No.35 jersey ni Durant, bawal ipamigay ng Warriors
OAKLAND, California (AP) — Bilang pagpupugay sa kontribusyon sa ‘back-to-back’ title ng Golden State Warriors, ipinahayag ni owner Joe Lacob na walang makagagamit ng NO.35 jersey ni Kevin Durant hangga’t siya ang chairman ng three-time world champion.
Sa opisyal na pahayag nitong Lunes (Martes sa Manila), pinasalamatan ni Lacob ang two-time NBA Finals MVP sa ayuda sa matagumpay na kampanya ng Warriors (2017 at 2018) season, bago ang nakadidismayang injury na nagpadiskaril sa ‘three-peat’ ng Golden State.
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Nitong Linggo (Lunes sa Manila), ipinahayag ni Durant ang paglisan sa Golden State at pagpirma ng kontrata sa Brooklyn Nets kung saan plano niyang magbuo ng sariling ‘kaharian’ kasama sina All-Star guard Kyrie Irving at center DeAndre Jordan.
Inaasahang hindi siya makalalaro sa kabuuang ng darating na season habang nagpapagaling sa injury sa Achilles na natamo niya sa Game 5 ng NBA Finals laban sa Toronto Raptors.
“Today, as he starts a new chapter in his incredible career, we thank KD for all of his contributions, for being an integral part to one of the most prolific runs in NBA history and wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame journey,” pahayag ni Lacob. “As long as I am Co-Chairman of this team, no player will ever wear (No.) 35 for the Warriors again.”
Inalok ng Golden State si Durant ng limang taong kontrata na nagkakahalaga ng US$221 million.
Iginiit ni Lacob na tinatanaw na utang na loob ng prangkisa ang pamamalagi niya sa Warriors sa loob ng tatlong season.
“Three years ago, we were thrilled with the arrival of Kevin Durant, a transformative NBA player and one of the best to ever play the game,” sambit ni Lacob. “He provided our fans and franchise with numerous highlights during his stay here_two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, three trips to the Finals, unparalleled efficiency_and carried himself with class and dignity both on and off the court. His commitment to our community was evident each day, including last season when his philanthropic efforts earned him the NBA’s annual Community Assist Award.”
Sinabi naman ni Warriors coach Steve Kerr na ‘deserving’ si Durant na isulong ang pagtanggap sa bagong oportunidad.
“I know that we all want him back, and we think this is a great situation for him and vice versa,” sambit ni Kerr, “So, hopefully we get him back and keep this thing going with the understanding that he’s a free agent and we want what’s best for him, and he’s free to make any choice he wants. Hopefully he’s back, and we will all give him any advice, any counsel that he needs. And ultimately he’s going to make his own decision. He’s earned that.”
