Durant isn't like anything we've seen really. He reminds me of Jonathan Bender before his injuries. He's extremely long, very quick and lean for a tall guy (he's bigger than 6'9, although not as tall as he says - 7'). He's got a great shot and has learnt how to put the ball on the floor. He's got similar potential to Bender, unfortunately Bender's knees gave out and he never reached anything close to what Durant might.
He's got the same body and athleticism as Bender coming out of HS. Both could shoot the ball. I feel Durant's probably better at putting the ball on the floor.
Durant compares himself to Rashard Lewis, and then McGrady. I guess they're decent comparisons.
__________________
Charles Barkley: "I think it would have been an insult if they put Bird on me. He was the worst defensive player ever."
"Stanley's idea of a balanced meal is a Big Mac in each hand" -- then Orlando Magic GM Pat Williams on overweight Magic first round draft choice Stanley Roberts
I'm really excited to see this freshman class. They weren't eligible for the draft, so I didn't really pay as much attention to them as previous classes, but they're getting as much hype as any class I can remember. Very excited for Durant and the kid at Georgia Tech.
College Basketball Forecasts posted November 16, 2006
Brady vs. Manning Opinion posted November 3, 2006
Red Auerbach Tribute posted November 1, 2006
NBA Preview:
Atlantic Division posted October 22, 2006
Central Division posted October 24, 2006
Southeast Division posted October 26, 2006
Southwest Division posted October 27, 2006
Northwest Division posted October 30, 2006
Pacific Division posted October 31, 2006
People always assume that Glen Rice wasn't an athlete. Yes Durant is athletic, but will he look like a Josh Smith on the pro level? Doubtful. I stand by my Glen Rice comparison. He can drive past you, but his game is jumpshooting (and he does it very well).
__________________ Favorite NBA players: Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Ben Gordon, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups, Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Roy Hibbert, Jerryd Bayless, Greg Oden, Kevin Martin, Joe Johnson
If anyone is familiar with me on this site they would know that I only support jumping to the pro's from high school on a very selective basis such as the case of LeBron and Dwight Howard.
Durant should be in the NBA this season though. With Oden sitting out Durant is the first major casualty of the rule change.
__________________
Shaquille O'Neal * Stromile Swift * Brandon Bass
Tyrus Thomas * Glen "Big Baby" Davis * Anthony Randolph * Marcus Thornton
Glen Rice isnt 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan and durant handles are much better than rices
This doesn't mean he doesn't play like him at the same age. Just because he has two inches on him, doesn't invalidate what I'm saying. Comparisons come from playing style, not from physical characteristics.
__________________ Favorite NBA players: Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Ben Gordon, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups, Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Roy Hibbert, Jerryd Bayless, Greg Oden, Kevin Martin, Joe Johnson
He's everything you would want in a SF. He compares himself to Rashard Lewis and Tracy McGrady. Those are both accurate comparisons but they have their differences. He can shoot the ball but on top of that can take it inside, he's got it all on offense. On defense he can block a ton of shots ala Josh Smith. I've loved this kid for years and it's great to see him finally play on a bigger stage, he's put up some nice games so far (although against some very poor competition).
He has to gain some weight, thats his biggest issue and one that will drive all of us crazy if he's still skinny when the draft comes around. He's said he will commit to a weight training program at Texas. I hope he can put on 15 pounds or so which shouldn't be that hard considering his long frame.
I can't wait to see him play this year and develope. He's been overshadowed by Greg Oden, there is no doubt in my mind he's the second best player in his draft class.
If anyone is familiar with me on this site they would know that I only support jumping to the pro's from high school on a very selective basis such as the case of LeBron and Dwight Howard.
Durant should be in the NBA this season though. With Oden sitting out Durant is the first major casualty of the rule change.
i think they did him a favor. he's just turned 18 years old, he can learn the game at the next level, play a bunch and next year or the year after the money will still be there. people are putting way too much stock in these guys rushing to the nba, i think he's fine where he's at.
I think Texas' loss last night will be a good thing for Durant. He posted an excellent line until you look at his shooting percentages (except for free throws). 7-19 from the field, 1-8 from 3-point land. Only one assist. Only 5 of his points came in the second half. If he has the desire in him to win, I think this loss will make him realize he needs to change a bit, be a better passer, not take every shot just because he can. I hope he uses this game to fuel the rest of his season.
College Basketball Forecasts posted November 16, 2006
Brady vs. Manning Opinion posted November 3, 2006
Red Auerbach Tribute posted November 1, 2006
NBA Preview:
Atlantic Division posted October 22, 2006
Central Division posted October 24, 2006
Southeast Division posted October 26, 2006
Southwest Division posted October 27, 2006
Northwest Division posted October 30, 2006
Pacific Division posted October 31, 2006
Rick Barnes has no semblance of an offense right now. DJ Augustine isn't a bad player, but the offense they "supposedly" ran last night was horrible.
__________________ Favorite NBA players: Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Ben Gordon, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups, Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Roy Hibbert, Jerryd Bayless, Greg Oden, Kevin Martin, Joe Johnson
Kevin Durant
Linear Mode
