Lacob confident Durant deserves ‘massive’ ovation from Warriors fans

Lacob confident Durant deserves ‘massive’ ovation from Warriors fans

originally appeared on

NBC Sports Bay Area

It’s been over four years since Kevin Durant left the Warriors, and he has yet to play in front of fans at Chase Center. The only time he played at Chase Center was on Feb. 13, 2021, when fans were not allowed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Durant had the opportunity to play at Chase Center a month after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns in February, but an ankle injury kept him out of the March 13 game.

Now, Durant will finally have the chance to play in front of Dub Nation when the Phoenix Suns face the Warriors on Tuesday in San Francisco, marking the opening of the 2023-24 NBA season.

While some Warriors fans may still be upset about Durant’s departure, team CEO Joe Lacob is determined to ensure that the two-time NBA champion receives the reception he deserves next week.

“I want to say this to all of our fans,” Lacob told 95.7 The Game’s Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky on “The Morning Roast” on Wednesday. “It needs to be, it should be and it will be a tremendous ovation for a guy who helped us win two world championships, and it should have been three, if it wasn’t for injury. So this guy, I have nothing but the highest regard for him. He was a fantastic person to be on our team at the time.

“For various reasons, he decided for him, he had to leave. I can’t comment on that. I don’t know if I understand that. I wish he would have stayed. But the bottom line is, I have nothing but the greatest respect [for him]. All of us should feel that way. And he should get a massive ovation.”

Lacob wants to ensure Durant is recognized not only for his accomplishments during his Warriors tenure but also for the impact of his stunning arrival in 2016.

“It was a big deal when he came here, and let’s not forget that,” Lacob told Hill and Shasky. “It changed us. It raised us up a level in the basketball world, if you will. And he’s a big part of that history.”

Dub Nation will have the opportunity to show their appreciation to Durant during the NBA’s prime-time opening-night game. As Lacob noted, it should be a heartfelt and extended ovation for Durant.

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