We still think Kevin Durant is top 5?
I agree and disagree with some parts of what you said. Top 5 is opinion, but I think he is a borderline top 5 player, which at 22 is great. Defensively he tries, but he'll never be a great defender by any stretch. At best he'll be a formidable defender. I agree he does need a post game, but with the work he puts in I do not doubt he will acquire one as a backup to his deadly shooting game. Where I do disagree with you is the comparison to Garnett b/c Garnett was always a vocal dude, and was never passive just never had a guy like Westbrook until the year they went to the Conference Finals in 2004. I also disagree about Durant being unstoppable. While he is not unstoppable like a Lebron he has shown at times he can be unstoppable. Overall, good assessment.
There are not many 22 year guys in the league that can score the ball like that. Lebron could barely shoot when he was 22. If a draft occured today and any player could be picked to start a team, Durant would without a doubt be selected in the top 5.
@Knicksfan7
I agree with what you're saying. Maybe my idea of Garnett was messed up because of the stigma of him being "verbal" when he got to Minnesota. Maybe it got on deaf ears when he was Minnesota losing. I remember him being timid sometimes. I'll lean to what your saying though.
@Whatthedevil
Carmelo is a better rebounder, he's more clutch then Durant. He has a better post up game and Anthony is a better defender. Durant is based purely on potential.
I think the reason why people put Durant on a pedestal (I do too in certain aspects) is for his high character and down to earth personality. I respect the guy for saying he let the city down, even though he is being too down on himself, but that's the competitor he is. The real improvements Durant needs to make is gaining strength in the weight room. I won't be shocked if the shyness late in games is due to him being tired from all the games, he needs to get stronger for this not to happen. I am speculating, but the guy has never played this deep into the season, when older guys Kidd, Nowitzki, Marion, and Terry have multiple times and show no signs of tiring out. Durant needs at least a respectable post game to keep teams honest, and once he gets that he'll be a top 3 player.
Lebron ball hogs, Durant should ball hog. that is the end. And I cant help but think that if Westbrook had Nash or Stockton's IQ that he would average 20 points and 17 assists with Durant on his team. But I feel that if the Thunder can get Westbrook a mentor, perhaps even hire an asisstant (Do you think Gary Payton woulld still hold a grudge with the owners about moving the team?) who can teach him how to run an offense, that would be great. Because I honestly dont think he is selfish. Its not like he is taking fadeaway threes, he is getting a midrange J that is not falling, but nonetheless he should still differ ot Durant.
I agree with Melo being a better rebounder and more post moves. I wouldn't necessarily say Melo is more clutch but to each his own. Don't use defense as an argument for either player though as neither plays much if any. Why is Durant based on potential? He's helped his team get a good seed in the west, led the league in scoring, helped get the Thunder to the conference finals, and improved every year in the league. Sorry if I don't understand why he's based on potential.
I had Durant 6th.
link: http://www.nbadraft.net/forum/my-mvp-pick-and-other-post-season-awards
To BK knicks fan, You said Durant is based purely on potential! Are you crazy! He has achieved his potential! He is scoring 27 points a game with a guy that does not pass him the ball late in the game! He is on the same track Lebron, Kobe, Magic and Larry were on, just a little below MJ. Julius Erving did not even average 25 a game in the NBA, although he killed in the ABA. To quote Grant Hill "Think before you speak, you are smarter than that." And you were talking about being clutch, Durant sank that three against the Knicks. (Although Anthony had not joined the team yet.)
To BK knicks fan, You said Durant is based purely on potential! Are you crazy! He has achieved his potential! He is scoring 27 points a game with a guy that does not pass him the ball late in the game! He is on the same track Lebron, Kobe, Magic and Larry were on, just a little below MJ. Julius Erving did not even average 25 a game in the NBA, although he killed in the ABA. To quote Grant Hill "Think before you speak, you are smarter than that." And you were talking about being clutch, Durant sank that three against the Knicks. (Although Anthony had not joined the team yet.)
- He hit one shot against NY, but has struggled every where else. If I'm correct, I think he missed a couple GW against LA and one against MIA
- If this is Durant's prime....he's never gonna win a ring
people. dont be blinded by him not playing well against the Mavs. my god, this kid is in the WESTERN conference finals! let me repeat myself, the Western conference finals. hes in his 4th year of the NBA, and hes only 22 years old. this kid is a monster, he will always be a monster, and right now hes a top 5 player in the nba. yeah, the mavs are playing great right now. they swept the lakers, and the thunder are still putting up a fight, even if they give the game away last night. but dont blame 1 guy for his team collapsing in the WESTERN conference finals!!! enough of me badgering. hes a top 5 player in the nba. And im a die-hard knicks fan, and i would take durant right now over melo, without hesitation. and yes, i love melo too. glad we aquired him! :-)
At 22 years old in an offense that doesn't always seemed to be geared toward him, thanks to the PG, and he is a 2-time scoring champ! He is in the western conference finals and he, as well as his team, will only get better. This is the first time this post season that they played against a team with a superstar that cannot be stopped. i think the Mavericks will win it all, he also led his team to the only home loss the Mavs have recieved all post season. He will only get better and if he develops that post game, he will be top 2-3 depending on how long Kobe lasts.
Ah ok...I misunderstood and took that as more of a snarky remark. I apologize. I agree with your list except I would have Durant at least over Paul, Williams, Melo, and probably Kobe. I would have a hard time putting him over Rose though.
I don't know why BKKnicksfan is getting so many negative points... I agree with him completely
I'm not just basing this on one game last night but really Kevin Durant top 5 in the league? i personally don't think so.
Yea he made the All NBA first team but really right now who would you take for one season worth of game Nowitzki or Durant?
He is in top 10 for sure but top 5?
who are you going to replace? from this list? Rose, Wade, Lebron, Howard, Nowitzki or even Paul or Kobe?
All you idiots are blind. You think Durant is not going to win a tittle if this is his prime? I bet that if Durant averages 26 and 8 for the rest of his career he will be first ballot hall of famer, with 100% of the vote, with at least one ring if they keep this group together for 4 more years.
I'd put Durant over Melo. They are pretty much equal overall: comparable defenders (they are both mediocre), their rebounding is equal, both have led their teams to the playoffs a few times but neither has been to the finals, but Durant is a 2 time scoring champ (in only 4 years in the NBA).
I would even say their supporting casts have been pretty equal until this year. I'd be interested to see if Durant would do better with a more traditional pg (Melo certainly benefitted in the switch from Iverson to Billups)
statistically kevin durant is just so efficient.
he averaged 28 points a game this year with 7 boards and 3 assists (on only about 3 turnovers which is impressive for a guy with the ball in his hands that often). His defensive presence is undeniable at the SF because of his length just being there he makes the court look smaller, add on a block and a steal per game for him. plus hes shooting over 45 percent on almost 20 attempts. as well as 88 percent on 9 ft attempts a game. he can beat you at the rim, around the rim, mid range, long range, wide open, with a hand in his face. it makes him virtually unstopable unless you double him in which case his strong supporting cast steps up.
Anyone who thinks Durant is better then Melo should stop watching basketball, sorry. Durant literally does nothing better except MAYBE shoot the 3 and he is longer. Stop overrating the nice guy and hating the diva when it's clear Melo is better.
You do realize Durant scores more points more efficiently than Melo? And they are similar across the board otherwise (rebounds, assists, blocks, steals). The only reason this conversation is going on is because Durant is still playing, while Melo was bounced in the first round. If Melo was so much more clutch, as you claim, why couldnt he win some games when they actually mattered? If Melo was really that much better than Durant, he would've made the finals by now.
Well first, Durant has a better team that has been together longer (for the most part) while Melo and Amare have played less then 50 games together and their coach doesn't realize what defense is. That is why they got bounced from the playoffs, oh and they played last years EC champ. Durant shoots a slightly better percentage from the floor and turns it over more then Melo. If he is more efficient it isn't by much.
Durant also rebounds less despite being an inch or two taller which gigantic arms. Durant is an average defender for the most part and actually pretty limited on offense compared to his reputation. Melo doesn't put forth an effort on defense often but when he does he can lock down his opponent unlike Durant. Melo is also the most complete scorer in the game today because he is a great shooter from anywhere and has the strength/quickness to beat men of the dribble or post up. Durant doesn't have a good handle and is pure jump shooter, who is clever enough to still get many FT attempts. I don't see how Durant is better at anything then Melo except being taller, and like I said before he may be a better 3 shooter. Melo also is more clutch, one of the most clutch in the league just check the numbers.
I think Carmelo is better than Durant too. He's definitely got wayyy more of a killer instinct, and that's what puts him ahead. They are identical in terms of individual skills, but Carmelo has a better post game and is more likely to win you a game down the stretch than Durant is. Durant will get better than him if he adds those 2 things though, but as of right now Carmelo Anthony is better than Durant as far as I'm concerned.
Melo was on the some pretty talented Nuggets teams for 7 years and didnt make the finals. Thats more of what I'm talking about. When did Melo become a better rebounder? He grabbed a rebound more per game this year, but Durant had more last year and their career averages are exactly the same. Like you said, Melo doesnt try much on defense, so I'm not going to give him credit for being a better defender (and I dont think he improves his D under Dantoni). Admittedly Melo has better handles, but Durant still gets to the line more (and makes more once he is there). But like I said, they are similar players. Hopefully the Knicks can land another good player so we can see more of Melo in the playoffs
If we based Melo and Durant strictly on scoring, Durant has 2 scoring titles at age 23 and Melo has 0 at what? 27? And honestly, atleast Durant isnt a total black hole like Melo. Durant has much more he can improve. I dont like the fact hes weaker than he should be attacking the rim. I dont like that hes got the body to be an elite defender and hes not. I dont like that he has never showed the rebounding he showed in college. But hes still a very good player for this age. Both him and Derrick Rose, to me, are just examples of the media crowning young guys for being outstanding, then everyone freaking out when there are holes in there game (as Rose showed tonight). The top 5 changes every month. Hell, sometimes every game. Right now, i think its almost unarguable James is No.1 and Dirk is No.2. That could change again by the end of this postseason. Are we going to put Wade way up there for being the 2nd guy on a great team? Lieing to ourselves like Kobe is still that talented? Putting Dwight up there because hes a great defender and ignoring his issues as a leader and in crunch time? Letting KD and Rose be in there based on talent and potential?
I dont think there is a right answer past
1. Lebron James
2. Dirk Nowitzki
"Carmelo is a better rebounder"
"I agree with Melo being a better rebounder"
"Durant also rebounds less despite being an inch or two taller which gigantic arms."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm honestly not sure where this notion comes from. Sure Anthony averaged half a rebound more per game this year, but Durant averaged 1 more rebound per game last year and Durant's career high of 7.6 from 2010 is higher than Carmelo's career high despite playing four fewer seasons. Their career rebounding average is even as well; 6.3. They are both practically even as far as rebounding goes with no advantage going to either guy...
To me, is clearly going to be a better player than Carmelo Anthony. He is longer, a better shooter and has a number of ways to score the ball. His rebounding and defense is much more advanced than Melo's was at a similar point in their careers, and it took Melo two more years too make the Conference Finals than it did Durant. Also, Carmelo did not win two scoring titles by the time he was 22, or for that matter lead Team USA to a Gold Medal in the World Championships for that matter. It was Kevin Durant, who has made progress every year he has played, with his game and with his team.
With all of this being said, their is very little that leaves me to say Kevin Durant is a better player than Carmelo Anthony right now. I think leadership plays little part of it, I would not say Melo is a "better" leader than Durant, he has done incredibly little to show that. Also, Durant very clearly can take over games, and has been incredibly impressive at times, as much if not more so than Melo. Let's not forget that Melo's "take over" game this year was in a loss to the Celts, where his team got the broom. But, Melo has a post game Kevin Durant should spend hours trying to emulate, and is clearly a stronger player. Even so, I believe Melo is also a better ball handler and has a more versatile offensive game, he does not rely on his midrange game as much as Durant does and he does not back down from physical defense as much as Durant has seemed too. Also, he has become more assertive on the boards and is showing signs of life as a defender, though it is still hard to say he is that much better than Durant at the latter.
Kevin Durant was an awesome story to combat the egotism people saw in Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and dare I say Melo. He got better every year, and he seemed to be that singular leader people are dying to see. Everywhere he has gone, he has been the man, whether it be Texas, Seattle/OKC or this past summer with Team USA. So, naturally, when potential individual brilliance is seen, in a situation of possible title contention, people were rushing on the bandwagon. But, with all the potential Durant has, he still has yet to jump to the point of being in the league of his older more polished competition. So, in a way, Durant really is a lot of potential and while he may become a top 5 player, people may have jumped the gun. I think their is little to no way Kevin Durant is better than these NBA players right now:
1. LeBron James
2. Kobe Bryant (still think he is ahead of Dwyane Wade, sue me)
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Dwight Howard
5. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Carmelo Anthony
Chris Paul and Derrick Rose also have to be up there, while I do think he has indeed surpassed Deron Williams. But, all in all, it is tough to say Kevin Durant is better than any of those six players listed, all have accomplished a great deal and appear to be better individual basketball players at this point. Certainly Durant has to become much more assertive and demand the ball, plus he has to figure out ways to beat physical coverage. The guy is an unbelievable shooter though, and has a scary upside which could indeed make him one of the best players in the league. Still, I think he is finally being judged with failing to meet incredibly high expectations, which has lead to sincerely questioning whether we are ranking him based on the future or the present. He will be a top 5 player, but as of right now, he seems to be on the outside looking in.
I remember people threw Kevin Durant into the top 5 discussion and some people even said he's better then LeBron and would take him over LeBron. Well, what's up with him? For one, he's not a great defensive player, at all. He's a long player who can get some solid steals but that's about it. Also, Durant has that tendency to stand around alot when he looks for the ball, and when he does try to get off a screen or a pick, a good amount of defenders can stay in front of him. The biggest thing? He needs a post game. He's only 22, but he lacks a couple post moves. My biggest concern is he's a quiet leader. I don't like the fact he seems like Kevin Garnett in his early career, just passive and not this strong, verbal leader. While we blame Russell Westbrook for having off games, I feel Kevin Durant and head coach Scott Brooks should get a solid amount of blame for this.
Also, I'm personally moving Durant behind Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James because both Anthony and James could be unstoppable at times. Durant? I don't see it. He falls in loves with the jumper a little too much.