Kevin Durant...best all around player in the league right now?

by DJlives on Feb 10, 2010 12:25 PM EST

I would like to make the argument that Kevin Durant is one of the top 3 players in the league right now. Everything in me wants to place him behind Kobe and Lebron but Im having a hard time doing that. Sounds crazy when you say it out loud or put it in words but take the "body of work" argument away for a second and look at what he does on a nightly basis for his up and coming squad. I realize it is hard to suspend the thought of what Kobe and Lebron have accomplished thus far because that is often what seperates players like Kobe from Durant but humor me for a moment.

Durant... 29.7 per game 7.5 rebounds per game 3 assists per game and his eff is +27. He shoots 88% from the foul line and hovers around 49% from the floor and 1 block per. Keep in mind this is Durants second year in the league and he is surrounded by puppies.

Kobe... 28pts, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6assists with an eff of+24. Kobe shoots 81% from the line and 46% from the floor. Kobe also averages 1.7 steals per game. Kobe on the other hand is surrounded by veteran scorers and legitamate options.

Lebron ...29.8 pts, 7.8 rebs,8.2 assists with a 31.92 eff...50% from the floor and 77% from the stripe. 1.7 steals and 1 block per as well. Lebron has a solid squad who he has been to the playoffs with plus the addition of the Diesal.

Again, I realize the "body of work "is not yet there for Durant but it will be and soon! Anyone who is not watching him or taking notice is missing out on one of the best three players in the league. Time will tell but from what I see this kid is only going to get better which is scarey. He has the same closers mentality that the great one's have. Oh yeah, did I mention he is 22.

Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.

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25+ points in 25 straight games. Go KD.

by Justin_Bobo on Feb 10, 2010 12:29 PM EST reply actions

alls durant does is score. i mean 7 rebounds thats good, i didnt know that.

but he sucks on defense. and is no where next to being a good passer like lebron or kobe.

jus saying.

by WikedCeltsFan7 on Feb 10, 2010 12:35 PM EST reply actions

I agree with WCF7 that Durant still needs to improve his defense.

But I see signs that he is improving there. So at some point he may transition into the clear #1.

At any rate, I find Kevin Durant way more likable than Kobe or Lebron (even though I HATE the Thunder). I’d love to have him as a foundation for my team for the next decade.

by mmmmm on Feb 10, 2010 12:53 PM EST reply actions

I would love to see him in Green as the foundation for the next decade, can you imagine that!. It’s one of those things I can’t even think about because it probably won’t happen.

I agree he is a very likeable budding superstar with a great work ethic and respect for the position he is in. He appears to be very stable and relatively humble. I think that is one of the reasons I am becoming such a fan of his. He doesn’t talk , just balls every night. On the floor he is a beast…not afraid to carry the load. What would he be like with a Scittie Pippen type second scorer? He is 6’10 and can play virtually any position. Although he is slight of build he plays very strong…can you hear Tommy….“Rondo finds Durant off the high pick and roll for two….” In our dreams!

by DJlives on Feb 10, 2010 1:15 PM EST reply actions

durant isnt on the same level as lebron yet.. and i love durant

by jbuell719 on Feb 10, 2010 3:59 PM EST reply actions

Check this link

http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/9/1302737/how-good-is-kevin-durant

That shows just how impressive Kevin Durant is on offense. He needs to improve a little on the defensive end but he has already improved by leaps and bounds over last year. I don’t think he’ll ever be the playmaker that LeBron is but as far as pure scorer, he is already in the conversation of the best in the league.

Blazersedge mods suck

by lrh86 on Feb 10, 2010 3:59 PM EST reply actions

Wow. That chart is crazy thanks for posting the link…there is a way to measure everything these days. His efficiency is rediculous and that is what stands out when comparing him with Kobe and other “volume players”.

I do agree with jbuell719 that he is not on Lebrons level in terms of his physicality (not sure if that is an actual word but it fits) but his output is fluid and consistant. He rarely seems out of synch or disconnected from the flow of the game.
He reminds me of watching Randy Moss run by people…he looks like he is barely exerting himself while flying by safety’s who run a 4.4. He plays at his own speed. Ill conceed Lebron but he has to be in the conversation.

by DJlives on Feb 10, 2010 7:25 PM EST reply actions