Sure, when analyzing a player's career I'd mostly agree with this. Barkley isn't any less of a player because of the fact that he didn't win a title. But you're fooling yourself if, despite what he says, he doesn't wish he had won a title.What's interesting is that I have yet to meet a single person that knows anything about sports, nor encounter a single sportswriter's work, that makes an argument that a lack of championships matters in the slightest.
Put yourself in Durant's shoes for a second and analyze his options. Re-signing with the only team you've ever been a part of, and one with legit title shot aspirations is a perfectly fine option. It's a small market, but you're beloved by the city and it's fan base and if you bring a title to OKC you pump your brand up another notch. Awesome stuff. Now, consider joining up with a team that plays fast and loose and despite it's already impressive collection of stars, plays as unselfishly as any team in the league. A team that's coming off a historically great season, with the league's most insane home court fans, and a team should you choose to join will essentially be an all-star team that will be favored in 98% of it's games. If I'm looking to add a ring or two and most importantly have a ####-ton of fun, this one is a no brainer. I'm going to ball with Steph, Clay, and Draymond and see what happens. What a ridiculously fun team that's going to be. I just can't get on board with anyone criticizing that decision, unless you're a bitter OKC fan.