Will Durant be better than James?

[abc2007]

I think LBJ is a better playmaker. But, Durant is a better shooter; especially for the mid-range shooting. And Durant is a better defender. Plus, Durant is much younger and has more potential...

What do you guys think about this?

[roflmcwaffles]

It depends in what way you mean.

James is a lot like Magic Johnson and Durant, I'm not really sure who you compare him to. He is just a pure scorer (and will be better than james at this), his rebounding may become a bit better, but his defense and assists I don't think will come close to Lebron.

I think they are both really good at what they do, I don't really see how you can compare the 2 as a "who is better" claim. Depends what a team needs.

[rockbox]

I don't think Durant is as good as James but I do think he probably a more difficult cover in an end of game situation. His ability to get a great shot off is something I've never seen before. He's similar to McGrady in this regard but he's a much better shooter. If he can just learn how to setup his teammates like Jordan eventually, he should has the potential to be one of the top 10 players of all time. Like, I said before he entered the league, he has the potential to be a once in a lifetime player. Lets see how much he improves.

[A_3PO]

Don't know but I'll have a lot of fun watching.

[RV6]

different players....He's more like Kobe than Lebron, but even that isn't a fair comparison, for either of them. All I can say is, I hope he embraces defense full time for along time, or at least becomes a very good and consistent rebounder. He's too unique physically to be just a scorer.

[durvasa]

Stats comparison for their first three years in the league:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&p1=duranke01&y1=2010&p2=jamesle01&y2=2006

[Air Langhi]

Other than shooting lebron is better at everything. He took his team to finals by his 4th year pretty much by himself. Durant has westbrook and he still hasn't done squat.

[REEKO_HTOWN]

as a winner yes.

LBJ reminds me a lot of Dominique Wilkins. Human Highlight reel but not a leader.

[ASidd_1990]

LBJ hands down.

LeBron does virtually everything better than Durant.

[yaonow]

Stats comparison for their first three years in the league:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&p1=duranke01&y1=2010&p2=jamesle01&y2=2006


how can people look at this and then act like they know that durant will "for sure be a better scorer"?

[smasstastic]

LBJ has the talent but not the attitude; in the end, attitude is the difference between a Yao and a Yi;

Durant, no question

[yaonow]

Stats comparison for their first three years in the league:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&p1=duranke01&y1=2010&p2=jamesle01&y2=2006

and that does not even take into account lebron at age 21 who put up insane numbers

[bullardfan]

Yes, he will. because Durant can't be lazy. LBJ can cruise all he wants and still win games b/c of Wade and Bosh.

Durant is kinda what (puts on flame shield) tmac could've been if he put in the work and was a good leader. that's the best comparison i can think of. Durant isn't really cut from any mold though. you can't really say he's just like anyone. e.g. Kobe-MJ

[BetterThanEver]

Other than shooting lebron is better at everything. He took his team to finals by his 4th year pretty much by himself. Durant has westbrook and he still hasn't done squat.


At the 3 year point, LeBron didn't much more than Durant, but a 4th year comparison to a 3rd year is dumb.

[T-mac&Yao=RING]

Maybe but I wouldn't bet on it Lebron just does too much on the baseball court. KD has a long way to go before he catch the king.

[BetterThanEver]

and that does not even take into account lebron at age 21 who put up insane numbers


Durant and Lebron were both 21 in their 3rd year. Their numbers are similar.

[HoustonRockets]

I don't think so. He lacks the playmaking and athleticism of Lebron James.

[Shroopy2]

Its the playmaking and ballhandling that sets Lebron apart from Durant. Durant is the better pure scorer and outside shooter. Durant can be the better rebounder and defender if he bulks up and works at it.

Lebron's everything else is above Durant as far as physicality and carrying a team on his shoulders. Lebron will be a slightly more "complimentary" player in Miami, which will allow Durant to shine brighter as a main man. So thats how Durant can be "better". Cuz Lebron's allowing his star to shine lower

[OvenproofBadger]

James is disliked by many on this board (including me to an extent) and Durant is a very likeable character, he is a humble man - hence the poll results. However, i voted James. Too many people are thinking soley about scoring. James has the ability to do way more than score the basketball, not saying Durant doesn't, but James exceeds him here.

[tcadriel]

I think LBJ is a better playmaker. But, Durant is a better shooter; especially for the mid-range shooting. And Durant is a better defender. Plus, Durant is much younger and has more potential...

What do you guys think about this?

Durant has more potential than LBJ? Where? How? because he's younger?
LBJ is the better athlete and basketball player. Durant is still trying to get there.

I do believe Durant could be better at a game of horse, that's about it.

Simply, NO.

[sammy]

Poll is biased.

[emjohn]

As a scorer, absolutely. But less than 3 apg for a franchise guy with the ball in his hands that much...I'm not putting him over James until that changes.

[dobro1229]

Durant for sure.

I have serious questions on how Lebron will age as a player when his athleticism decreases in the next 3 or 4 years. Durants game is much better and should age very well. His shot has great form and will improve as a playmaker.

[Audioout]

I've been saying for a long time now that Lebron would be the very good player in the time between the Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant legacies.

[Tree-Mac]

I didn't know both Lebron and Kevin entered the league when they were 19. So did Lebron flunk a grade? I wouldn't be surprised if he did. :grin:

[Spacemoth]

He'll never beat the stats, but he can be a better winner. Some of the moves he's shown in the FIBA tournament Lebron has no chance of ever topping.

Because we know his effort and passion for the game will always be there, Durant's ceiling is that of a 6'11 Kobe or Jordan. Time remains to see if he gets there, but from what we've seen so far there's no reason not to believe he won't keep improving.

[A_3PO]

As a scorer, absolutely. But less than 3 apg for a franchise guy with the ball in his hands that much...I'm not putting him over James until that changes.
Two big reasons KD doesn't get more assists: (1) He has a legit PG in Westbrook. LeBron never had such a thing, has always been the point player and completely dominates the ball like few ever have. Allen Iverson averaged over 6 APG for his career because he dominated the ball. (2) OKC has always been a poor offensive team with poor offensive players outside of KD. Westbrook stepped up last year but he's their PG and rarely scores off assists.

That all said, LeBron is cleary a better passer and is superior at setting up other players.

[wikiwiki]

Durant is a freakin' monster. I don't think there's any question he'll be better than James, as long as he stays healthy. For a guy his height to do the stuff he does... smh

I can't image what he'll be like after a few more summers working out, putting on weight, adding to his game..

[wikiwiki]

*imagine

[durvasa]

Two big reasons KD doesn't get more assists: (1) He has a legit PG in Westbrook. LeBron never had such a thing, has always been the point player and completely dominates the ball like few ever have. Allen Iverson averaged over 6 APG for his career because he dominated the ball. (2) OKC has always been a poor offensive team with poor offensive players outside of KD. Westbrook stepped up last year but he's their PG and rarely scores off assists.

That all said, LeBron is cleary a better passer and is superior at setting up other players.

How would you compare Durant and Carmelo Anthony as passers?

[vcchlw]

If he doesn't choose to be married to Dwayne Wade, I am sure he will.

[Rockets4279]

Durant i think is better has a higher ceiling then James. Durant will continue to improve while i think James wont. Having Wade and Bosh on your team will deflate his statistics. I question James game when he gets older. James, Wade and Anthony are alike in a way of scoring, but really nothing like Kobe and McGrady. I'm talking overall offensive package as the other three struggle in certain spots on the floor.

[tinywang]

Durant is good but I just don't see him surpassing Lebron. Lebron just does so much more for a team besides scoring.

[WillG]

The same Durant that wasnt even better than Westbrook in the playoffs is better than James now? So many biased votes

[A_3PO]

How would you compare Durant and Carmelo Anthony as passers?
Similar right now, except there is no doubt KD will become a better passer going forward. After 7 seasons, Melo just hasn't developed much beyond being a scorer.

[Ziggy]

Feel like you guys misread the poll question. It's not who do you like more :rolleyes:

[t_mac1]

no. it's a pretty easy answer. don't know why you need a poll.

one is a dominant scorer, and one is a dominant ALL-AROUND player.

[yaonow]

Feel like you guys misread the poll question. It's not who do you like more :rolleyes:


lol everyone is clearly blinded by "the decision"

[yaonow]

how can you say durant is a better scorer when lebron scored more than him at age 21 and got way more assists and similar rebound numbers? And got deeper in the playoffs?

[t_mac1]

Similar right now, except there is no doubt KD will become a better passer going forward. After 7 seasons, Melo just hasn't developed much beyond being a scorer.

and durant may follow the same path. some players just don't have it.

durant appears to be like melo, but he's a MUCH better scorer and will only get better in that aspect. and he likes to rebound, something melo only likes to do when he wants to.

[Mr. Clutch]

LeBron rapes him pretty bad on assists.

Durant may be a better pure scorer, but he's not that much better.

[Someguy1229]

He can already shoot better than LeBron which isn't very hard considering LeBron isn't a great shooter. LeBron has the advantage just a little bit on driving and defense. LeBron is a way better passer than Durant so that is something Kevin needs to improve on.

By age 24, Durant will be better than LeBron.

[swyyyguy]

durant is already better. he'll win a ring before lebron does. yeah, i said it.

[Aleron]

James is a lot like Magic Johnson and Durant, I'm not really sure who you compare him to. He is just a pure scorer (and will be better than james at this), his rebounding may become a bit better, but his defense and assists I don't think will come close to Lebron.


Now I know this will show my age...but his smooth athleticism and ability to manufacture shots out of nothing reminds me of Dr J.

It's ironic really, we have 3 great small forwards in this era, and even the #3 Carmelo would likely be close to the 5th best ever.

[roslolian]

Now I know this will show my age...but his smooth athleticism and ability to manufacture shots out of nothing reminds me of Dr J.

It's ironic really, we have 3 great small forwards in this era, and even the #3 Carmelo would likely be close to the 5th best ever.

Melo 5th best ever? C'mon now get serious, he's barely 5th best in the league.

Durant and LBJ though will probably go down as the GOAT of sfs when all is said and done. We'll probably continue to debate which of them is better the same way fans back in the day debated between Magic and Bird.

[Someguy1229]

He can already shoot better than LeBron which isn't very hard considering LeBron isn't a great shooter. LeBron has the advantage just a little bit on driving and defense. LeBron is a way better passer than Durant so that is something Kevin needs to improve on.

By age 24, Durant will be better than LeBron.

I forgot to mention that Durant has the edge on rebounding by just a little.

[jmwilliamson]

I voted no. I think it's possible Durant could become a better scorer (hell, he may even be that now), but I don't think he'll ever be as good at everything else. James is a superior passer, rebounder, defender... He has the kind of all around game we haven't seen since Oscar Robertson. I love watching Kevin Durant play and I think he'll be great - but I can't imagine he'll ever be anywhere near the complete player Lebron is.

[Mr. Clutch]

I forgot to mention that Durant has the edge on rebounding by just a little.

Not really, James had an 11.1 rebound rate, Durant 11.0.

Durant PER- 26.23
James PER- 31.19

[Mr. Clutch]

I voted no. I think it's possible Durant could become a better scorer (hell, he may even be that now), but I don't think he'll ever be as good at everything else. James is a superior passer, rebounder, defender... He has the kind of all around game we haven't seen since Oscar Robertson. I love watching Kevin Durant play and I think he'll be great - but I can't imagine he'll ever be anywhere near the complete player Lebron is.

I agree. I don't see how Durant can all of a sudden become a great passer either.

Durant is going to have to become such a ridiculous scorer to overcome the huge edge LeBron has in assists.

[Aleron]

Melo 5th best ever? C'mon now get serious, he's barely 5th best in the league.

Durant and LBJ though will probably go down as the GOAT of sfs when all is said and done. We'll probably continue to debate which of them is better the same way fans back in the day debated between Magic and Bird.

Um lol, Melo is significantly better than everyone except those 2, and historically the only other 2 i could with certainty throw ahead of him are Larry and Dr J (next would likely be Worthy who i think Carmelo is better than).

[Aleron]

I'll add that yes I'm aware there are a fair few better swingmen (like Jordan often played the small forward role outside of clutch time in the triangle), I'd genuinely consider him as more of a shooting guard, Clyde too, etc.

[Aleron]

and oo, how could i forget nique

[T-Slack]

Naw, James for all his fault, I believe him when he says he can lead the league in scoring whenever he wants to. The reason why he doesn't is because he's light years ahead of KD in play making and making his teammates better.

[jmwilliamson]

Durant for sure.

I have serious questions on how Lebron will age as a player when his athleticism decreases in the next 3 or 4 years. Durants game is much better and should age very well. His shot has great form and will improve as a playmaker.

I don't know what your serious questions are. If you take away Lebron's quickness and athleticism he's still bigger and stronger than Karl Malone. And he's the kind of player that would adapt just as Michael Jordan adapted to losing his athleticism. I honestly think he'd become a dominant post player if he could no longer be a perimeter player.

[adeelionaire]

I say KD. I think the only thing Lebron has on KD is the passing and rebounding. KD has more range to his game and he is an EXCELLENT defender and has been since day 1. Lebron didn't give in to defense till halfway through his career.

[mickey_angelo]

I see KD becoming the Jordan of this era in the sense that whether or not he is a better basketball player than everyone else, he will be the first named mentioned when speaking of basketball.

[wang69]

I think physically, athletically, lebron is a cut above durant. But durant is up there with the greats in terms of desire to improve his own game, so in the long run i think durant will surpass lebron.

[goodbug]

Why is there a comparison at all? You don't compare a sidekick to a legitimate leader. LeBron has been in the league for 7 years and he only had one playoff series win over 50 wins team in 5 tries. Durant has 4 years to match and surpass that.

LeBron was given the chance in 2004 and 2006 to shine in FIBA tournaments and he ended up being LeBronze. And when he had Kobe on his side, he wasted no time to be the "vocal leader". We see one player that needs super friend to boost the confidence, and the other that's humble and dominated without making noise.

[Shroopy2]

Why is there a comparison at all? You don't compare a sidekick to a legitimate leader. LeBron has been in the league for 7 years and he only had one playoff series win over 50 wins team in 5 tries. Durant has 4 years to match and surpass that.

LeBron was given the chance in 2004 and 2006 to shine in FIBA tournaments and he ended up being LeBronze. And when he had Kobe on his side, he wasted no time to be the "vocal leader". We see one player that needs super friend to boost the confidence, and the other that's humble and dominated without making noise.
Thats my argument for Durant. Lebron is a capable leader and a decent guy, but he needs a buddy system of likeminded bros to be around. I dont think that prevented him from being successful. But it might prevent him gaining any further status in PERSON player ranking.

If Durant wins a title, that will put him over Lebron. If Durant goes conference finals or Finals appearance loss, thats not good enough he has to win to be the best since Lebron at least has been there. If Durant makes deep playoff runs going insane in the playoffs while Lebron is being a glorified James Worthy type getting rings, that shouldnt favor Lebron too much I dont think.

[eMat]

What the hell is a "pure scorer"?! And how in the world is Durant better at scoring than LeBron if each of their first three years in the league LeBron scored more points per game on overall similar (though slightly worse because of LeBron's terrible first year) percentage from the field?

Does it mean Durant's scoring stands out more because he's just not as well-rounded of a player as James is (like how Carmelo is also sometimes argued for as the best "pure scorer")? In that case - yay him! :rolleyes:

Three-point shooting? Aside from Durant's second year, which was very impressive in this regard, their percentages are similar. James is McGrady-like in his shooting in that he puts up way more three-point shots than he should, and Durant's attempts have increased to almost the same as James' now. As a result or merely a coincidence, but his percentage from his second year has gone down to almost the same as LeBron's. This year should be pretty telling in showing who, if any, is clearly superior. Right now the edge goes to Durant.

Free-throw shooting? There's no comparison - Durant's excellent, James is pretty mediocre.

So being a better free-throw shooter and a slightly better three-point shooter but worse at basically everything else except for maybe defense (in which neither was much good at the end of year 3) equals being better in the long run. Right. Oh, but there's the likability! ... Sorry, I was under the impression that we were talking about basketball.

What works in Durant's favor is that LeBron's stats up until last year didn't improve much and actually regressed. If I remember correctly, that was the time he started to pay more attention to defense which Durant has to do if he wants to be considered to be as good or better. And unless James puts up a triple double while scoring more than 20 ppg, this last season may be his best season statistically in his career. So Durant knows what to aim for.

Other arguments, like "clutchness" (from the stats that try to measure this, LeBron beats everyone in the league in this) or "drive to win" (how much more drive can you have if you team up with another top 5 player in the league?) or "will to improve" (LeBron has significantly improved his defense and his overall shooting, Durant already has improved his rebounding) - I won't touch those. I just don't see how one can argue about something without providing any proof. Then of course there's the "will to be the man". So LeBron doesn't care about that. I don't see how that makes Durant a better (or a potentially better) player, I really don't.

So yeah, I concentrated mainly on boxscore stats. Because I have my own biases just like everyone else and what better way to look past them than to look at cold hard statistics? And a lot of people don't want to give much credence to more objective but at the same time less obvious stats so it would be pointless to discuss them.

[roslolian]

Thats my argument for Durant. Lebron is a capable leader and a decent guy, but he needs a buddy system of likeminded bros to be around. I dont think that prevented him from being successful. But it might prevent him gaining any further status in PERSON player ranking.

If Durant wins a title, that will put him over Lebron. If Durant goes conference finals or Finals appearance loss, thats not good enough he has to win to be the best since Lebron at least has been there. If Durant makes deep playoff runs going insane in the playoffs while Lebron is being a glorified James Worthy type getting rings, that shouldnt favor Lebron too much I dont think.

Well the problem here is there are several ways to dominate a game:

*by being the go-to scorer
*by being the all-around player on the court

MJ glorified the "go-to scorer" role but the fact of the matter is the all-around player is just as important if not more important. Teams with all-around players like DH, LBJ and KG have achieved significant post-season success. However guys like Kobe, Dwade, Durant can't win playoff series by themselves. Most of the time they can't even reach the playoffs, and in the best case scenario they flame out in the 2nd round (Kobe with Odom, Dwade by himself, Pierce, Allen and Rondo).

Look, being the guy who can make the shot at end of games is important, but IMHO its not that important from the dude who'll grab 8 rebs, get 15 assists and score 23 pts on 48% FG. If you poll people on the Celts 90% of them will say KG is their best player, even if Pierce and Allen are the clutch go-to guys.

[Octavianus]

Kevin Durant Playoffs 2010
25.0 Points 7.7 Rebounts 2.2 Assits 0.350 FG% 0.286 3p% 0.5 Steals 1.1 Blocks
2.7 TO

Reg Season
30.1 Points 7.6 Rebounts 2.8 Assits 0.476 FG% 0.286 3p% 0.5 Steals 1.3 Blocks 3.3 TO

Lebron Playoffs
29.1 Points 9.2 Rebounds 8.2 Assits 0.502 FG% 0.400 3p% 1.7 Steals 1.8 Blocks 3.8 TO's

Reg Season

29.7 Points 7.3 Rebounds 8.6 Assits 0.503 FG% 0.329 3p% 1.6 Steal 1.0 Blocks 3.4 TO's

I think that says it all really.

Anyone who watches the NBA knows Lebron is a better scorer, defender and playmaker then Durant, simple as that.
Just look how Lebron stoped Peirce in the finals, and see how much trouble the Lakers had against Perice, to release how good of a defensive player he is.

[ASidd_1990]

Here are my top 5 in the league.

1.Kobe
2.LeBron
3.Durant
4.Paul
5.Howard

[MorningZippo]

I think this question comes down to who would I rather build my team around, KD or LBJ. The answer for me really isn't much of a question.

Playoffs are all about mismatches. The Lakers winning the last 2 championships have demonstrated this. Even though having arguably the best player in the game on the team, the strength that really gave the lakers the edge was Pau Gasol playing the 4. two 7' players on the court can really be tough to adjust to, and having 6'10 lamar odom come off the bench can really confuse things, given that he is more of a 3 than a 4 on most teams.

Having Kevin Durant on my team is a dream because of how many other types of players I could put around him. Building a team with LBJ to win a championship, you must have a very specific type of role player to make a contending team. for instance, you can't have a slow post player, you can't have a big man that can't shoot from the outside. Having a point guard the couldn't shoot would hurt the team (Rondo, Westbrook, Rose).

Kevin Durant is a multi-dimensional player, and depending on the team that was build around him, I think he could be a much better player then Lebron ever could be, simply because of the way KD could play off the ball much better, and has a better jump shot that is nearly impossible to block.

Once Kevin Durant and LBJ age, KD will still be near his peak and LBJ will have long since declined.

The list of reasons could go on and on, that being said, I have to pick KD.

[leebigez]

I will take lbj over any player in the league right now and probably in the next 5 years too. He ominates the court with his floor game and durant dominates the game with his scoring. The difference is when lbj wants to dominate scoring wise, he can do that too. Durant is kinda like carmello in a sense that he's a natural scorer. What i really like about his setup is brooks kinda uses him like reggie miller. He gets to score effeciently and they don't just give him the ball and get out the way. Thats what i think has been the problem of mike brown when he coached james. His talent was so great, he thought the best idea was to just give him the ball and move. Thats why kobe has been so good for so long. He hasn't had to wear himself out during the entire game because the triangle helps the other players get shots.

[DaDakota]

I will take Durant, while Lebron uses his physicality to dominate games, he can be controlled by closing off the paint, and forcing him to take jumpers.

Which is why his teams continually fell short.

Durant can score from anywhere, and is good everywhere else.


Not to mention Durant doesn't seem to worry about his image as much as Lebron and Maverick do, give me a guy who lives and breathes basketball over one who lives and breathes celebrity every day of the week.

DD

[sammy]

I would start my franchise with LBJ.

How many games did the cavs win last year? Plus, Lebron has already carried a mediocre team to the finals.

[Shaud]

LBJ has the talent but not the attitude; in the end, attitude is the difference between a Yao and a Yi;

Durant, no question
That comparison makes no damn sense.

[Jeff Who]

Yes period. His assist and rebounds number will go up, belive me and he is much better shooter than LeBron is.

Right now LeBron is a better defender but I'd still give Durant an edge.

[Shaud]

LeBron James is a better player than Durant and I think he will be in the future too.

It's mind boggling that people actually think Durant is the better player right now.

I like Durant and he is a great player but goodness people are starting to overrate him a tad bit if they think he is better than LeBron right now.


If LeBron was more humble I guarantee the poll would be much different.

[emjohn]

Two big reasons KD doesn't get more assists: (1) He has a legit PG in Westbrook. LeBron never had such a thing, has always been the point player and completely dominates the ball like few ever have. Allen Iverson averaged over 6 APG for his career because he dominated the ball. (2) OKC has always been a poor offensive team with poor offensive players outside of KD. Westbrook stepped up last year but he's their PG and rarely scores off assists.

That all said, LeBron is clearly a better passer and is superior at setting up other players.
If the two swapped teams last year, I still don't see Durant having more than 4 apg and James would still have 7+. But that's my opinion of them.

Folks are clamoring about Anthony being a ballhog, and his apg are right in line with Durant.

Comparison numbers for
Dream in his prime 4 year stretch had 3.5 apg as a center.
Malone for his career had 3.5, and in his best years had over 4.
Dirk Nowitzki is usually a 3 apg guy
Granger is now a 2.8 apg guy



I like Durant a lot, I'm not hating him or calling him selfish, anything like that. Clearly his assist numbers stand up againt others well. Just splitting hairs in a thread about splitting hairs. They're the two best in the game today, easily.

[francis 4 prez]

I will take Durant, while Lebron uses his physicality to dominate games, he can be controlled by closing off the paint, and forcing him to take jumpers.

Which is why his teams continually fell short.

exactly, i don't see how people don't get this. when the playoffs roll around, controlling lebron becomes fairly easy. i mean two years ago, he was barely able to shatter the playoff PER record. and last year, 27/9/7 and shutting down paul pierce? get some diversity to your game lebron and stop being so easy to control!!

Durant can score from anywhere, and is good everywhere else.

again, no doubt about it. it was almost comical watching artest and the lakers try to guard durant last year. driving, low post, mid-range, 3 pointers, they couldn't stop him from anywhere. he flew past 33% shooting and just really gave the lakers no hope as his team did not fall short and eliminated the lakers from the playoffs.


Not to mention Durant doesn't seem to worry about his image as much as Lebron and Maverick do, give me a guy who lives and breathes basketball over one who lives and breathes celebrity every day of the week.

DD


this is a key point as well, given the new "caring about image" deduction teams now take at the beginning of every game. miami is really going to be screwed by that rule change this year.

[MemphisX]

Durant has constructed his entire image on being the anti-LeBron this summer. Not saying it is fake or not but people pretending that they know him are just naive.


Durant has not been better than LeBron statistically or in the w/l column to this point and there is no reason to think that will change because of a 1 hour special.

I like Durant and can't wait to see him and Lebron in a playoff series but if he better get big because at this point LeBron is a better defender than Artestand you can't rest on defense against LeBron.

[DaDakota]

Funny post

I got a chuckle out of it F4P, but I still would rather have Durant.

DD

[t_mac1]

Durant has constructed his entire image on being the anti-LeBron this summer. Not saying it is fake or not but people pretending that they know him are just naive.


Durant has not been better than LeBron statistically or in the w/l column to this point and there is no reason to think that will change because of a 1 hour special.

I like Durant and can't wait to see him and Lebron in a playoff series but if he better get big because at this point LeBron is a better defender than Artestand you can't rest on defense against LeBron.

i don't think durant is fake (like kobe was before the rape incident and he changed his entire persona). but durant definitely is capitalizing on the lebron's bad PR this entire summer.

he is considered the best player now despite having one of the worst playoff series for a "superstar" in recent memories. he literally got shut down by artest with relative ease.

[tdogg310]

Kevin Durant Playoffs 2010
25.0 Points 7.7 Rebounts 2.2 Assits 0.350 FG% 0.286 3p% 0.5 Steals 1.1 Blocks
2.7 TO

Reg Season
30.1 Points 7.6 Rebounts 2.8 Assits 0.476 FG% 0.286 3p% 0.5 Steals 1.3 Blocks 3.3 TO

Lebron Playoffs
29.1 Points 9.2 Rebounds 8.2 Assits 0.502 FG% 0.400 3p% 1.7 Steals 1.8 Blocks 3.8 TO's

Reg Season

29.7 Points 7.3 Rebounds 8.6 Assits 0.503 FG% 0.329 3p% 1.6 Steal 1.0 Blocks 3.4 TO's

I think that says it all really.

Anyone who watches the NBA knows Lebron is a better scorer, defender and playmaker then Durant, simple as that.
Just look how Lebron stoped Peirce in the finals, and see how much trouble the Lakers had against Perice, to release how good of a defensive player he is.

This says nothing. First off, the cavs have had a good enough team to breeze through the vastly inferior Eastern Conference. Secondly, who has guarded Lebron in his easy playoff series'? Durant has only played 6 games, not a big enough sample size to prove anything. Also, he had Kobe and Artest gaurding him. No big deal, just a couple of all NBA 1st defensive teamers. not to mention a Defensive player of the year....Try to name me one player who has guarded Lebron in his playoff career that was even on an all defensive team??? You cant.

Lebron is by far the most overated defensive player in the league. I live in ohio and all my roomates are cavs fans, so I have watched about 70 cavs games a year over the past 3 years. The fact that he has been on an all nba 1st defensive team is a travesty. All he does is gamble and get "highlight" defensive plays. If he is ever in a situation where he is spread out and forced to play one on one he cant do it. I have seen him been abused on the defensive end time and time again. But since he gets his "chase down" blocks, which 50% of the time are either fouls or goaltending, everyone thinks he's a defensive force. For every block he has, u can quadruple it and that would be the amount of times his man knocks down a wide open 3 bc he is going for a weak side block. He is a terrible team defender, slow rotator, and not to mention one of the worst people ive ever seen at taking a charge. Its unbelievable how anyone can think he's a better defender than Battier.

Durant is a much better on ball defender. and i believe he will be the better defender overall when their careers are over with. Durant will also be a better rebounder. As far as overall player, i think that becasue of Lebrons natural playmaking ability he will have a better career, but not by much. Durant is a much better clutch performer. It took lebron his 3rd season to hit his first game winner people. IDK how everyone forgets that. He gets bailed out time and time again nowadays, when he drives, by the whistle. Durant can get any shot he wants. Durant is a much better comparison to kobe. Playing style wise, they are very similar.

[Honey Bear]

LeBron James is a better player than Durant and I think he will be in the future too.

It's mind boggling that people actually think Durant is the better player right now.

I like Durant and he is a great player but goodness people are starting to overrate him a tad bit if they think he is better than LeBron right now.

If LeBron was more humble I guarantee the poll would be much different.

Durant has the ability to effortlessly single-handedly take over games, even when his teammates aren't performing, that LeBron hasn't been able to follow up after that series against Detroit. That's why people are so high on Durant and not so high on LeBron.

I think it's a legitimate question. Durant, with his freakish length, hunger and knack for scoring, can pretty much go to any spot on the floor, pull up and knock down 4-5 jumpers in succession without wasting much energy. The playmaking aspect of his game hasn't really taken off, but he has so much individual ability to score that I doubt coaches are looking for ways to get the ball out of his hands.

Scoring wise, Durant is like TMac in his prime with additional length and has all the behavioral signs of developing the Kobe killer instinct. And few people would argue there was a "purer" scorer than TMac in his prime, and a more lethal finisher than Kobe. It's amazing to think of what he'll be like at LeBron's current age (25), when he's filled out his frame.

I vote Durant.

[AXG]

how can you say durant is a better scorer when lebron scored more than him at age 21 and got way more assists and similar rebound numbers? And got deeper in the playoffs?
To be fair, LeBron took 2.3 more shots per game than Durant in their first 3 seasons. Yet, Durant shot higher percentages from 2, 3, and FTs. He is without a doubt, a more efficient scorer than LeBron.

[Shaud]

Durant has the ability to effortlessly single-handedly take over games, even when his teammates aren't performing, that LeBron hasn't been able to follow up after that series against Detroit. That's why people are so high on Durant and not so high on LeBron.


Umm Kevin Durant has played in 1 playoff series and he did not take over that series.

[adoo]

Umm Kevin Durant has played in 1 playoff series and he did not take over that series. in that playoff series, he was inconseqential---being covered by Artest like a blanket----in all the games, except one.

[RoxSqaud]

Lebron is a freak.

Like him or not.

[Shaud]

in that playoff series, he was inconseqential---being covered by Artest like a blanket----in all the games, except one.
Is that an excuse for Durant?


Either way you can't say Durant is better because LeBron hasn't taken over a series since the Detroit series.

[Honey Bear]

Umm Kevin Durant has played in 1 playoff series and he did not take over that series.

It doesn't matter, he's 21. This thread is about potential and we've already seen his game changing ability as the leader of the USA basketball team. Visible improvements since the Laker series (Durant's first playoff series ever).

You stay rooted on that LeBron tip homeboy, he's in good hands now.

[jaxwithanx]

You have to factor in the fact that Durant played for UT and unfortunately this board has quite the fascination for UT hate.

[jaxwithanx]

You have to factor in that Durant played for UT and unfortunately this board has quite the fascination for UT hate.

Fixed

[MambaJoe]

Well Durant isn't arrogant and cocky like James and he is a much more humble person that's for sure.

But Lebron is a better playmaker while Durant is a better scorer. Durant has better ballhandling skills than James and he is much longer. Rebounding I say both are about the same.

[Shaud]

It doesn't matter, he's 21. This thread is about potential and we've already seen his game changing ability as the leader of the USA basketball team. Visible improvements since the Laker series (Durant's first playoff series ever).

You stay rooted on that LeBron tip homeboy, he's in good hands now.
I hardly argue the LeBron b/s that you boys go on everyday. How am I on his tip just because I disagree?

You sound like you're more on Durant's tip since you still have failed to come up with any type of good reasoning. Your whole thing is LeBron hasn't dominated a series since Detroit when your boy Durant has failed to do it period.

Oh and lmao @ syaing visible improvements since the Lakers series by using FIBA.

[t_mac1]

It doesn't matter, he's 21. This thread is about potential and we've already seen his game changing ability as the leader of the USA basketball team. Visible improvements since the Laker series (Durant's first playoff series ever).

You stay rooted on that LeBron tip homeboy, he's in good hands now.

his game changing ability remains his ability to score. nothing else in his game (playmaking for instance) improve one single bit. so if he faces a guy like ron artest again (which he didn't face in international ball) in the playoffs, what's going to happen?

the guy has to expand his overall game if he wants to be like lebron or kobe or wade. he will face tough defenders and you can't just jack up shots from way deep like he is prone to do.

[Shaud]

Durant has better ballhandling skills than James
You can't be serious.

[t_mac1]

Well Durant isn't arrogant and cocky like James and he is a much more humble person that's for sure.

But Lebron is a better playmaker while Durant is a better scorer. Durant has better ballhandling skills than James and he is much longer. Rebounding I say both are about the same.

now this is a guy that does not know a lick of basketball.

[Jeff Who]

i don't think durant is fake (like kobe was before the rape incident and he changed his entire persona). but durant definitely is capitalizing on the lebron's bad PR this entire summer.

he is considered the best player now despite having one of the worst playoff series for a "superstar" in recent memories. he literally got shut down by artest with relative ease.

What are you talking about. It was the Thunder 1st playofs game in the history of their club. Most of those guys were in the playoffs for the 1st time in their carrers.

Durant did struggle but he has few great moments as well. This is expected. He will learn from that. That is why expierence is such important in the NBA.

And really, at least Durant was shut down by Artest, one of the best defenders in the world. LeBron if fact was completly SHUT DOWN by HIMSELF in game 5, where he just GAVE UP.

Look, this guy is only 21. I mean 21 and he is already scoring 30 ppg at this level. He is not even entering his prime so let's wait and see. LeBron is damn great, but he is not gonna be any better imo.,

[Honey Bear]

I hardly argue the LeBron b/s that you boys go on everyday. How am I on his tip just because I disagree?

You sound like you're more on Durant's tip since you still have failed to come up with any type of good reasoning. Your whole thing is LeBron hasn't dominated a series since Detroit when your boy Durant has failed to do it period.

Oh and lmao @ syaing visible improvements since the Lakers series by using FIBA.

I came up with the reasoning in this thread, but some amateurs can't comprehend things past box scores. I can't help you.

t_mac1: I think he can get away with jacking up shots. He struggled against Artest in his first playoff series ever, it's not a big deal to me. He won't shoot over 50%, but a volume shooter around 47% who can score high degree of difficulty shots effortlessly is a big deal. Because of his length (closer to 6'11 than 6'9), expanding array of moves, pure stroke and ability to beat taller players off the dribble I see him being an absolute lethal finisher in the coming years.

He's 21!

[goodbug]

LeBron james was 21 as well in 2006 FIBA tournament, with his super friends Wade and Melo. And he looked like deer in the light against the zone and no touchy foul.

The best record LeBron had before 2008-09 season, was 50 wins. Durant had 50 wins too and barely made playoff, had to go against the defending champion, and didn't get swept like LeBron did in 07. LeBron would have to play Spurs in first round if Cavs were in west that year. I am sure if Thunders are the 2nd seed and only need to play some 40 wins team in the first 2 rounds, he'd be in conference finals by now.

The only meaningful playoff success LeBron had was against Detroit. But then he blow it twice as the heavy favorite. That's underperform more often than not.


What are you talking about. It was the Thunder 1st playofs game in the history of their club. Most of those guys were in the playoffs for the 1st time in their carrers.

Durant did struggle but he has few great moments as well. This is expected. He will learn from that. That is why expierence is such important in the NBA.

And really, at least Durant was shut down by Artest, one of the best defenders in the world. LeBron if fact was completly SHUT DOWN by HIMSELF in game 5, where he just GAVE UP.

Look, this guy is only 21. I mean 21 and he is already scoring 30 ppg at this level. He is not even entering his prime so let's wait and see. LeBron is damn great, but he is not gonna be any better imo.,

[Coherent]

Lebron is possibly the best basketball prospect since Shaq. You just don't come across forwards that are a sturdy 6'8" 250lbs who can pass, rebound and score at will.

Durant, while he is an amazing scorer, he isn't the athlete Lebron is, nor the playmarker. So in the respect, Lebron clearly is the better option.

But if I am a GM right now and I have to chose between Lebron or Durant, I'm going Durant. A team oriented player who's ego isn't sky high. I think you can build a team around Durant better than you can Lebron. Lebron needs a ton of shooters to be effective, he can't have the traditional back-to-the-basket big man because that takes away from his lanes. Durant isn't a huge driver, so he fits well with the traditional system.

A great plausible line-up to surround Durant with would be.

C: Brandon Haywood
PF: Jason Thompson
SF: Kevin Durant
SG: Andre Iguodala
PG: Jose Calderon

Surround Durant with a slasher like Iggy, and back to the basket guys like Haywood and Thompson and you got a great team for Durant to work with.

[Jeff Who]

LeBron james was 21 as well in 2006 FIBA tournament, with his super friends Wade and Melo. And he looked like deer in the light against the zone and no touchy foul.

The best record LeBron had before 2008-09 season, was 50 wins. Durant had 50 wins too and barely made playoff, had to go against the defending champion, and didn't get swept like LeBron did in 07. LeBron would have to play Spurs in first round if Cavs were in west that year. I am sure if Thunders are the 2nd seed and only need to play some 40 wins team in the first 2 rounds, he'd be in conference finals by now.

The only meaningful playoff success LeBron had was against Detroit. But then he blow it twice as the heavy favorite. That's underperform more often than not.

Bingo

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[goodbug]

Good point. How many centers are good defenders and can shoot well from outside at the same time? And is there any shooting center at all that's as efficient as those play back to the hoop?

We all heard how LeBron only had scrub. But giving him a prime Shaq will take away his game.

Lebron is possibly the best basketball prospect since Shaq. You just don't come across forwards that are a sturdy 6'8" 250lbs who can pass, rebound and score at will.

Durant, while he is an amazing scorer, he isn't the athlete Lebron is, nor the playmarker. So in the respect, Lebron clearly is the better option.

But if I am a GM right now and I have to chose between Lebron or Durant, I'm going Durant. A team oriented player who's ego isn't sky high. I think you can build a team around Durant better than you can Lebron. Lebron needs a ton of shooters to be effective, he can't have the traditional back-to-the-basket big man because that takes away from his lanes. Durant isn't a huge driver, so he fits well with the traditional system.

A great plausible line-up to surround Durant with would be.

C: Brandon Haywood
PF: Jason Thompson
SF: Kevin Durant
SG: Andre Iguodala
PG: Jose Calderon

Surround Durant with a slasher like Iggy, and back to the basket guys like Haywood and Thompson and you got a great team for Durant to work with.

[T-mac&Yao=RING]

LeBron James is a better player than Durant and I think he will be in the future too.

It's mind boggling that people actually think Durant is the better player right now.

I like Durant and he is a great player but goodness people are starting to overrate him a tad bit if they think he is better than LeBron right now.


If LeBron was more humble I guarantee the poll would be much different.

I said the same thing. People falling in love with KD because he's a nice guy and a lot of people don't like Lebron now. But I don't give a damn how nice a player is give me the better player not the nicer player.

[TheMacster]

Durant has to improve in these areas:
Defense. Rebounding. & Playmaking.

Until then he's just a prolific scorer to me and not in the top echelon w/ Kobe, Bron, etc

[LabMouse]

There is a good chance for KD to pass the Queen James as a player, but if you argue with the number of the titles for each, then the Queen will have at least a few more because of Wade, and Bosh, so it is a close race.

[TheGreat]

No.

He does NOT have the athletic ability.

His athletic ability is solid, but not GREAT.

[Rocket 914]

Durant is like a super-sized Ray Allen or a more skilled/agile Glen Rice, while LeBron is a freak of nature... Karl Malone size/Magic Johnson playmaking/ and MJ athleticism.

To me LBJ, has more weapons at his disposal, he still doesn't shoot well, doesn't post up well but we don't know if he will. Durant seems like someone who will definitely maximize his gifts

[goodbug]

Bird, Magic, Kobe, TD. These guys are solid but not great in athletic ability and they are all time greats since 80s.

On the other hand, Wilt and Shaq are probably the only 2 that're not very skilled but very successful. Both are centers.

I'll take good athleticism + great skills over great athleticism + good skills any day of the week.


No.

He does NOT have the athletic ability.

His athletic ability is solid, but not GREAT.

[thekad]

I'm a Durant fan, but he'll never be able to reproduce the series Lebron had against the Magic last year. It's just that simple. Nothing wrong with second best, though.

[TheGreat]

Bird, Magic, Kobe, TD. These guys are solid but not great in athletic ability and they are all time greats since 80s.

On the other hand, Wilt and Shaq are probably the only 2 that're not very skilled but very successful. Both are centers.

I'll take good athleticism + great skills over great athleticism + good skills any day of the week.
He will never become the passer LeBron is.

And LeBron's strength over Durant is a big advantage.

[Air Langhi]

Look, this guy is only 21. I mean 21 and he is already scoring 30 ppg at this level. He is not even entering his prime so let's wait and see. LeBron is damn great, but he is not gonna be any better imo.,

The stats he put up last few years have been among the top 5 greatest single seasons in the history of the NBA. So you really can't get much better than what he has been doing. Durant had westbrook who was a huge reason they had any chance against the lakers.

[flamingdts]

Durant has mastered an incredibly reliable jumpshot. That itself opens up so many options on offense, since defenders have to get up close to stop his jumpshot. This will also allow Durant to get a great first step ahead of his opponent.

Though in the future driving in the lane is not even necessary for Durant. He is 6 ft 11 with a ridiculous wingspan. With a little more weight, I don't see anyone stopping him. Not to mention, his play style will allow him to stay in this league for a very very long time, especially with the height and wingspan advantage which will never deteriorate.

When it's all said and done, Durant will have a lot more points than Lebron.

[goodbug]

Who's the last player that led a team to championship and known for extraordinary passing skills? As a matter of fact, since 90s, no championship guard dominated on assists number.

And high assists do not equal to good play making skills. AI once averaged 30.7/7.9. LeBron played the same style. His only edge over AI was a bigger body and thus more efficient in scoring.



He will never become the passer LeBron is.

And LeBron's strength over Durant is a big advantage.

[Pieman2005]

Durant will be the great scorer of this generation. The next AI. But LeBron, while I hate the guy, is amazing. He does everything.

[t_mac1]

Who's the last player that led a team to championship and known for extraordinary passing skills? As a matter of fact, since 90s, no championship guard dominated on assists number.

And high assists do not equal to good play making skills. AI once averaged 30.7/7.9. LeBron played the same style. His only edge over AI was a bigger body and thus more efficient in scoring.

b/c nobody can do the things that lebron can do. just b/c no one has done it doesn't mean it can't be done.

michael jordan led the bulls in points and assists in the playoffs in their 2nd championship. and he averaged 6 assists for his playoffs career.

lebron averages 7 for his playoffs career.

you can bring up allen iverson's assists, but he wasn't an EFFICIENT player for the # of plays he dominated. lebron IS the most efficient perimeter player in the league for the # of plays he dominates. it's a ridiculous comparison.

the guy is 25. he has 9-10 more years to win his multiple rings.

[A_3PO]

Durant will be the great scorer of this generation. The next AI. But LeBron, while I hate the guy, is amazing. He does everything.
KD plays nothing like AI. On the other hand, LeBron plays a LOT like AI, he's just far better.

[T-mac&Yao=RING]

b/c nobody can do the things that lebron can do. just b/c no one has done it doesn't mean it can't be done.

michael jordan led the bulls in points and assists in the playoffs in their 2nd championship. and he averaged 6 assists for his playoffs career.

lebron averages 7 for his playoffs career.

you can bring up allen iverson's assists, but he wasn't an EFFICIENT player for the # of plays he dominated. lebron IS the most efficient perimeter player in the league for the # of plays he dominates. it's a ridiculous comparison.

the guy is 25. he has 9-10 more years to win his multiple rings.

Why do you keeping going at it with this guy? It's like talking to a brick wall.

[goodbug]

And nobody won back to back MVP and lost to underdog in both years. No team won back to back 60 wins and didn't reach finals. LeBron is indeed very unique.

LeBron never proved he could work with a post player BTW, he may be efficient, but forcing the bigmen to be jump shooters isn't efficient for the overall team.

b/c nobody can do the things that lebron can do. just b/c no one has done it doesn't mean it can't be done.

michael jordan led the bulls in points and assists in the playoffs in their 2nd championship. and he averaged 6 assists for his playoffs career.

lebron averages 7 for his playoffs career.

you can bring up allen iverson's assists, but he wasn't an EFFICIENT player for the # of plays he dominated. lebron IS the most efficient perimeter player in the league for the # of plays he dominates. it's a ridiculous comparison.

the guy is 25. he has 9-10 more years to win his multiple rings.

[spressa]

this argument is so retarded.

durant will never be better than lebron. lebron does everything better than durant except shoot the long ball and free throws. you know what lebron will do that is better than durant? take it to the hole and score, pass, rebound, dribble, play defense, etc.

if miami just decided to trade for durant....okc would say yes in a heartbeat. i bet that okc would even give up westbrook in that trade too.

i don't even really like lebron, but that beast is a once in a lifetime player. just like shaq, as much skill as he lacks....shaq would be the #1 pick at any era of basketball just because of his size and athleticism. no matter how talented any other player got, no one would be drafted over shaq in a fantasy draft of all time.......(save maybe Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan - depending on what you're trying to build...)

[TheShooter]

this argument is so retarded.

durant will never be better than lebron. lebron does everything better than durant except shoot the long ball and free throws. you know what lebron will do that is better than durant? take it to the hole and score, pass, rebound, dribble, play defense, etc.

if miami just decided to trade for durant....okc would say yes in a heartbeat. i bet that okc would even give up westbrook in that trade too.

i don't even really like lebron, but that beast is a once in a lifetime player. just like shaq, as much skill as he lacks....shaq would be the #1 pick at any era of basketball just because of his size and athleticism. no matter how talented any other player got, no one would be drafted over shaq in a fantasy draft of all time.......(save maybe Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan - depending on what you're trying to build...)
Wilt Chamberlain?

[Coherent]

If you did a all-time fantasy draft, Shaq would be a top 5 pick for sure, but not first overall.

Like I said though, Lebron is the best basketball prospect since Shaq. Shaq was raw, but he was unstoppable beast.

[sammy]

Idk how it'll shake out now but LBJ was on his way to like 5 more consecutive MVP honors.

[t_mac1]

Idk how it'll shake out now but LBJ was on his way to like 5 more consecutive MVP honors.

it'll be "kind" of hard to do that now so he has to elevate his all-around game even more if he wants to impress the voters. but you're right, if he stayed in cleveland, he most likely would have won the next 5-7 MVP awards in landslide fashion.

[goodbug]

Nah, he's not gonna collect another until he wins a championship first. Name a 3 times MVP that never won **** in history.

As dumb as journalists, you can fool them twice but not three times.

it'll be "kind" of hard to do that now so he has to elevate his all-around game even more if he wants to impress the voters. but you're right, if he stayed in cleveland, he most likely would have won the next 5-7 MVP awards in landslide fashion.

[t_mac1]

Nah, he's not gonna collect another until he wins a championship first. Name a 3 times MVP that never won **** in history.

As dumb as journalists, you can fool them twice but not three times.

it's for the REGULAR SEASON. get it through your head.

[goodbug]

It's for regular season, but you don't pick a guy every year only to lose in playoff, not 3 times. It's a popularity contest to begin with.

it's for the REGULAR SEASON. get it through your head.

[t_mac1]

It's for regular season, but you don't pick a guy every year only to lose in playoff, not 3 times. It's a popularity contest to begin with.

it's for the REGULAR SEASON. what happens or will happen in the playoff rarely impact what happens with the voting. if lebron puts up ridiculous stats, he'll have a chance to win again. his only competition is kevin durant.

[goodbug]

As I said, name a player that won 3 MVPs before winning a ship. You can be delusional but you can't change history.

it's for the REGULAR SEASON. what happens or will happen in the playoff rarely impact what happens with the voting. if lebron puts up ridiculous stats, he'll have a chance to win again. his only competition is kevin durant.

[spressa]

Wilt Chamberlain?

If you did a all-time fantasy draft, Shaq would be a top 5 pick for sure, but not first overall.

Like I said though, Lebron is the best basketball prospect since Shaq. Shaq was raw, but he was unstoppable beast.

Let's not bring up an old player. Reality is, all players in the current era would tear up any player in old nba.

not to mention the quality of players that wilt was playing with. you can make the argument that lebron is a better basketball prospect but ppl forget how shaq is built. can you not remember how fast this man was and the sheer power he possessed? took his team to the nba finals (albeit we sweeped them) in 3 years? and was only knocked out by a jordan led bulls the following years in really close games by arguably the best team assembled to date (pre-2010 heat)?

you don't get a 7'1 325lb Center that can last 18 years in the league and put up allstar numbers for 95% of them (he was an allstar just two seasons ago still - voted in by the coaches). I'm not even a shaq fan and shaq is basically the brock lesnar of basketball.....sometimes....size just wins. as skilled as a gsp or frank mir or anyone is, brock is just going to outbeast you.

what makes us love hakeem so much is how much finesse, skill, heart, etc. that he possessed. he destroyed all opposition with his skill set and natural athleticism. shaq, who isn't close to hakeem in skill set dominated the league with pure athleticism.....there is simply no one in the history of the nba that can guard shaq and say that they have the advantage......

wilt chamberlain would never put those inflated numbers in the nba today. it is well documented that bill walton, who basically dominated the league at one point, is slower, weaker, and less skilled than his son luke walton.....who is a scrub.....straight from the horse's mouth (the horse being bill walton)

[Octavianus]

Bump for Durunt thread.
Some good fun in this thread.

[Shaud]

Durant has better ballhandling skills than James
Still the funniest comment in this thread and he was being serious

[Yung-T]

Wow, twice as much votes for Durant?:confused:

The majority must not know anything about team-value.
James right now can score as much as KD, he just doesn't try since he joined Miami. His defensive numbers are better, he's the far superior playmaker and way more athletic.
He is a hall of famer in every aspect of the game, one of the most talented ballers ever.

KD is taller and still doesn't rebound as much as Lebron. The only thing he's better at right now is shooting.

Who would you want on your team, the hall of fame scorer or the guy that does everything on hall of fame level?

This board seems to consist of so many bandwagon and hype guys, it's not even funny anymore.

[Octavianus]

Lebron is arguable the better shooter as well.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/7360/lebrons-evolution-on-display-down-the-stretch

According to NBA.com's StatsCube, LeBron made 45 percent of his midrange jumpers this season, which is an incredibly efficient mark for a high-usage perimeter player. Paul Pierce made 44 percent of his midrange jumpers. Kobe Bryant made 42 percent. Derrick Rose made 40 percent. Dwyane Wade, 40 percent. Kevin Durant, 42 percent. Carmelo Anthony, 42 percent.

[cyntil8ing]

Lebron. Love him or hate him, he's the complete package. I can't say the same about Durant. As far as scoring goes, Lebron, if he's told to purely score, will find more ways to score on his defender that Durant. If that's the only advantage some people can see over Lebron, they'd be in for a rude awakening.

Durant's very talented but Lebron can elevate a mediocre team to a contender. I think it sucks that he felt the need to join Miami but, that team has the makings of a dynasty for this decade in no small part to LBJ. I hope i'm wrong about the dynasty, i hate dominant teams in general, makes for anticlimactic seasons.

[mdoggnic]

Wow, twice as much votes for Durant?:confused:

The majority must not know anything about team-value.
James right now can score as much as KD, he just doesn't try since he joined Miami. His defensive numbers are better, he's the far superior playmaker and way more athletic.
He is a hall of famer in every aspect of the game, one of the most talented ballers ever.

KD is taller and still doesn't rebound as much as Lebron. The only thing he's better at right now is shooting.


Who would you want on your team, the hall of fame scorer or the guy that does everything on hall of fame level?

This board seems to consist of so many bandwagon and hype guys, it's not even funny anymore.

Very well stated.

[clippy]

This poll is so LOL-worthy. It's obvious people are just voting based on their hatred for LBJ and not on his actual ability. LBJ is a once-in-a-generation player and has a shot to be the best in NBA history now that titles are clearly in his future. Durant is a great scorer, but even in today's game he's hardly unique (see Carmelo Anthony).

[NotInMyHouse]

Bump for Durunt thread.
Some good fun in this thread.

LOL @ your multiple Durant bumps. Just how does Lebron's ass taste? You seem to have your tongue stuck so far up there I'm expecting one he'll of a description.

[roxstarz]

People do realize KD is 22 right?? I think he can develop to an even better player than LBJ.

[TheGreat]

People do realize KD is 22 right?? I think he can develop to an even better player than LBJ.

Durant will never become a 6+ ast per night passer and his handles are very poor compared to LeBron obviously because he's 6'10".

LeBron > Durant

[JMAD21]

as a winner yes.

LBJ reminds me a lot of Dominique Wilkins. Human Highlight reel but not a leader.

U, my friend, are an idiot!!

[lalala902102001]

One thing is clear: Durant sure is more likeable than Lebron. LOL.

[roxstarz]

Durant will never become a 6+ ast per night passer and his handles are very poor compared to LeBron obviously because he's 6'10".

LeBron > Durant

Wait till he 26. :grin:

[flamingdts]

One thing is clear: Durant sure is more likeable than Lebron. LOL.

I like Durant fans more than Lebron fans.

[sammy]

I voted NO when this thread was created and I stand by it.

KD is basically a Mcgrady in his prime with better rebounding but with less handles and court vision/passing abilities.


James is a superior player and it's not even close when you consider defense.

[Moleb]

Im sure people would have voted "no" at a high rate if lebron didnt have that whole 1 hour special about where he was going.

Overall most of the votes are from peoples emotions. Notice how all the former NBA players who talked about the best players, always say its James, or Bryant. They know the game. Typical fans dont.

[MourningWood]

James is better, hands down.

[t_mac1]

I voted NO when this thread was created and I stand by it.

KD is basically a Mcgrady in his prime with better rebounding but with less handles and court vision/passing abilities.


James is a superior player and it's not even close when you consider defense.

mcgrady could have played PG if he wanted to; KD can't run an entire offense to save his life.

this upcoming offseason is HUGE for him. let's see what kind of improvements he'll have next year.

[spysta]

No he will not, Durant is already a better scorer but he has no chance at being a better all around talent.......No chance

[NewBigThree09]

Durant is not as same as mcgrady in this prime....not even close...
Durant uses his length, his extremely long wingspan to get off shots whereas mcgrady used his athleticism. Durant is not as athletic as prime mcgrady or lebron but he gets the job. In terms of dribbling, McGrady > LeBron > Durant, McGrady in his prime has got to be one of the smoothest player I have ever seen. LeBron's dribbles are very stagnant but still gets the job done but I think that Durant's lack of dribbling skills hinders his game sometimes and he does not have the same court vision that McGrady still has or that of LeBron. Overall I do not believe Durant will be "as good" in terms of overall skills but in scoring, he is definitely no joke with a very high chance of being on LeBron's level

[thesaint]

LBJ overall is a better player than Durant. Offensively Durant is better and defensively LBJ is better. Physically, quickness and speed wise LBJ is better. If I had to make a pick for my team, I would choose LBJ.

[Octavianus]

Wait till he 26. :grin:

Lebron has been giving out nearly 6 assists per season since he started
Lebron was already noted to be one the best passes in the game, in his first season in the NBA.

[blink]

i bet if someone started a thread about durant vs tmac.... someone would say durant has better handles/passing ability than tmac

lol... this forum, why bother.

[apollo33]

I don't think a Durant will ever be as good as the prime Tmac

[flamingdts]

I don't think a Durant will ever be as good as the prime Tmac

Prime T-Mac had a 30+ per season, something Kobe never had.

It's going to be tough incredibly tough for Durant to match it. Although I would say Durant would have a better career overall than McGrady

[t_mac1]

I don't think a Durant will ever be as good as the prime Tmac

he'll have a better career (he already won a playoff series).

but there's no way for me to consider him the better INDIVIDUAL player. mcgrady simply does more things on the court than durant did.

but to the general fan, durant will be considered better b/c he'll win more.

[BEAT LA]

If I could draft 2 players to start my franchise it would be Hakeem and McGrady.

I will never say McGrady's name in the same sentence again.

[napalm_black]

As a person, absolutely. He's already winning by an unbeatable margin.

Prime T-Mac had a 30+ per season, something Kobe never had.

It's going to be tough incredibly tough for Durant to match it. Although I would say Durant would have a better career overall than McGrady
If we're going by team accomplishments he's already beating McGrady, one of the most unfortunate current career stories in the NBA.

[blackistan]

umm i would say no even tho i hate lebron and love durant

[noize]

You guys are pathetic and a hater to compare Durant to LJ, who is half the player LBJ is. Other then scoring, Durant is inferior to every other category. Seriously wtf, what does he do better then LBJ other then scoring? LBJ is a two time MVP and could've been 3 had he stayed in Cleveland. This is an embarassing question to say the least.

A better comparison is, will Durant ever be better then T-Mac in his prime? I'm talking about individual talent and not a career accollates. My answer to this is simply "NO". T-Mac at his best is probably the most talented and gifted player in skills and physical attribute since Jordan. Scoring, defense, passing, running a team and the ability to take over at will. People forget how oh so good t-mac is b/c of the way he went out. Remember, he basically outplayed LBJ head-to-head before his heath issues + lazyness got the best of him. A guy that lead a team to 22 straight win with a bunch of scrub after Yao went out (Yao is a big reason as well).

Will will see next year what kind of stride has he taken to be that elite superstar instead of a one dimensional super star ala Carmelo Anthony whose fame and achivement is only highlighted by their great ability to score.

[javal_lon]

Hell No

[VBG]

I can't believe so many people voted yes.

Durant is worse on defense, worse at passing, worse at setting up the offense, worse at dribbling.

He can shoot and he can score. That is it

[javal_lon]

I can't believe so many people voted yes.



Believe it... It aint about hate for Lebron...just about stupidity

[dobro1229]

I can't believe so many people voted yes.

Durant is worse on defense, worse at passing, worse at setting up the offense, worse at dribbling.

He can shoot and he can score. That is it


Just a bad comparison all together... Both are anomalies though.

Durant is a 6'11" jump shooter, who has a knack for getting to the charity stripe, actually very similar player to Kevin Martin, just taller... which makes him better.

Lebron is a 6'8" PG who is a freak of nature athlete at his size.

-They are both great players, but I think Kevin Durant will age better. However, Lebron could very well end up having the better "career" but Lebron's game relies much more on his athleticism. Thats really the only basis for comparison.