If "being a better person" was worth as much in the NBA as I wish it was, the Rockets would make the WCF a lot more often...
When T-Mac was in his prime, I expected him to make the shot in the last 5 minutes of the game. With Durant, it's not a surprise when he misses.
Here is the comparison, stats wise, between both players at age 22 And since I know people like to bring up team accomplishments: T-Mac: Orlando 01-02 Orlando 44-38 - Finished 3rd in NBA Atlantic Division Lost NBA Eastern Conference First Round (3-1) versus Charlotte Hornets The next three scoring leaders for the Magic were: Grant Hill for 14 games (16p), Mike Miller for 63 games (15p) and Darrell Armstrong (12.4p). Playoffs it was even worst. Armstrong at 15ppg, Troy Hudson at 12.8. Nobody else had more than double digits in scoring. T-Mac lead in points (30.8), assists (6.3) and 3rd in rebounding (5.5) for the team in the playoffs. Durant: Thunder 10-11 Thunder 55-27 - 1st in NBA Northwest Division Tied NBA Western Conference Finals (1-1) versus Dallas Mavericks Won NBA Western Conference Semifinals (4-3) versus Memphis Grizzlies Won NBA Western Conference First Round (4-1) versus Denver Nuggets For comparisons sake: Westbrook 82 games (21.9), Jeff Green 49 games (15.2), Harden 82 games (12), Ibaka 82 games (9.9) Playoffs is a bit equal in terms of number of scorers. Westbrook has 23, Harden 13, Obaka 9.9. Durant leads in points (29.4), ties for 1st in rebound (7.4) and is 3rd in asts (2.6) for his team in the playoffs. Stats wise, during the season T-Mac leads in several basic categories such as rebounds, assists and steals. Durant got to the line a bit more. Shot a better FT% (Helps maintain a higher scoring average than T-Mac) and was roughly equal (give or take 1%) in shooting percentage with Tracy. Playoffs stats is a different aspect though. Durant has played more games which allows for a wider range of judgement. However as you can see, Durant has been fortunate to be in a team that has better team mates and a good coach. Obviously T-Mac's teammates don't compare to Durant's, which is the case in many of his Orlando teams so it is hard to compare both guys at the same age and deem one with more individual success (Though a case could be made for Durant)*. Team success? Sure. * This depends on the weight you give in scoring titles, all star games, all NBA, but it has to take into account that T-mac took a bit longer to peak and that we don't know if Durant peaked or not. Make of that information what you will. Durant is certainly more likeable and a better teammates (So it seems). T-Mac carried a heavier burden and a less talented team to the playoffs.
not lead any team to any playoff series victories complain to management and demand a trade throw other teammates under the bus
In his prime, McGrady had the talent of Durant and Westbrook combined. Physically he was that good IMO. Unfortunately, he also had the weaknesses of both players. Like Durant, McGrady had a tendency to defer too much at the wrong moments of the game. But then like Westbrook, he sometimes got overly aggressive and tried too hard to carry the team alone, which made the offense one-dimensional. For all his talent, he never seemed to be able to figure out the right balance of trusting his teammates and "imposing his will." Even at a young age, Durant seems to have a lot more poise than McGrady. Then again, it may have to do with having better teammates who can carry the load with him, something McGrady did not have, especially early in his career.
Playoff averages: Durant - 28.1 PPG, 7.5 REB, 2.5 AST, 43.1 % FG, 33.9 % THREES McGrady - 28.5 PPG, 7 REB, 6.2 AST, 43.0 % FG, 30 % THREES Pretty similar numbers with Durant having a better three point percentage but McGrady having the play making ability. Durant is still not in his prime and will continue to dominate scoring the ball though.
This is a really good observation. Props to you on that. I never thought of it that way in comparing T-Mac to Durant & Westbrook.
We are watching history right now, Durant has already surpassed Tmac in everything. he's won in USA basketball he's already a 2time scoring champ he's already leading his team farther that Tmac ever did. You put a backpack on T-mac and he'll be DNP the next game cause he'd get back spasms.
Tracy was far more talented than just about everyone to play in the game... (Unfortunately, he didn't have the love, nor the drive to be the best)
In terms of individual talent, it's not even close, McGrady's on another level if you speak in terms of peak. He had the capability to do pretty much everything from all-aspects on the court. And Durant hasn't led his team to anywhere, Russell Westbrook HAS though, you know the GUY who sets up Durant to run around screens a majority of the time like Kmart, the guy who runs the offense, the guy who sets Ibaka and Harden up, you know THE facilitator, something Durant can't ever really be.
