The Pelicans ultimately fell in the Western Conference Finals, 2-4.
The Pelicans failed to win five consecutive championships, and Durant missed out on his first NBA championship as well.
The facts proved that in the Western Conference, where powerhouse teams abounded, breaking through the pack was no simple task.
Without Tang Tian, the Pelicans were still a championship contender, but they remained some distance from the title.
And there was another brutal reality: Leonard and Antetokounmpo had successively entered their primes. Their overall strength surpassed Durant's, yet they were younger.
Durant did not have much time or many opportunities left.
An even crueler reality was that Davis's previous extension with the Pelicans had been a 3+1 deal. If the Pelicans still failed to win it all over the next two years...
With Tang Tian gone, no one could guarantee that Davis would remain.
The NBA was a Commercial League. That was reality. Tang Tian had been able to lead this team to championship after championship, which was why the team's atmosphere had remained harmonious and everyone had pulled together.
But once championships no longer belonged to this city, everyone would have their own thoughts.
On the night the Pelicans were eliminated, the most unified voice on social media was: We need Tang Tian.
"Durant has already done more than enough, but we need Tang. The facts have proven that only Tang can lead the Pelicans to a championship."
"Just like when Jordan retired and the Bulls couldn't win it all, that's what things are like now. We really need Tang."
"One year of rest is enough. Come back already, Tang! We need you, @Dad Tang Tian."
"Although this year's Playoffs have been intense, ratings have dropped sharply compared to previous years. It's not just Pelicans fans—the entire league needs you,