Author Topic: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!  (Read 13529 times)

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Raptor

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #15 on: August 05, 2011, 07:15:54 pm »
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-pniMuyZps" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-pniMuyZps</a>

Jard

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #16 on: August 06, 2011, 06:29:59 am »
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wade over kobe at scoring  :uhhhfacepalm:
 2011 playoffs vs memphis /mavs :huh:


Yup, why not? Wade drives the lane as well as anyone I've ever seen and finishes with the best of them, midrange goes to Kobe tho, but after seeing him chucking and missing fadeaways over frikkin Jason Kidd 38 year ole ass and settling for pullup threes way too much, I'm going to give Wade the edge.
I might be slightly influenced by being such a Kobe fan tho, I've watched so many of his games and even though he's still one of the best scorers in the game @ 15 years in the league, I hate seeing him detoriate in front of my eyes like this.

Oh and @ 81 point-game haters, that kind of defense is actually one they use all the time on superstars. They want to make sure the superstar takes all the shots, which 99% of the time takes their teammates out of the game.
Defense suffers, teammates hesitate or become overagressive on offense, chemistry drops.
"You can't win a game all by yourself", right? Superstars are bound to get tired and lose focus at some point, that's when you take advantage. Dude just never let up though, extremely relentless and impressive.

That 2011 playoffs comment was directed @ Durant?
Dude was the playoff's leading scorer with 29 @ .45% whututalkinboutbro?
Carmello was at 38%, Kobe was at 23 pts.
Only two dudes that were close statistically were Dirk and Wade.
Care to explain?

Remember that game like it was yesterday @ Raptor, better video of the Kobe 12 three pt game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn3nw6eodrE

Jamal Crawford going OFF BAYBAY
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqSye6JIZmQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqSye6JIZmQ</a>

Hitting your first 16 shots, including 8 threes? Pretty slick.

« Last Edit: August 06, 2011, 06:35:13 am by Jard »

D4

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #17 on: August 06, 2011, 06:34:54 am »
0
TODAY's TOP 5 PURE SCORERS:

1) Carmelo Anthony
2) Dirk Nowitzki
3) Kobe Bryant
4) Dwyane Wade/Amare Stoudemire
5) Kevin Durant/Lebron James
Goal is to dunk.

Vertical needed to dunk: 40"

Current vertical : 38.5"

Jard

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #18 on: August 06, 2011, 07:07:10 am »
0
TODAY's TOP 5 PURE SCORERS:

1) Carmelo Anthony
2) Dirk Nowitzki
3) Kobe Bryant
4) Dwyane Wade/Amare Stoudemire
5) Kevin Durant/Lebron James




You do realise you're putting the league's leading scorer (2009-2010 + 2010-2011) @ 5, do you?
Explanain yourself youngin'.

Also.

Greatest 1st half ever:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlaL9OhZQoc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlaL9OhZQoc</a>

k6mi

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #19 on: August 06, 2011, 07:12:28 am »
0

wade over kobe at scoring  :uhhhfacepalm:
 2011 playoffs vs memphis /mavs :huh:


Yup, why not? Wade drives the lane as well as anyone I've ever seen and finishes with the best of them, midrange goes to Kobe tho, but after seeing him chucking and missing fadeaways over frikkin Jason Kidd 38 year ole ass and settling for pullup threes way too much, I'm going to give Wade the edge.
I might be slightly influenced by being such a Kobe fan tho, I've watched so many of his games and even though he's still one of the best scorers in the game @ 15 years in the league, I hate seeing him detoriate in front of my eyes like this.

Oh and @ 81 point-game haters, that kind of defense is actually one they use all the time on superstars. They want to make sure the superstar takes all the shots, which 99% of the time takes their teammates out of the game.
Defense suffers, teammates hesitate or become overagressive on offense, chemistry drops.
"You can't win a game all by yourself", right? Superstars are bound to get tired and lose focus at some point, that's when you take advantage. Dude just never let up though, extremely relentless and impressive.

That 2011 playoffs comment was directed @ Durant?
Dude was the playoff's leading scorer with 29 @ .45% whututalkinboutbro?

Carmello was at 38%, Kobe was at 23 pts.
Only two dudes that were close statistically were Dirk and Wade.
Care to explain?

Remember that game like it was yesterday @ Raptor, better video of the Kobe 12 three pt game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn3nw6eodrE

Jamal Crawford going OFF BAYBAY
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqSye6JIZmQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqSye6JIZmQ</a>

Hitting your first 16 shots, including 8 threes? Pretty slick.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jirGGqNM_Ek
he did the same against memphis , but he didnt get blocked he shot all backboard.

D4

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #20 on: August 06, 2011, 08:35:28 am »
0
TODAY's TOP 5 PURE SCORERS:

1) Carmelo Anthony
2) Dirk Nowitzki
3) Kobe Bryant
4) Dwyane Wade/Amare Stoudemire
5) Kevin Durant/Lebron James




You do realise you're putting the league's leading scorer (2009-2010 + 2010-2011) @ 5, do you?
Explanain yourself youngin'.

Also.

Greatest 1st half ever:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlaL9OhZQoc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlaL9OhZQoc</a>


LOL.  I'll explain my opinion.  Kevin Durant is a GREAT, and I repeat GREAT shooter.  I don't believe scoring champion = greatest scorer.  KD's ball handling is not good enough for him to consistently create for himself.  A lot of his shots come off picks and catch and shoots.  Maybe I'll value him more, if he was shooting like 50% FG, because 50% playing the way he does, you can argue he's scoring to be efficient.  Also, did you watch the Thunder in the playoffs?  People were hating on Westbrook for jacking up shots, but he HAS to.  No one else can create on the team that well, except James Harden.  Whenever KD got the ball, he literally just jacked up a 3 from wherever he was.  He also struggles with physical defense.  He lacks a post game in the NBA. 

Melo on the other hand, thrives against physical defense.  Has arguably the best post game for a perimeter player.  Has an UNSTOPPABLE mid range game.  He catches the ball, triple threat 20 feet out, just send the double team already.  He has better handles, and can crossover and create for himself much easier.  His 3 pt shot, while not as good as KD, is still pretty good.  He finishes with the best of them at the basket too.  He literally is GOOD at EVERY aspect of scoring.

KD on the other hand, is NOT GOOD at creating for himself, against physical defense, ball handling, post game.  I feel that, without a good PG and unselfish teammates who can set good picks for him, he won't be as dangerous, although still quite dangerous because I do see him as a top 10 NBA player.
Goal is to dunk.

Vertical needed to dunk: 40"

Current vertical : 38.5"

Jard

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #21 on: August 06, 2011, 09:22:34 am »
0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jirGGqNM_Ek
he did the same against memphis , but he didnt get blocked he shot all backboard.

Those two situations against a (post-)season full of stats? Seriously?



LOL.  I'll explain my opinion.  Kevin Durant is a GREAT, and I repeat GREAT shooter.  I don't believe scoring champion = greatest scorer.  KD's ball handling is not good enough for him to consistently create for himself.  A lot of his shots come off picks and catch and shoots.  Maybe I'll value him more, if he was shooting like 50% FG, because 50% playing the way he does, you can argue he's scoring to be efficient.  Also, did you watch the Thunder in the playoffs?  People were hating on Westbrook for jacking up shots, but he HAS to.  No one else can create on the team that well, except James Harden.  Whenever KD got the ball, he literally just jacked up a 3 from wherever he was.  He also struggles with physical defense.  He lacks a post game in the NBA.  

Melo on the other hand, thrives against physical defense.  Has arguably the best post game for a perimeter player.  Has an UNSTOPPABLE mid range game.  He catches the ball, triple threat 20 feet out, just send the double team already.  He has better handles, and can crossover and create for himself much easier.  His 3 pt shot, while not as good as KD, is still pretty good.  He finishes with the best of them at the basket too.  He literally is GOOD at EVERY aspect of scoring.

KD on the other hand, is NOT GOOD at creating for himself, against physical defense, ball handling, post game.  I feel that, without a good PG and unselfish teammates who can set good picks for him, he won't be as dangerous, although still quite dangerous because I do see him as a top 10 NBA player.

I see your point, but I have to disagree.

You're saying KD needs a pg? He's got arguably the most scoring minded PG in the NBA and is still putting up 30 a night.
Let's look at dude's playoff performances this year.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NQOtMDwhQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NQOtMDwhQ</a>
I counted one three of a semi-drive and an tough floater off a feed. That's it, on 42 points.
All of his other points came from 1-1 situations, creating off the dribble/in the post or working against double teams.
It's a single game, I know, but there's this misconception that Durant just jacks up shots, he creates a lot of quality looks all by himself. What's more impressive, is he does not have an inside scoring presence on his team, all attention goes to the backcourt.
There's no Stoudamire and no high octane fastbreak D'Antoni-type offense for instance.

However, I'll have to agree he gets more looks from others creating for him, just 'cause he's so adapt at a catch n shoot type of game. Dude also has quite a lot of turnovers, so yes, I agree he's not as adapt as creating off the dribble as say Anthony.
However, in my opinion, dude is much better at creating an oppertunity to score off the ball, uses screens very well and is a constant threat, while Anthony is more of a spectator at times.
I feel that you're underating that aspect of scoring . Scoring =/= best 1 on 1 player. I agree Anthony is a better 1-1 player, but I do feel Durant is the better scorer.

So as I already mentioned it's kind of a toss up between Anthony and Durant right now, the stats point towards Durant* and I feel a scorer that doesn't need the ball in it's hands all the time is a more effective one, that's why I give Durant the edge.

*


   GP    MPG    PTS    FGM-FGA    FG%    3PM-3PA    3P%    FTM-FTA    FT%
1    
Kevin Durant , OKC
   17    42.5    28.6    9.1-20.3    .449    2.2-6.4    .339    8.2-9.8    .838
5    
Carmelo Anthony , NYK
   4    38.9    26.0    8.2-22.0    .375    2.2-6.5    .346    7.2-8.5    .853

Also
- Dude is the league leader in free-throw attempts. Jacking up threes much? Meh.
- Dude is the most consistent scorer in the game today;
http://nba-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/27030243
- Dude was the leading scorer on the NBA squad by far that won gold in Turkey, has to count for something.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2011, 09:26:53 am by Jard »

k6mi

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #22 on: August 06, 2011, 09:29:34 am »
0
TODAY's TOP 5 PURE SCORERS:

1) Carmelo Anthony
2) Dirk Nowitzki
3) Kobe Bryant
4) Dwyane Wade/Amare Stoudemire
5) Kevin Durant/Lebron James




You do realise you're putting the league's leading scorer (2009-2010 + 2010-2011) @ 5, do you?
Explanain yourself youngin'.

Also.

Greatest 1st half ever:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlaL9OhZQoc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlaL9OhZQoc</a>


LOL.  I'll explain my opinion.  Kevin Durant is a GREAT, and I repeat GREAT shooter.  I don't believe scoring champion = greatest scorer.  KD's ball handling is not good enough for him to consistently create for himself.  A lot of his shots come off picks and catch and shoots.  Maybe I'll value him more, if he was shooting like 50% FG, because 50% playing the way he does, you can argue he's scoring to be efficient.  Also, did you watch the Thunder in the playoffs?  People were hating on Westbrook for jacking up shots, but he HAS to.  No one else can create on the team that well, except James Harden.  Whenever KD got the ball, he literally just jacked up a 3 from wherever he was.  He also struggles with physical defense.  He lacks a post game in the NBA. 

Melo on the other hand, thrives against physical defense.  Has arguably the best post game for a perimeter player.  Has an UNSTOPPABLE mid range game.  He catches the ball, triple threat 20 feet out, just send the double team already.  He has better handles, and can crossover and create for himself much easier.  His 3 pt shot, while not as good as KD, is still pretty good.  He finishes with the best of them at the basket too.  He literally is GOOD at EVERY aspect of scoring.

KD on the other hand, is NOT GOOD at creating for himself, against physical defense, ball handling, post game.  I feel that, without a good PG and unselfish teammates who can set good picks for him, he won't be as dangerous, although still quite dangerous because I do see him as a top 10 NBA player.
:uhhhfacepalm:

D4

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #23 on: August 06, 2011, 09:39:24 am »
0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jirGGqNM_Ek
he did the same against memphis , but he didnt get blocked he shot all backboard.

Those two situations against a (post-)season full of stats? Seriously?



LOL.  I'll explain my opinion.  Kevin Durant is a GREAT, and I repeat GREAT shooter.  I don't believe scoring champion = greatest scorer.  KD's ball handling is not good enough for him to consistently create for himself.  A lot of his shots come off picks and catch and shoots.  Maybe I'll value him more, if he was shooting like 50% FG, because 50% playing the way he does, you can argue he's scoring to be efficient.  Also, did you watch the Thunder in the playoffs?  People were hating on Westbrook for jacking up shots, but he HAS to.  No one else can create on the team that well, except James Harden.  Whenever KD got the ball, he literally just jacked up a 3 from wherever he was.  He also struggles with physical defense.  He lacks a post game in the NBA.  

Melo on the other hand, thrives against physical defense.  Has arguably the best post game for a perimeter player.  Has an UNSTOPPABLE mid range game.  He catches the ball, triple threat 20 feet out, just send the double team already.  He has better handles, and can crossover and create for himself much easier.  His 3 pt shot, while not as good as KD, is still pretty good.  He finishes with the best of them at the basket too.  He literally is GOOD at EVERY aspect of scoring.

KD on the other hand, is NOT GOOD at creating for himself, against physical defense, ball handling, post game.  I feel that, without a good PG and unselfish teammates who can set good picks for him, he won't be as dangerous, although still quite dangerous because I do see him as a top 10 NBA player.

I see your point, but I have to disagree.

You're saying KD needs a pg? He's got arguably the most scoring minded PG in the NBA and is still putting up 30 a night.
Let's look at dude's playoff performances this year.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NQOtMDwhQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NQOtMDwhQ</a>
I counted one three of a semi-drive and an tough floater off a feed. That's it, on 42 points.
All of his other points came from 1-1 situations, creating off the dribble/in the post or working against double teams.
It's a single game, I know, but there's this misconception that Durant just jacks up shots, he creates a lot of quality looks all by himself. What's more impressive, is he does not have an inside scoring presence on his team, all attention goes to the backcourt.
There's no Stoudamire and no high octane fastbreak D'Antoni-type offense for instance.

However, I'll have to agree he gets more looks from others creating for him, just 'cause he's so adapt at a catch n shoot type of game. Dude also has quite a lot of turnovers, so yes, I agree he's not as adapt as creating off the dribble as say Anthony.
However, in my opinion, dude is much better at creating an oppertunity to score off the ball, uses screens very well and is a constant threat, while Anthony is more of a spectator at times.
I feel that you're underating that aspect of scoring . Scoring =/= best 1 on 1 player. I agree Anthony is a better 1-1 player, but I do feel Durant is the better scorer.

So as I already mentioned it's kind of a toss up between Anthony and Durant right now, the stats point towards Durant* and I feel a scorer that doesn't need the ball in it's hands all the time is a more effective one, that's why I give Durant the edge.

*


   GP    MPG    PTS    FGM-FGA    FG%    3PM-3PA    3P%    FTM-FTA    FT%
1    
Kevin Durant , OKC
   17    42.5    28.6    9.1-20.3    .449    2.2-6.4    .339    8.2-9.8    .838
5    
Carmelo Anthony , NYK
   4    38.9    26.0    8.2-22.0    .375    2.2-6.5    .346    7.2-8.5    .853

Also
- Dude is the league leader in free-throw attempts. Jacking up threes much? Meh.
- Dude is the most consistent scorer in the game today;
http://nba-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/27030243
- Dude was the leading scorer on the NBA squad by far that won gold in Turkey, has to count for something.

Durant is better at offense off the ball, but Melo is no slouch neither.  

The thing about your argument about KD getting 30 a night with a scoring PG is flawed.  Yes, Westbrook takes a lot of shots, but he also gets 8+ assists.  But the point is, why can't KD get 30 with Westbrook also getting 25-30, when the 3 other starters are freakin Perkins/Ibaka/Sefolosha LOLL.  Honestly, I cringe at that starting lineup offensively.  Sefolosha is limited to only defense, same with Perkins, and Ibaka has some scoring ability, but he's still not reliable.

I like your argument about KD not having an inside presence, and that is true.  I don't like the argument of KD being leading scorer of team USA though.  He was appointed superstar of the team before it even started and they didn't get anyone in the league on his level that year.  If he was on the 08 Redeem team, it would have been different, which of course you'll agree to as well.

I might have exaggerated KD's tendency to jack up 3's, but I'm saying I have seen him one too many times in pressure moments, when he is confused, without a go-to move except his infamous pull up 3 from wherever on the floor he is, even if it's 5 feet behind the arc.  

I'll take Carmelo in the clutch over anyone btw.  Stats prove it.  He proves it night in night out.  He is a killer in the clutch.  KD in the clutch = "oh shit what do I do, I'll just jack it up right now"  Melo in the clutch = "Too easy, I can take it to the hole, pull up, whatever I want"

@K6MI, I don't see what's to facepalm with my argument.  Can you name me 2-3 perimeter players that's better than Melo in the post?  I said arguable, not definitely.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2011, 09:42:41 am by Ineedtodunk »
Goal is to dunk.

Vertical needed to dunk: 40"

Current vertical : 38.5"

Jard

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #24 on: August 06, 2011, 10:38:47 am »
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Durant is better at offense off the ball, but Melo is no slouch neither.  


Apparently, neither is Durant off the dribble.

The thing about your argument about KD getting 30 a night with a scoring PG is flawed.  Yes, Westbrook takes a lot of shots, but he also gets 8+ assists.  But the point is, why can't KD get 30 with Westbrook also getting 25-30, when the 3 other starters are freakin Perkins/Ibaka/Sefolosha LOLL.  Honestly, I cringe at that starting lineup offensively.  Sefolosha is limited to only defense, same with Perkins, and Ibaka has some scoring ability, but he's still not reliable.

True, but this works both ways, it's pretty clear Perkins/Ibaka/Sefolosha won't create any shot for Durant (other then setting great picks, ie. Perkins), so the argument about Durant not being able to create his own shot is flawed as well.
And well, talking about Westbrook, it's cause and effect really. I'm not a huge Westbrook fan, his decision making is questionable at most and his passing is not that impressive at all. The question is, is KD being good off the ball, or Westbrook creating great shots for KD? We can't really tell, but from watching the games I asume the first option is more suitable.

I like your argument about KD not having an inside presence, and that is true.  I don't like the argument of KD being leading scorer of team USA though.  He was appointed superstar of the team before it even started and they didn't get anyone in the league on his level that year.  If he was on the 08 Redeem team, it would have been different, which of course you'll agree to as well.
True, I say Anthony get's at least as many if not more good looks because of Billups and Stoudamire as Durant does off of Westbrook and Harden.
USA team argument was weak, I agree, dude did put on a show out there though.

I might have exaggerated KD's tendency to jack up 3's, but I'm saying I have seen him one too many times in pressure moments, when he is confused, without a go-to move except his infamous pull up 3 from wherever on the floor he is, even if it's 5 feet behind the arc.  

I'll take Carmelo in the clutch over anyone btw.  Stats prove it.  He proves it night in night out.  He is a killer in the clutch.  KD in the clutch = "oh shit what do I do, I'll just jack it up right now"  Melo in the clutch = "Too easy, I can take it to the hole, pull up, whatever I want"

So would I, Anthony is one of the most impressive clutch performers I've ever seen.
And while Durant isn't nearly as impressive in that aspect, you're definately exaggerating KD's lack of clutchness, dude get's to the line in pressure situations often and comes through. Hate those pullup threes as well.

Again, it's close, 1-1 I'd take Anthony any day, but if I needed a pure scorer on my team out of anyone in the world and had to choose the most effective and consistant one I'd definately pick Durant. That's why I say he's the best scorer in basketball today.

Doesn't make me a fan by any means, hate watching 7 footers doing a shorter guys job like myself.
Dude's talent is out of this world though.

Anyways, I don't even care for NBA players this much hah, back to the topic at hand.
Ray Allen zonin' out:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkd-gPyeub8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkd-gPyeub8</a>

Raptor

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #25 on: August 06, 2011, 11:28:29 am »
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Give me a ~2005 Vince any day of the week.

D4

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #26 on: August 06, 2011, 12:05:35 pm »
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Give me a ~2005 Vince any day of the week.

His cousin was better
Goal is to dunk.

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Current vertical : 38.5"

Raptor

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #27 on: August 06, 2011, 03:00:41 pm »
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Give me a ~2005 Vince any day of the week.

His cousin was better

Well yeah, maybe, but I've followed Vince all his career (seen over 400 of his games) so I'm going to stick with him.

k6mi

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #28 on: August 06, 2011, 03:28:46 pm »
0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jirGGqNM_Ek
he did the same against memphis , but he didnt get blocked he shot all backboard.

Those two situations against a (post-)season full of stats? Seriously?



LOL.  I'll explain my opinion.  Kevin Durant is a GREAT, and I repeat GREAT shooter.  I don't believe scoring champion = greatest scorer.  KD's ball handling is not good enough for him to consistently create for himself.  A lot of his shots come off picks and catch and shoots.  Maybe I'll value him more, if he was shooting like 50% FG, because 50% playing the way he does, you can argue he's scoring to be efficient.  Also, did you watch the Thunder in the playoffs?  People were hating on Westbrook for jacking up shots, but he HAS to.  No one else can create on the team that well, except James Harden.  Whenever KD got the ball, he literally just jacked up a 3 from wherever he was.  He also struggles with physical defense.  He lacks a post game in the NBA.  

Melo on the other hand, thrives against physical defense.  Has arguably the best post game for a perimeter player.  Has an UNSTOPPABLE mid range game.  He catches the ball, triple threat 20 feet out, just send the double team already.  He has better handles, and can crossover and create for himself much easier.  His 3 pt shot, while not as good as KD, is still pretty good.  He finishes with the best of them at the basket too.  He literally is GOOD at EVERY aspect of scoring.

KD on the other hand, is NOT GOOD at creating for himself, against physical defense, ball handling, post game.  I feel that, without a good PG and unselfish teammates who can set good picks for him, he won't be as dangerous, although still quite dangerous because I do see him as a top 10 NBA player.

I see your point, but I have to disagree.

You're saying KD needs a pg? He's got arguably the most scoring minded PG in the NBA and is still putting up 30 a night.
Let's look at dude's playoff performances this year.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NQOtMDwhQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7NQOtMDwhQ</a>
I counted one three of a semi-drive and an tough floater off a feed. That's it, on 42 points.
All of his other points came from 1-1 situations, creating off the dribble/in the post or working against double teams.
It's a single game, I know, but there's this misconception that Durant just jacks up shots, he creates a lot of quality looks all by himself. What's more impressive, is he does not have an inside scoring presence on his team, all attention goes to the backcourt.
There's no Stoudamire and no high octane fastbreak D'Antoni-type offense for instance.

However, I'll have to agree he gets more looks from others creating for him, just 'cause he's so adapt at a catch n shoot type of game. Dude also has quite a lot of turnovers, so yes, I agree he's not as adapt as creating off the dribble as say Anthony.
However, in my opinion, dude is much better at creating an oppertunity to score off the ball, uses screens very well and is a constant threat, while Anthony is more of a spectator at times.
I feel that you're underating that aspect of scoring . Scoring =/= best 1 on 1 player. I agree Anthony is a better 1-1 player, but I do feel Durant is the better scorer.

So as I already mentioned it's kind of a toss up between Anthony and Durant right now, the stats point towards Durant* and I feel a scorer that doesn't need the ball in it's hands all the time is a more effective one, that's why I give Durant the edge.

*


   GP    MPG    PTS    FGM-FGA    FG%    3PM-3PA    3P%    FTM-FTA    FT%
1    
Kevin Durant , OKC
   17    42.5    28.6    9.1-20.3    .449    2.2-6.4    .339    8.2-9.8    .838
5    
Carmelo Anthony , NYK
   4    38.9    26.0    8.2-22.0    .375    2.2-6.5    .346    7.2-8.5    .853

Also
- Dude is the league leader in free-throw attempts. Jacking up threes much? Meh.
- Dude is the most consistent scorer in the game today;
http://nba-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/27030243
- Dude was the leading scorer on the NBA squad by far that won gold in Turkey, has to count for something.

Durant is better at offense off the ball, but Melo is no slouch neither.  

The thing about your argument about KD getting 30 a night with a scoring PG is flawed.  Yes, Westbrook takes a lot of shots, but he also gets 8+ assists.  But the point is, why can't KD get 30 with Westbrook also getting 25-30, when the 3 other starters are freakin Perkins/Ibaka/Sefolosha LOLL.  Honestly, I cringe at that starting lineup offensively.  Sefolosha is limited to only defense, same with Perkins, and Ibaka has some scoring ability, but he's still not reliable.

I like your argument about KD not having an inside presence, and that is true.  I don't like the argument of KD being leading scorer of team USA though.  He was appointed superstar of the team before it even started and they didn't get anyone in the league on his level that year.  If he was on the 08 Redeem team, it would have been different, which of course you'll agree to as well.

I might have exaggerated KD's tendency to jack up 3's, but I'm saying I have seen him one too many times in pressure moments, when he is confused, without a go-to move except his infamous pull up 3 from wherever on the floor he is, even if it's 5 feet behind the arc.  

I'll take Carmelo in the clutch over anyone btw.  Stats prove it.  He proves it night in night out.  He is a killer in the clutch.  KD in the clutch = "oh shit what do I do, I'll just jack it up right now"  Melo in the clutch = "Too easy, I can take it to the hole, pull up, whatever I want"

@K6MI, I don't see what's to facepalm with my argument.  Can you name me 2-3 perimeter players that's better than Melo in the post?  I said arguable, not definitely.
number 24?????

D4

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Re: Kevin Durant going apeshit@~!
« Reply #29 on: August 06, 2011, 03:39:18 pm »
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@K6MI

I said arguably, if there's 1 better person, then it's still arguable.  Regardless, you think I forgot Kobe?
Melo has an easier time in the post than Kobe.  I said it.  Melo > Kobe in the post.  Kobe has a nice array of moves, resorting to fadeaways a lot, Melo has a nice array of moves as well.  He just does it in an easier fashion.  Many times, just bullying his way in like he's a center.  Charles Barkley (or Kenny Smith, I forgot) doesn't call him "the bully" for nothing
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