Why Tim Hardaway loves Joe Lacob's decision about Kevin Durant's number

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Kevin Durant elected to leave the Warriors in free agency after playing three seasons in the Bay.

But as owner Joe Lacob said in a statement Monday:

“Three years ago, we were thrilled with the arrival of Kevin Durant, a transformative NBA player and one of the best to ever play the game. He provided our fans and franchise with numerous highlights during his stay here—two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, three trips to the Finals, unparalleled efficiency—and carried himself with class and dignity both on and off the court. His commitment to our community was evident each day, including last season when his philanthropic efforts earned him the NBA’s annual Community Assist Award. Today, as he starts a new chapter in his incredible career, we thank KD for all of his contributions, for being an integral part to one of the most prolific runs in NBA history and wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame journey. As long as I am Co-Chairman of this team, no player will ever wear #35 for the Warriors again.”

What does Warriors legend Tim Hardaway think about Lacob's decision?

"I love it. I love it. I love it . I love it," Hardaway said Tuesday morning on 95.7 The Game. "Joe Lacob is one of the best owners in the league. He understands exactly what a player in Kevin Durant's caliber has done not only for the franchise but for the city.

"He didn't have to come now. He could have went somewhere else. He came there and got two rings, two [Finals] MVPs and just did an outstanding job on the court and off the court in the community.

"He gave us all he had, gave us his talent, gave us his charisma, gave us an outstanding three years of basketball right here at Oracle Arena. We don't want to be mad at him or discount that or say rude and ugly things to him about leaving.

"So I commend Joe Lacob and I love what he's doing. And I appreciate as a basketball player the respect that he has for Kevin Durant."

Hardaway is absolutely correct.

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Let's remind everybody how Durant fared in the NBA Finals against LeBron James and the Cavs:

-- 2017 = 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, 1,0 steals, 55.6 percent overall, 47.4 percent from deep
-- 2018 = 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, 0.8 steals, 52.6 percent overall, 40.9 percent from deep

Not too shabby.

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