finals MVP after averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists for the series, and ESPN Stats & Info noted he's in select company with regard to his scoring over the five games:

On one hand, it would've been great to see Durant remain with the Oklahoma City Thunder and eventually win a title there. After years of the Dallas Mavericks falling short in the postseason, NBA fans rejoiced in 2011 as Dirk Nowitzki helped get them a championship in 2011.

On the other hand, there's something to be said about a player with Durant's talent essentially accepting a lesser role for a chance to make history. In Golden State, Durant has the opportunity to be a part of a dynasty that will be remembered for generations to come.