Suprise: Durant the next Michael Jordan

[moiso]

I don't see the point in comparing Durant to Jordan. Durant will be a better shooter than Jordan, but will he ever be the defensive player Jordan was? Durant's game is too different. He should be compared to someone else.

Durant has as much defensive potential as Jordan in my mind. If he bulks out and can play 3/4 his rebounding, shot blocking, and team defensive potential go up a lot.

While I agree that he could improve as you say, I think 'potential' is fool's gold in conversations like this.

I don't think so, Jordan wasn't a lock down defender in his first years in the league from the accounts I've heard. Considering Durant is still growing into his frame and for a while was utterly misplayed at the 2 I think its fair to talk about his defensive potential.

KG wasn't the same defensive force his first couple years in the league either.

The common denominator between Jordan and KG is nastiness.  I don't think Durant will have their level of nastiness.  He could be an excellent defender, but those are two of the best of alltime.

Also, I think it's pretty hard to predict which guys will become awesome defenders.  A lot of long and athletic guys are horrible on the defensive end.  And then some decent althetes like Duncan and Bowen became amazing defenders.

It's pretty tough for a scoring champ to dominate on defense as well.  Jordan and David Robinson come to mind.  I expect Durant to become very good, but probably not elite.  I don't think guys are going to be intimidated by him like they are of Artest or were of Jordan or Pippen.

[BDubs]

I think Durant is more like a much more athletic version of Dirk Nowitzki on the offensive end with the potential to play D at a higher level than Dirk can ever dream of.

The kid is a rare gem that is so unique that there really isn't anyone to compare him to.  The kid is a legitimite 7 footer at this point that can run the break, shoot lights out from anywhere on the floor, and is slowly develping a better a;; around game that will lead to him making his teammates better players.  He's already an top level talent, but when it is all said & done for him he might become one of the best players in history if he can stay healthy and focused.  From what I've seen from his improvement year after year at such a young age and his obvious respect for the game that shows in the interviews he's done.  Durant already has the focus part of things down.

[ScoobyDoo]

TP to BDubs. This is what I should have said as my OP. "Rare Gem that is so unique" is very well said.

I think Kobe, LeBron, Wade and Durant are all rare gems, in their own ways, in terms of pure basketball skill.

But I think Durant is also a rare gem in terms of how he goes about the game, and that will ultimately separate and elevate him above these others when it's all said and done.

I think Kobe, LeBron and Wade are great performers; I think Durant is going to be a great leader and that's what separates the very best ( Jordan, Bird and Magic, etc. ) from the rest.