Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

[TMagic]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

This is interesting.

Because in the other thread about the best players, Melo was hardly ever mentioned, while Durant was mentioned almost unanimously.

I have always thought these two guys were right there with each other.

I think it more-so has to do with the people basing their opinions on future projections. Who is better going forward or who would you start a franchise with. I think most believe that Durant will be the better player in the future.

As of right now though, I think you have to go with Melo as the better player. He is much more varied offensively and doesn't depend on teammates to get his offense going nearly as much as Durant does.

That is what makes Durant more efficient though. Melo does a lot of one on one to get his. While Durant gets a lot more help from teammates.

I feel that Melo is a better finisher around the rim as well. That's one knock I have with KD. I feel like he needs to work on finishing at the rim. When there is contact or a crowd inside, he is not strong enough or creative enough at the rim to make those tough finishes.

On top of that, Melo is one of the most clutch players in the league. Durant has shown that he disappears at times where he should be taking over. He needs to learn to do a MUCH better job to get in position to receive a pass so he can make something happen on offense. I don't think I can remember a player of Durant's caliber, struggle as much as he does to get free to get the ball.


And 24th...I really do think it is an effort thing when talking about Melo and his defense. He has stepped up to the plate at times when he has been challenged. He really showed me a lot in the series against LA a couple years ago when he got some time on Kobe. He plays LeBron tough as well. Even this year against the Celtics, he played some solid D. So I really think it's in him. He just doesn't bring it night in and night out.


All in all...

Now: Give me Melo
Future: Give me KD

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Efficiency ratings for both guys over the last three seasons:

2008-09 - Durant: 22.7, 14th in the NBA. Anthony: 19.8, 32nd in the NBA.
2009-10 - Durant: 28.0, 2nd in the NBA. Anthony: 22.3, 14th in the NBA.
2010-11 - Durant: 24.9, 6th in the NBA. Anthony: 22.7, 15th in the NBA.

Choice is clear.

Guess we can go ahead and close this thread since you were generous enough to declare the debate over.

[55]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Might was well. Why argue about each others' opinions when the statistical analysis is unbiased?

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Might was well. Why argue about each others' opinions when the statistical analysis is unbiased?

Probably because you used one stat, not to mention that stats aren't the end all be all. If they were, there would be no debate about who the best player in the NBA is either. I mean, I could throw out their efficiencies from mid-range and 3 point range and say Carmelo must be a better player.

[DustinT]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

I'm shocked at all this Melo love, even if it is well deserved.

Melo's offensive game is one of the best in the game. But his laziness hurts him. He plays without heart a lot of the time, but when he doesn's he can be the best player in the Association.

Remember Denver's run to the WCF? Billups had Melo playing out of his mind. He was playing defense, playing unselfishly, playing with passion.

I love Durant and his work ethic, but I have to go with Melo for now.

[TMagic]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Melo's offensive game is one of the best in the game. But his laziness hurts him. He plays without heart a lot of the time, but when he doesn's he can be the best player in the Association.

Remember Denver's run to the WCF? Billups had Melo playing out of his mind. He was playing defense, playing unselfishly, playing with passion.

So true my man.

Man, if he could just get it together up top. He could be mentioned among the elite in the league.

He needs to know that he is just as good as any player in this league and he should be going out there, night in and night out to prove just that. He should want his name being brought up anytime there is a discussion about "Who's The Best Player In The League".

But right now, he just seems content at where he's at. The thought of Melo playing with that heart and passion you brought up is scary.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Seriously, has there ever been a more "out of shape" looking superstar [non big] than Melo?

I swear boy has never looked like he's touched a weight or ran some sprints in his life. I'm also guessing his diet is awful. But who knows.

Somehow he makes it all go.

[DutchMastah7]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

As long as Mike D'Antoni is coaching NY, Melo won't be doing much hustling on D. I see Amare getting pretty frustrated next season, since he actually does make an effort to make defensive plays. Had to throw that out there after reading about Melo's D.

As far as the question at hand, it's pretty close. They're both two of the top 5 scorers in the league, easily. Melo's a little more selfish than Durant, and number 35 plays better D. If I were on a team, and were facing one of these guys, the guy I would least want to see my team going against at the end of the day would be, by a slight bit, Kevin Durant. I might be a little biased because I've never been a fan of Carmelo, and Durant is one of my favorite players, but I know the game well. Yesterday I took Carmelo, tomorrow I take Durant. That's how close it is.

[The 24th Letter]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Melo puts in minutes with the best of them, I never see him sucking wind. I cant say the same for some of the trimmest of guys...

I dont get caught up in body types man, especially as a telling factor of someones work ethic...he def makes it work..

[OSUFan_88]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

If we are looking at just stats or skills, I think it's a close call. They are both great scorers with great jumpers. Melo is a little better in the post/shooting and Durant is a little better at driving.

However, considering age and the fact that Durant is bigger and more in shape, I'd take Durant. If I needed one game to win, I'm also taking Durant. He's bigger, just as good a scorer and a better defender. He may not have the killer instinct yet, but I wouldn't say Durant shrinks in the moment, either.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Melo puts in minutes with the best of them, I never see him sucking wind. I cant say the same for some of the trimmest of guys...

I dont get caught up in body types man, especially as a telling factor of someones work ethic...he def makes it work..

Oh no question.

I'm just talking about simply looking the part. I mean he looks simply.. round. Dude is truly blessed with some supreme skill lol.

As far as how hard dude really does work and workout, I'd like to know the answer.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

As long as Mike D'Antoni is coaching NY, Melo won't be doing much hustling on D. I see Amare getting pretty frustrated next season, since he actually does make an effort to make defensive plays. Had to throw that out there after reading about Melo's D.

As far as the question at hand, it's pretty close. They're both two of the top 5 scorers in the league, easily. Melo's a little more selfish than Durant, and number 35 plays better D. If I were on a team, and were facing one of these guys, the guy I would least want to see my team going against at the end of the day would be, by a slight bit, Kevin Durant. I might be a little biased because I've never been a fan of Carmelo, and Durant is one of my favorite players, but I know the game well. Yesterday I took Carmelo, tomorrow I take Durant. That's how close it is.

Did you watch the series against Boston? Melo was working his *** off.

[DustinT]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

Did you watch the series against Boston? Melo was working his *** off.

He needs to do that during the regular season as well.

[ehh]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

I'm fine with him coasting a bit in the regular season. Stay healthy and fresh for when it matters.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: Let's settle this: Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony

He needs to do that during the regular season as well.

I'm fine with him coasting a bit in the regular season. Stay healthy and fresh for when it matters.

Is it possible to agree with both of these? lol

I think it's really key for him moving forward to set the tone for the Knicks defensively. If they see Melo, arguably the best scorer in the NBA but a guy known for coasting on defense, putting forth a lot of effort on the defensive end, I feel like that would get the rest of the team to start putting in more of an effort there as well. I don't think it's something he can just switch on come playoff time, but at the same time, you definitely don't want him getting tired out or injured.