Dion Waiters, a former Oklahoma City Thunder player, just dropped a bombshell about his time with the team, revealing what went on behind closed doors during the infamous 2015-16 season. Known for its star-studded roster led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder seemed like an unstoppable force on the court. However, as Waiters speaks candidly on Scoop B Radio, he sheds light on the dysfunction that simmered in the locker room, a dysfunction that would later culminate in Kevin Durant’s OKC exit, forever altering the team’s trajectory.
Why Kevin Durant’s OKC Exit Was Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Waiters’ stint in Oklahoma City lasted a mere 1½ seasons, but it was long enough for him to witness a level of tension that was impossible to ignore. According to him, the locker room was a far cry from the happy family it appeared to be. “There was a lot going on,” Waiters said. “Superstars and just a lot happening behind the scenes.”
Though the Thunder’s roster featured players like Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison—who were supposed to keep the peace—Waiters painted a picture of a divided team. What outsiders saw as a united front was, in reality, a breeding ground for “hidden agendas” and mounting frustration. “It looked good from the outside, but when you get there, it’s a whole different story. We should’ve gone to the Finals,” he admitted. But, instead, the Thunder collapsed in devastating fashion during the Western Conference Finals, blowing a 3-1 lead to the Golden State Warriors.
Hidden Agendas and Tension
Waiters’ revelations have cast a new light on the Thunder’s failed campaign. The team’s star duo, Durant and Westbrook, were often at odds, and the tension between them eventually played a key role in Durant’s infamous departure in 2016. Durant’s decision to leave OKC and join the Golden State Warriors was seen as a betrayal by many, making him one of the most reviled figures in the NBA at the time.
While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons behind this internal strife, Waiters makes it clear that the drama within the locker room was a driving factor. “There was just a lot of tension. A lot of different agendas. It was hard to deal with,” he said, offering a glimpse into the real dynamics of that fateful Thunder team.
The Aftermath: A Team Shattered
Despite the heartbreak, the Thunder’s 2015-16 roster remains one of the most memorable in franchise history. However, the drama surrounding Durant’s departure and the team’s missed opportunity to claim a championship adds a layer of what-ifs that will never be answered. Did the internal strife doom their chances? Waiters’ story certainly makes it hard to ignore.
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