KD is a fantastic scorer but I am not convinced he is anything else. But yeah, I'd take him.
You must not be watching him then. He is better then any one on the Celtics roster right now and that is FACT.
The question is will he become a truly special player, or does he become Tracy McGrady?
He's already better than TMac ever was only because of how easily and effieciently he scores. TMac dominated the ball. Durant can put up 25 in his sleep.
Defensively he will get better as he grows into his body a bit more. He's 21!
Sure, KD may already be a better scorer than TMac was but that is not the point. And I think that you partly made my point in your post. From what I have seen, KD gets his points quietly. You don't think he is doing much but you look up and he has 25. But, he has not consistently shown the ability (or willingness) to dominate a game, especially in crunch time.
And yes, I am judging KD against greatness. LeBron, in addition to being a physical freak, is a fantastic passer; better than many PG's. In the last few years, he has become monster on D and started to dominate the end of games.
Kobe and MJ (who are similar) had the killer instinct that no one else had. Each could score at will (and I would say at least as good as KD) but they could also defend. Both were better passers than they were ever given credit for.
KD can get 25 in sleep. But we knew than coming in. The question becomes, will he develop in other areas to reach the greatness of these other guys. Or, will be become the next TMac/Dominique Wilkens?
We'll see.
I guess that's precisely the reason why i like KD so much. He can fit into a team game. He doesn't have to dominate the ball and the game to score points if that makes sense. At the same time if he needs to he can create for himself and get his shot off whenever he wants. Basically I think of him as the Tim Duncan of the small forward position.
I really hope the whole MJ/Kobe "one player does it all" era goes by the wayside. Ironically enough, Lebron is also suited for the team game but his coach insists on making him a one man team. Or maybe he is the one demanding it. Who knows what goes on in that locker room.
TMac to me was always a volume scorer. Not very effieicent. He was "the man" and there was never any ball movement on his teams because he created all the offense. He was so good at that at one point that a few of his more defensive minded teams were fairly successful.
But even MJ realized that you have too play the team game at some point if you want to win.
Durant has the kind of game where he doesnt have to have the ball in his hands all the time to be effective. When I see that team play I see good spacing and fundamental basketball. Not a point guard crossing the timeline, handing off to a swingman and everyone sit around and watch him work.
I think what you mean when you say killer instinct is being competitive and ultimately clutch. Time will tell on that but I have already seen him hit game winners and I really think he has what it takes in pressure situations. He will be showcasing that in this year's playoffs I think.
Topic: contemplating the Kevin Durant era (Read 5451 times)