Now That They Have A Meeting How Should The Celtics Pitch Kevin Durant?
Now that we know the Celts are on the short list of teams that get to do their best to slurp Kevin Durant, how they go about it is very important. First, I need everyone who is going to be in that room to practice saying his name. That’s Step 1. Once they have that down, they sure as shit better avoid PowerPoint and come with something stronger than this
Where you stand on the significance of this meeting is entirely up to you. Is there a chance he is legit considering leaving OKC this summer, even though Westbrook is still on the team? Is he lying when he says money doesn’t matter? Or is this meeting more about the summer of 2017 (my thoughts) because he knows Westbrook is probably out next year. Either way having a seat at the table is more than most can say. How the Celts choose to use this opportunity is anybody’s guess, but here are some things they can try and why it might work, whether it’s this summer or next
1. Cap Space
Ahhhh cap space. This really only matters if Durant is hell bent on leaving this summer. Why? Because of OKC, GSW, MIA, LAC, and SA (the other teams on the list), only BOS has room for two max guys. Obviously that doesn’t matter when you talk about GS/SA because they already have the rosters in place, but that’s depressing to think about so let’s exclude them. MIA has to resign Whiteside AND Wade this summer, and is Durant really going to pull a Lebron and go to MIA? I don’t see how they can resign those guys and then also give Durant his max money, and without those two, is MIA that good of an option?
One thing I hate about this pitch, is that it’s banking that the Celtics will be able to do something they haven’t been able to do in their entire history. And do it twice. To be fair, the Celtics haven’t been in this EXACT position before, both in the quality in team and available space, but I’m hesitant, and here’s why. I think even if Durant does come to Boston this summer, it’s probably on a 2 year deal with a PO for year 2. Same sort of deal I think he signs in OKC. So basically by this meeting, they are going to have to present KD with guys that have 100% guaranteed they’d come if he did. It’d be better if they were already signed by the time that meeting happens, but if you’re someone like Al Horford, do you sign with the Celtics before KD even gets a meeting? Hard to say. I keep thinking back to 2007, when KG said no about 1000 times before he saw Ray Allen was a done deal, then Boston became the place for him. When you’re working in FA, that scenario is harder to pull off.
Once we turn the page to the summer of 2017, the cap space angle means pretty much nothing, as almost every team in the league will be flush with cash to bring in multiple max guys. There is a chance Durant gives them a list of guys he’d be cool with if they signed this year, maybe not max guys, but lower level FAs that the Celts are able to get in preparation for 2017, but that’s a longshot.
2. The Roster
Hear me out. I know as it’s constructed now, the Celts do not have a championship roster. But, CLE didn’t have shit before Lebron got there, and that’s the type of talent we are talking about with Durant. Again, under the assumption he’s out of OKC no matter what, and is in fact coming East, if you aren’t trading anything away IT/Bradley/Crowder/Durant/Player X with guys like Smart/Brown on the bench and future high lottery picks certainly seems enticing. Looking at that, I can see why Celt fans get excited and think this whole thing is an actual possibility. That team has LEGIT perimeter defense, it’s young, and there is room for more. As much as I am trying to put my homerism at bay, I can’t help but smile when I look at those names. Is this roster better than OKC/GS/SA I’d say no, but if he wants to come East there aren’t that many options that he should prefer over this group.
3. Promise to make the entire roster wear his shoe
At the end of the day these guys are still egomaniacs. Give Durant the chance to become the official shoe of the Boston Celtics? No brainer.
4. The Boy Wonder
The Celtics could go a couple of ways here. What works against them is that the NBA is a players league, REALLY the coach doesn’t make a huge difference. I mean he was a quarter away from the Finals with Billy Donovan. But, one thing players hate, is always getting a new coach and a new system. Well, that isn’t the case here. Not only has Stevens shown he can win at the NBA level with limited talent, but he’s also under contract for pretty much the rest of his life. That’s stability you don’t see a lot in this league. Durant proved he can win with a college coach, what happens when he has one that actually knows what he’s doing?
Also, if all else fails, just have him stare into these eyes. Dreamy like you read about
But, if they want this meeting to have any significance, there are also some things they should avoid completely…
1. Boston’s Market
Kevin Durant became one of the biggest athletes on the planet playing in goddamn Oklahoma. You think his #brand has taken a hit? In fact, I’m sure if you offered him some Boston Market chicken that’s probably more appealing than talking about what a huge sports city and media market this is. The arena he’s playing in currently is already one of the top in the league, and I don’t think he cares whatsoever how “smart” Boston fans are, or what a great sports city we are. Barf.
2. The Celtics History
I see this thrown around a lot as to why people should want to play in Boston, and each time I get more and more angry. What on God’s green earth should a 27 year old (or any young superstar) care about the Celtics history? In what world is the dominance of the 1960s relevant to today’s athlete. If it was, they should’ve been able to sign every FA under the sun, given that no team in the league has a better history than ours. I hate this pitch tactic to its very core.
“Yeah you’re right…I could go to MIA where there’s the beach, and weather, and woman, and no income tax…BUT…you see how nasty Bob Cousy was? Then they followed it up with Hondo and Bird?! Boston it is!”
3. Telling him 35 is off the table
Just lie. We all know there is almost no way in hell 35 is coming down from the rafters (RIP Reggie Lewis), but Durant doesn’t have to know that. Players are weird when it comes to jerseys and numbers, so just tell him anything is possible. The number has huge importance to Durant, as it symbolizes the passing of his dear friend and first basketball coach Charles Craig, who was 35 when he died.
In all seriousness, just being on the list to meet with the guy is a huge win for the Celtics. Sure it doesn’t guarantee anything, but I’d guess there are a shit ton of teams just praying for the chance to get rejected. The down side is it gives us all hope, again. After all that promise leading up to the draft and all the expectations that came with it, this is a dangerous position to be as a Celtics fan. That’s why I caution you to not get too excited about this meeting. Sure, be hopeful, but realistic as we wait out these next few days.
And Danny, if you’re reading this, please please please don’t use the same PowerPoint presentation as everyone else, I beg of you.