Andre Iguodala knew this was going to happen.
Moments after Kevin Durant announced he was joining the Warriors, Iguodala tweeted: “David Eugene Chappelle… Start planning the next Player Haters Ball.”
The planning is underway. Everyone from the commissioner of the league down to seldom known big men are giving the Warriors a piece of their mind.
Here’s a growing master list we’ll keep for the entire 2016-17 NBA season.
Commissioner Adam Silver
“This notion of two super teams that it’s a huge television attraction — I don’t think it’s good for the league. Just to be really clear… I think we do need to reexamine some of the elements of our system so that I’m not here next year or the year after and talking about anomalies. There are certain things, corrections, we believe we can make in the system.” [KNBR]
TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley
“Dominate the league and try to cheat your way to a championship?” [Mike and Mike]
ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith
“The weakest move I’ve ever seen from a superstar. It’s not that he’s leaving Oklahoma City…You depart for the team that beat you when you’re on the cusp of getting to the Finals your self?” [ESPN]
TNT Broadcaster Reggie Miller
“Kevin Durant traded a sacred legacy for cheap jewelry.” [Bleacher Report]
Retired legend Paul Pierce
“If u can’t beat um join um.” [Twitter]
Wizards forward Markieff Morris
“It ain’t right.” [USA Today]
Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving
“I don’t know what it feels like to be an underdog. I never see myself as an underdog at any moment of my life.” [Bleacher Report]
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban
“They become the villain… Everybody is going to root for them to lose.” [Twitter]
Houston shooting guard James Harden
“There’s only one basketball.” [USA Today]
Pistons big man Andre Drummond
“Everyone is so hyped up on the match up problems on the offensive end? They still gotta come down the other end.. Not a very big team.” [Twitter]
Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic
“Somebody beat you ! And you go there… ? Superstar not doing that man..” [Twitter]
Clippers guard Austin Rivers
“Wow……smh.” [Twitter]
Jazz big man Rudy Gobert
“Wow.. Only problem is there’s only 1 ball…” [Twitter]
Thunder big man Enes Kanter
“Nooooo. Don’t betray me like someone just did that to us.” [Twitter]
Oklahoma City Mayor Mike Cornett
“We’ve been spurned.” [ESPN]
Saints running back Mark Ingram
“I like KD but that move was weeeakkkk imo. Thoughts?” [Twitter]
But some have also come out in support of Kevin Durant’s decision and/or the Warriors’ new super team…
Clippers guard J.J. Reddick
“Since Miami formed their “superteam” in ’10 there have been 5 different champs in 6 seasons. All this complaining about comp balance is (trash).” [CBS Sports]
Wizards point guard John Wall
“If you love the game, you play it to be happy, not to be sad and be frustrated.” [Washington Post]
Ex-Warriors point guard Baron Davis
“Whoa KD to the warriors!!!! Amazing get!!! Great fit too.” [Twitter]
Thunder GM Sam Presti
“Kevin’s contributions to our organization during his nine years were profound, on and off the court. He helped the Thunder grow and succeed in immeasurable ways and impacted the community just the same.” [USA Today]
Fox radio host Colin Cowherd
“You don’t hate the Warriors, you envy them. People get the word hate and envy confused.” [Twitter]
Rapper Lil B
“The BasedGod wants to speak,As life unravels and superstars make decisions that change lifes, welcome home KD the curse is lifted – Lil B.” [Twitter]