Kevin Durant stands among the many biggest shooters in NBA historical past. His statistical dominance speaks volumes about his elite scoring skill.
Durant has averaged greater than 26 factors per recreation throughout 13 completely different seasons. The celebrity stays just about unstoppable when attacking the rim.
As soon as he even claimed that legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James couldn’t guard him one-on-one.
Many contemplate Kevin Durant one of many purest scorers in NBA historical past, rating above gamers like Paul Pierce who beforehand claimed that distinction.
Nonetheless, Durant’s effectivity actually separates him from different elite scorers. Durant has shot above 50% from the sphere in 12 of his 17 NBA seasons.
He’s additionally related on three-pointers at a 40% clip in eight completely different campaigns, proving his versatility from anyplace on the courtroom.
NBA Insider Tim Bontemps believes this taking pictures profile would completely profit the Houston Rockets. The crew desperately wants constant, environment friendly scoring alongside their younger and inconsistent roster.
Bontemps highlighted what distinguishes Durant from scoring legends like Kobe Bryant, his desire for effectivity over quantity.
“There’s been no person ever that we’ve seen can have the mix of abilities and skill that Kevin Durant has. The one factor you may arguably query him over the course of his profession is that he didn’t shoot sufficient,” Bontemps defined.
“He’s been a man that’s been very content material to be someplace within the excessive 20s, averaging topping up round 30 in his profession. If he wished to have a Kobe Bryant 2005 season and rating 35, 36 factors, he might simply try this,” Bontemps continued.
“However he’s by no means actually pushed himself to be that type of participant. He’d moderately function throughout the offense and get himself 28 factors on 50/40 taking pictures. That’s why he’s going to be such an incredible match for the Houston Rockets.”
This level turns into particularly related when remembering that Durant will change Jalen Inexperienced on the Rockets’ line-up.
Inexperienced struggled with effectivity regardless of his scoring potential, by no means taking pictures higher than 43% from the sphere or 36% from three-point vary throughout his profession with the Rockets.
Inexperienced disappeared throughout essential moments, together with the playoffs elimination in opposition to the Warriors when the Rockets wanted him most.
Durant’s skill to attain from a number of areas and conditions would symbolize a large improve for Houston’s championship aspirations.