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How great can Kevin Durant get? By John Nguyen
08.5.2009 - Updated on 08.5.2009
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If it makes any sense, this kid is quietly making noise. Not many people are speaking about him since the national sports media is fixated on Kobe, Lebron, and the Boston Celtics making moves. Please remember that Kevin Durant is in his early 20’s and there’s really nothing that can stop him except for injuries. He was the number two pick in the 2007 draft behind Greg Oden. He can potentially be a top 5 player in seasons to come. Oden looks like he will not even sniff that.
We know that he plays for the baby Oklahoma City Thunder with Westbrook and Green. They have a stacked team over there, but they’re too young to cause any serious damage if they were to make the playoffs. Durant can slash, dribble, rebound, and flat out score from anywhere. Initially, he looked like an upgraded version of Rashard Lewis. Today, his game mirrors LeBron James minus strength, explosiveness, and passing ability. However, Durant does possess a superior jump shot.
Can he become a Lebron-level type player?
In short answer, yes. Absolutely. The most tragic trait that both guys share is the inability to defend people – Lebron is the better of the two.
Is he a Lebron-level type player now?
No. He has not shown the consistent ability to dominate and close out games. The only way to truly show people is to make the playoffs. As they stand, the Thunder is just quite not ready, which means Kevin Durant is not able to get the maximum exposure on his game. Lebron has shown, convincingly, that he is a force not to be messed with - the surefire way to accomplish that is by making the playoffs. Will he ever get there? His team can, but only if Durant can stay healthy for the majority of his duration in the NBA. The Seattle Sonics, erm – I meant Oklahoma Thunder – have something extremely special brewing with all the talent they’re amassing.
I can see him as a 30+ points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists type of player. Every time he walks on that court, he is liable to light it up for 50 points. I just don’t want to view him as the “Dominique Wilkins to Michael Jordan” image where Nique always chased Jordan, but never won. It can happen again, but this time its Durant to Lebron. That wouldn’t be any good. The only ways to avoid this image - wreck shop in the playoffs or win an MVP award. That’s it. It’s that simple because he would create his own image in order to stand on his own feet.
Durant ultimately is a future MVP candidate along Kobe, Lebron, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul. He just needs to work on getting physically stronger and better at defense. If he can turn those things around, he’ll be just as great as Bron, but perhaps not as dominant or physically imposing.
My hats off to you, Kevin Durant. I see you. It’s too bad Seattle is still sleepless.
Where does Durant rank if he keeps progressing like this?
[image:http://www.flickr.com/photos/zenmama/3402834031/] |
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Posted by
Snika
on 08.5.2009 | I don’t think so, and I am still not ready to put LeBron in the same boat with Kobe, much less MJ. Maybe we should wait until he wins a ring. KD has the ability to be an amazing scorer, but he is going to have to beef up A LOT before we can talk about him dominating the whole NBA. He and LeBron are totally different players, physically and mentally. Just because their stats might mirror each other eventually, they will always have very different techniques. Also, I will be dissappointed if the Thunder aren’t at least in the hunt for the playoffs. . | Posted by
O.Sandor
on 08.5.2009 | Hi John. A great read. The key to the Thunder and KD reaching the next level will be his supporting cast. Fortunately, OKC has Sam Presti at GM, a whiz kid and former golden boy with the Spurs, who will get the right players at the right price. That is key. Thanks! . | Posted by
ronh
on 08.5.2009 | I think kd will be a 30 7 and 5 if he could help get the thunder to be a contender. He will be one of the great players, he already has a better jump shot than LeBron. . | Posted by
Brodz
on 08.5.2009 | why would u go on this site if ur just gonna hate? dont u guys got better things to do . | Posted by
Hater
on 08.5.2009 | Johnny never commented on you before, Oly is another story, DUMBASSS writers. You guys better not get paid for this. Basically this article was on msn sports like alll DAY and now u post it LOL. U must read threw all the sports articles and plagerize ur lil story together. You know NOTHING about basketball really and just seem like a wannabe trying to act like ur a true fan. I hate you, all the readers hate you. Just do us alll a favor and stop the articles please. Go Watch Some More NBA games instead of wasting our time. Yours truly: J.Nguyen HATER . | Posted by
J. Nguyen
on 08.5.2009 | Umm Max B....who are you? Answer the question in the article. Why are you so fixated about me? Don’t watch me. Watch TV. . | Posted by
max B
on 08.5.2009 | John, you still havent been fired? WOW!!! They must keep you around to make themselves look better. . |
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