The level of celebrity status that emerges from being one of the most talented and successful basketball players on the planet may be easier to handle in some parts of the country in comparison to others.
Kevin Durant must hope that's the case after signing a two-year, $54.3-million contract with the already star-studded Golden State Warriors this summer. Part of his reasoning behind departing from the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly had to do with his desire to have less of the spotlight on him while in the public eye.
Per ESPN's Royce Young:
Durant always appeared to be the perfect fit with Oklahoma City, with his humble nature and down-home demeanor. But he also was drawn to a bigger city, not necessarily for the brighter lights, but for the ability to blend. In Oklahoma City, Durant carried a larger-than-life burden everywhere he went. He’d privately lamented to friends an inability to be in public.
It's logical to believe the four-time NBA scoring champion would be less of an attraction in the Bay Area, as it's the norm to see the rich and famous walking the streets in California as opposed to Oklahoma City, where Durant probably stood out like a 6-foot-9 sore thumb.
On the hardwood, Durant will be part of an All-Star quartet with back-to-back league MVP Stephen Curry, "Splash Brother" Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, hopefully avoiding the sort of debates over who the top guy is like he consistently dealt with alongside Russell Westbrook.
That dilemma could certainly arise with Curry, although Golden State's offense should thrive over time with so many weapons who are willing to concede shots to win games and, hopefully, a world championship.
