How did we get here? You could probably trace it back to the moment KD decided to join GSW. It was a career-altering decision—a superstar joining the record-setting, 73-win rival who had just defeated his squad in the WCF after he and the Thunder had them on the ropes 3-1. This has been a decision that was widely and roundly criticized, probably more than any player’s decision in recent memory including LeBron’s taking his talents to South Beach. Folks from all over were questioning the kind of competitor he was, the kind of man he is, what kind of heart he had, if he was a leader, if he was an alpha, etc. He of course went on to have the predictable success with GSW we all expected— two NBA chips and two Finals MVPs and in prime position for another of each in his third year. Along the way he was besieged with a barrage of jeers, insults, slights, and ridicule. Peers and old-timers called him out. The media pushed narratives about how he ruined the game and how his decision to join an already great team would ultimately diminish his legacy. Had his own GM tell him to his face in front of the championship-celebrating GSW fanbase that he wasn’t Steph because he wasn’t down from day one. Even had a teammate bark at him that the Warriors didn’t need him, I guess amid frustration that KD hadn’t committed to the team long-term. Think about it, you’re arguably the best player in the world and you got a muthafukka like Draymond fukking Green telling you you ain’t shyt. Everybody’s trying to put an asterisk next to his name. I guess KD did his best to brush that shyt off and say he had nothing to prove but he really couldn’t shake it. Couldn’t quell the constant noise surrounding him. Fast forward to KD entering his third postseason and GSW seeming poised to complete the elusive three-peat. With KD again leading the way to helping GSW raise yet another championship banner to the rafters. They won a tough series against the Clippers and then appeared to have the advantage against Houston—all the while KD is playing out of his mind and elevating his game. Then the non-contact “calf injury” happened. And he’s out indefinitely. And his team is moving forward...without him. And they’re going on to defeat Houston and walk through the Blazers...without him. And people are saying GSW looks better...without him. And he had to listen to muthafukkas repeat the line that’s stung plenty before—that the Warriors don’t really need KD. I’m sure it had to plague his mind. It had to have an impact as KD has proven to pay attention to and care about what others say about him. I mean the man created a burner account to defend himself from criticism on Twitter. I’m sure he was in his feelings with each Warrior win because the voices grew louder and varied about how KD wasn’t needed...again. Then Kawhi and the Raptors punched GSW in the mouth. And then GSW as a staff, team, and organization sobered up. Sat down. Got some humility. They finally realized they needed KD. And they started openly talking about how much they needed him. From top to bottom, the “wait till we get KD back” mantra was repeated. And the media and everyone else changed the narrative about how GSW needed KD to have a chance. And I’m sure he heard all of that. And I’m sure he felt some pressure with that. Because after all the only thing he wanted was to be a Warrior. He went to Golden State because he had grown tired of OKC. He saw in the Warriors a place where he could win multiple chips. And he didn’t have to be the man because they had Steph and a bevy of talented players who played unselfish ball. He saw a brand of basketball that he wanted to be apart of. So with his team on the brink of elimination after Toronto won two games at Oracle he made the decision to play. Even though he was injured. He wanted to prove them right—that they did need him. That he was one of them. He could show his commitment by giving it a go and giving it his all on the biggest stage. Even though he had no business suiting up and stepping on that hardwood. He could silence all naysayers and doubters who had shytted on the legitimacy of his post-OKC success. Because imagine if he didn’t play? People would be questioning if he was really hurt, if his heart pumped Kool-Aid, if he was really down for his teammates, if he was really willing to sacrifice for his team, if he was truly committed to winning at all costs. So he played. And after pre-game dancing and dominating for 12 minutes his body gave out. Predictably. But at least he was a warrior...right? And now we’re all left to lament what’s happened. And ponder on where things go from here and if KD will ever be the same. What KD proved by playing last night is up for debate. What’s more settled is that he played largely due to the ongoing fallout regarding his decision to play for GSW in the first place. Damn shame.