Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

[jeebs9]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

I mean does anyone here think Kevin Durant is developed back wards. My friend brought this point up. And I've been bringing it up since. Most of the time players have too much athleticism early on. And then develop the rest of their game. Guys like Ray Allen, R.I.P. Hamliton, Dirk and others. Their jumpshot is so pure. They never really develop the rest of their game.

Anyone see where I'm going with this?

[dsallupinyaarea]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

I mean does anyone here think Kevin Durant is developed back wards. My friend brought this point up. And I've been bringing it up since. Most of the time players have too much athleticism early on. And then develop the rest of their game. Guys like Ray Allen, R.I.P. Hamliton, Dirk and others. Their jumpshot is so pure. They never really develop the rest of their game.

Anyone see where I'm going with this?

Kind of. Are you saying it's a bad thing or good thing?

[jeebs9]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

Its not a bad per-say.... But he won't develop anymore then he already has basically. Because as I've found. When you get older you don't drive as much. You usually relay on your jumpshot more. I mean... even a guy like Kobe (I'm not saying he couldn't drive to the rim or he didn't have a jumpshot). He is already leading the league in scoring.

[The 24th Letter]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

I remember a certain team in Texas telling Wade he couldnt shoot....

dont sleep on a great players ability to stay great..

[PrettyT11]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

If we are talking 5 years then it is a no brainer for LeBron and Wade. If we are talking 8 then it would be a closer discussion.

While Durant and LeBron might be on par as scorers LeBron is the far more complete player. One thing with LeBron though even if he was to lose a step he still would be the biggest and strongest SF in the game and would still have a speed and quickness advantage on 90 plus percent of them. With his handle, size, and strength he will have to problem getting to basket even 5 or so years from now.

[dsallupinyaarea]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

Its not a bad per-say.... But he won't develop anymore then he already has basically. Because as I've found. When you get older you don't drive as much. You usually relay on your jumpshot more. I mean... even a guy like Kobe (I'm not saying he couldn't drive to the rim or he didn't have a jumpshot). He is already leading the league in scoring.

There is that but it's not like Durant is a straight shooter that can't get his own shot. That's what seperates him and Dirk from other pure shooters who need a creater to get them looks. And if he's peaked already (I personally don't think he has), well you can do a lot worse than 27 ppg on 46% shooting. Right now he shoots 6.7 times per game from the most inefficient area of the floor (16-23 ft), 5.3 3 pt attempts per game, and a ridiculously low 3.6 shots at the rim. He's definately got to look for a few easier looks a game. I think he'll get there though.

[KG]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

I love CP3 (have since he was at WF) and agree with another post that he's a top 5 player without the knee issues. I think any PG could learn from him, however I don't think it's as clear cut as Westbrook needing to be more like him. Westbrook is MUCH more athletic than Paul. He's out of control quite a bit but he attacks the rim because he can. He definitely needs to refine it a bit but at his hypothetical best, he'd be more dangerous scoring than Paul. I don't think his shot will ever get to Paul's level... and again, partly bc he doesn't have to rely on it as much. He's a different kind of player.

I think it would be hard to tell a player to watch CP3 and learn from him. Instinctively he's on another level and bball just comes to him naturally.


It's hard to pick based upon KD & Westbrook still having glaring deficiencies in their game that should get addressed in the upcoming years. I think Wade is at his peak and the presence of Lebron in MIA will extend his peak some because Wade won't have to carry the team anymore.

It comes down to "How will Lebron & Wade cope with declining athleticism" vs "Will KD & Westbrook address their weaknesses".

[Bumi]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

I mean does anyone here think Kevin Durant is developed back wards. My friend brought this point up. And I've been bringing it up since. Most of the time players have too much athleticism early on. And then develop the rest of their game. Guys like Ray Allen, R.I.P. Hamliton, Dirk and others. Their jumpshot is so pure. They never really develop the rest of their game.

Anyone see where I'm going with this?

Personally, I think your friend has it backwards. If you already have a solid jumpshot, it's much easier to refine the rest of your game. The ability to shoot doesn't come easy. Those who have it, have it. Those who don't, don't.

Most everything else can come from studying, practice, and hard work.

Also, I think people sometimes forget that Durant is 22 years old. He has a ton of time to improve upon his deficiencies. His prime will also be extended due to the fact that his game isn't based on his athleticism.

[jeebs9]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

How often does a player with a pure jumper, develops the rest of his game? If you can find a few players like that it would be nice.

[Bumi]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

How often does a player with a pure jumper, develops the rest of his game? If you can find a few players like that it would be nice.

Larry Bird, Dirk Nowitzki, and to a lesser extent, Ray Allen.


How many shooters are as refined as Durant is at 22? He has the tools, as well as the disposition, to take his game to the next level.

[jeebs9]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

What is the next level?


I remember people complained that Dirk didn't have a post-up game. But he still doesn't have one. He shoots that step back/one footed fadeaway from the post like it was his hook shot lol.

[Bumi]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

What is the next level?


I remember people complained that Dirk didn't have a post-up game. But he still doesn't have one. He shoots that step back/one footed fadeaway from the post like it was his hook shot lol.

Improve upon his post game, tighten his handle, go to the rack more, better shot selection, etc.

Lol Dirk's European though.

[wwharton]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

You don't really "develop" athleticism so it doesn't make much sense to compare to guys who aren't very athletic (like Dirk). Rip's game is what it's always been. I think he maxed out on his ability. Allen really isn't being described accurately. He's always had a "nice" shot but he was a more complete player earlier in his career. He ran a lot of point, attacked the basket more, etc. He actually fits the trend of driving less as you get older. He just happened to go to a team that could put him in a perfect role for that (and having the sick shot he does helps quite a bit too).

Durant's tricky bc he's long and very agile for how tall he is. It seems like he just needs more confidence to attack which can come over time. If it does, then he will get better at it, since he's already pretty good when he does attack. I've been trying to think of an example similar (someone that can attack more but has a nice shot so they don't feel a need to... then they start attacking more).

[jeebs9]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

^^ Ray Allen is probably the only guy ^^

[Bumi]

Re: Which pair of teammates would you take for the next 5-8 years?

^^ Ray Allen is probably the only guy ^^

True. But in all honesty, Durant now, is as good if not a better scorer than Allen was at any point in his career.