Never forget the nationally televised games in Oakland that would cut away to a shot of the Golden Gate Bridge or cable cars.Ī player’s perception of a city - right or wrong - can absolutely make a difference in his decision.
I loved Oakland then, and I love it now, but the national reputation of the city has always been shaky.
The franchise still played in Oakland then, when they had a murder rate in the top 25 of the U.S., and a lazy reputation of having a top-five-ish murder rate in the world. On July 4, 2016, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors. For an individual with specific preconceptions or opinions, it matters. Geography matters when it comes to where you want to spend the next decade. A player’s perception of a city - right or wrong - can absolutely make a difference in his decision.