Pierce compares Durant to Ray Allen: Choose the easiest shortcut to success

According to an article written by US sports media F/W analyst Siddhant Gupta, Durant, a 15-time All-Star, has been severely criticized since joining the Warriors. While many question his legitimacy and competitiveness to win a championship, NBA legend Pierce shed more light on the matter during a recent episode of "The Shay Shay Clubhouse" with Shannon Sharpe. When comparing Durant to his former teammate Ray Allen, Pierce said: "The same goes for Ray (Allen). We just lost to Miami, and then you join them. KD, you just lost to Golden State, you should beat him, you join them. That's where the criticism comes from. Because that's like, damn, K. D. You're good enough to beat 'em. We were like, 'Man, I'm going to get over it.' People just thought he took the easy way out." Because of the emphasis placed on rings and the impact they have on a player's accomplishments, the NBA champion struck an understanding tone when shedding light on Durant's situation. Throughout NBA history, there have been several great players who missed the opportunity to win the championship. Pierce's point reiterates that their shortcomings need not underestimate their greatness as players. Unfortunately, modern debate is too distorted to allow for such considerations. In that regard, it's also worth noting how influential Durant was during his time with the Warriors. In addition to his two rings, Durant was named Finals MVP several years in a row, a mark of his individual talent even on one of the richest rosters ever.

Since parting ways with the Warriors, Durant's competitiveness has not diminished. By joining the Brooklyn Nets to partner with Irving, the 15-time All-Star still showed his desire to win a championship. At this point, Durant's plan to win another ring is consistent with his every move. While Durant's chances with the Phoenix Suns aren't the best, the Houston Rockets might be a better opportunity for the 37-year-old.

The Rockets are an impressive team with a wealth of young talent. Since Durant's arrival, the Rockets have become even stronger with summer signings that could potentially make them one of the strongest teams in the league. Last season, the Rockets were the second seed in the Western Conference. While defeating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will be challenging in the upcoming season, Houston may already have the tools needed to take on them.

With that in mind, Durant might be in the best position to compete for a championship for the first time in a while. Given that he signed a two-year contract extension and took a significant salary cut, the superstar forward seems to be aware of this; he hopes that in the final peak period of his career, he can help a group of young people in the Rockets grow and win the championship here. That will be the most perfect career journey; his own achievements and historical status will also be redefined.