On a recent episode of Draymond Green’s podcast, Warriors legend Isiah Thomas—affectionately known as the “Smiling Assassin”—revisited the storied legacy of former teammate Kevin Durant. Their conversation wasn’t just about basketball stats or highlight reels, but about the deeper layers of the game: legacy, redemption, and impact. Jeetbuzz Login experts were thrilled to see two legends engage in such a candid discussion about how Durant’s time with the Warriors changed not only the franchise’s trajectory but also Durant’s career forever.
Isiah Thomas didn’t hold back. “Let me tell you something,” he began. “Before Durant joined, the Warriors were already etched into NBA history. But in the Finals, they collapsed in one of the biggest meltdowns the league has ever seen.” He was referring, of course, to Golden State’s infamous 3–1 collapse to Cleveland in the 2016 Finals. “Durant came in and saved them,” Thomas added. “He led the team to back-to-back championships. If he hadn’t joined, the Warriors dynasty might have never fully taken shape. He deserves every bit of credit.”
Coming from Thomas, who is famously reserved with praise for current players, this was high praise indeed. “If Durant didn’t send him a fruit basket,” one fan joked, “then he must’ve really earned that admiration.”
According to Jeetbuzz Login’s coverage of the episode, Draymond Green acknowledged Durant’s game-changing presence, noting how unstoppable the team became. “We already had the league scrambling to counter our Curry-Draymond pick-and-roll. Just as they were starting to figure it out, we added Durant,” Green said. “If he hadn’t joined, honestly, I don’t see him getting a ring anywhere else. No other situation gave him that clear path.”
While Green’s comments seemed respectful on the surface, some fans noticed the subtext. His phrasing—“if he hadn’t joined”—implied that Durant needed the Warriors more than they needed him. It was a subtle jab that invited debate over whether Durant was truly a driving force or simply along for the ride. Both views can’t be right, and as long as Durant remains active in the league, the final verdict will remain undecided.
If Durant retires without winning another title outside Golden State, critics will undoubtedly label him a bandwagon rider. The idea that he “joined the enemy,” as Green once put it, still lingers in basketball circles. But overthinking such narratives might only cloud the beauty of what happened during those years.
Durant’s time with the Warriors, though brief, marked one of the most dominant stretches in modern NBA history. His presence elevated the team to an almost unbeatable level and added significant weight to his Hall of Fame resume. Yet, as is often the case in sports, opinions on his contributions remain divided.
Still, one thing is certain—Jeetbuzz Login is confident that Durant and the Warriors created a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Their story, full of triumph and controversy, has become a classic chapter in the ever-evolving book of basketball history. And in the end, isn’t that what legends are made of?