http://espn.go.com/blog/marc-stein/post/_/id/2041/kevin-durants-secret-weapon-dirk-nowitzki Thought it was a good read. Knew about Durant copying Dirk's one legged fadeaway but didn't know about the workouts with Harrington.
I don't think he does till he wins a title because that will sit there and hang over his head for pundits to argue against him.
Please explain how he's better than Lebron overall. Rebounding is a wash. Scoring is a wash (Durant is a better jump shooter but Lebron is a more efficient scorer). Then, Lebron is better at every other aspect of basketball. He's a better playmaker, team defender, on-ball defender, higher bball IQ, and a proven winner. Kevin Durant is an amazing player, the clear cut 2nd best player in the world. But, there's just no evidence to support him as being better than Lebron.
LeBron isn't more efficient. Durant scores more with similar efficiency. They both have very high TS% over .630 but Durant scores 5 more ppg. Durant is the better 3pt shooter and gets to the line more. Durant's defense has improved a lot. His Drtg is actually a little bit better than LeBron's this year. Also, Durant's improved his passing and now averages over 5 assists. I'm not saying he is better than LeBron, just that it's arguable. I would still take LeBron for now.
I'd rather have Durant over Lebron because Durant is mentally tougher and will get even better.. lebron has reached his potential.
a) They both have high TS% but Lebron's is notably higher (.651 vs. .638). Also, the beauty of TS% is that it encompasses 2pt FGs, 3pt FGs, and even foul shots (which KD is also better at). Lebron scores so much more efficiently everywhere else that he is a more efficient scorer overall. Kevin Martin's last couple years with the Kings is a perfect example of this. Despite being a far better 3pt shooter, FT shooter, and getting to the line more, Lebron is still more efficient this season (than those two seasons from kmart) because he scores at will in the paint and on the break. b) PPG has nothing to do with efficiency. I will agree that Durant scores more abundantly, if that's what you meant. c) I also agree that Durant has made major strides in defense and playmaking. I'd also take any defensive stat with a grain of salt. They're known to be highly dependent on team and role. You said, "He has a legitimate claim to best player in the league now"
a) That is not notably higher. And that's just this year. Careerwise, Durant is more efficient. Last year, Durant was more efficient. b) I didn't say it did. But It's impressive Durant scores significantly more with almost the same efficiency. Yes, I said HE has a legitimate claim or argument. I am not personally claiming that. But if someone argued it, I wouldn't say they were crazy.
I want to say Durant but let's wait til he wins a championship. Dirk's team was not championship material and he was obscene on that run for them.
When you are a top 3 player in the league and you don't have a title, you'll ALWAYS get harassed (regardless of the sport). Past inserts: Manning, Randy Johnson, Arod, Andy Murray, and that list goes on and on. Gotta win titles to be the best, ESPECIALLY in the NBA where 1 player has so much value. Durant has had WAY more help than Lebron had before Miami also (I will give credit to Durant that he plays in a conference MUCH harder than Lebron did and still does)
Lol I'm sure you haven't been watching the Mavericks or Dirk this season if you are really thinking "Dirk fell back with a thud".
Before Chandler came they won 55 games and lost in round 1. With Chandler they won 57 games and the title. The year after Chandler they won 36 games (lockout season) and lost in round 1. They missed the playoffs last year (Dirk was hurt) and are a 7 seed this year. Looks like a "thud" to me.
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I really want a Thunder vs. Mavs matchup. Dallas won the regular season 2-1 (only 3 games against each other this season).
