Do you understand the main point? This is not about KD sucking, but how much better we are with a team focused approach. KD can always get a shot 1v1 but teams have figured out that you blitz him in the fourth and we struggle mightily because he is NOT a great passer. KD is not the Superstar he used to be, he is a super efficient scorer, but he is not a do it all lead dog at 37. The team is better using him as a finisher,not a facilitator, it’s ok to disagree, but I can point to several blown fourth quarter leads where we leaned into KD exclusively and lost. The point is that we are better when KD focuses on his role as scorer, and the offense has everyone involved. And it is not hate, been a KD fan since he played at UT, it is just realism and truth. DD
Kevin durant is still a superstar. This team is way better than our prison ball style. These guys can learn alot from him and how to be a true professional/winner.
https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/a...610612745&dir=D&slug=advanced&sort=NET_RATING KD was supposed to replace Dillon in last year's death lineup. Nice boost. Then FVV went down and everyone started playing out of position. Reed is the natural go-to, but their Net Rating is negative when he slots in with those 4 lol. Could be noise Adams and Tari have been impactful when they play. DFS & Durant gel nicely too.
Considering Amen, Bari, and Sengun are all averaging career highs in PPG, I really don’t understand your argument.
When he came first thing he said he wants them to play their game and dont rely on him.. he said he would just fit in. And 42 games later they are helpless without him.
The idea that we’re playing worse “team ball” this year is simply nonsensical. Last season, two players dominated our usage rate — Sengun and Green. They both had a +26% usage rate, and no other major contributor was above 20%. This season, Sengun, KD, Amen, Sheppard, and Eason all have usage rates above 20%, and Bari’s is up substantially too. If anything, we’re more team oriented this season than last.
Ironically letting KD play point might be the answer. He's averaged over 6 assists before and over 5 most of his later career. Wouldnt be the only 7 footer doing it. Modern NBA teams need a pullup 3pt threat taking the ball up the floor. Keep defenses honest. Amen's %s have all dipped this year too except for FTs
Good god no, he is very slow on the dribble at this point.....and is not a great passer, too many turnovers. He is a great scorer - but everything else he picks and chooses when to try..... DD
He's the best option with what we've got. It wouldn't be a big adjustment for him either. He had 16 dimes when the Suns spanked us at Toyota 2 years ago. Amen is not a PG in today's NBA. On his best offensive day he is DeRozan-light
Giannis is only scoring a couple points more than KD on average. The difference is Giannis is injured way more and his inability to shoot kills spacing unless you build around him. Wait, why would KD play second fiddle to a guy like that?
Waiting for Amen and Reed to magically turn into PGs isn’t it. They won’t. And everyone has these rose-colored glasses on when it comes to Fred that they will have to take off real fast when he comes back, as they watch him put his head down and force shot after shot as if he’s Kobe. I love Fred but talking about him as if he’s this incredible championship level PG is bonkers to me. In fact I think he’s already been a bad influence on Reed and Amen. Rockets need to be desperately for a good PG. I don’t care whose feelings get hurt.
because basketball is more than just the stats page on espn. Giannis creates for others, doesnt need anyone to get him the ball, and can actually dribble more than five times without it resulting in a turnover. On top of all that, he is as you said, still averaging more points Giannis is also not injured "way more" lol. This is probably the healthiest season kevins had in the last 5 years
Everyone is arguing with DD because saying KD is the problem is one of the most delulu takes this board has ever seen.
Unless he starts drinking at 10 in the morning, DD doesn’t need cheap wine to talk nonsense. Some of his opinions have a spark of merit, he just goes over the top with them. Durant’s arrival is causing synergy issues. Is it his fault, roster construction, or Ime? That is a logical take and worth arguing. It is the hyperbole about Durant, Reed, and others that turns it to nonsense.
