wiff wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
Since when is the difference between 1 assist ridiculous and a MASSIVE overestimation?
Because there is a DRAMATIC difference between the capacity to average 3-4 apg and the capacity to average 5 apg? It's not simple linear numerical progression; 5 apg is something that only about 25 people in the entire league manage each year and most of them are astonishing passers put into position to make those passes. Even Dirk, who's being asked to exploit his passing so much more, is going to struggle to ever have a 5 apg season.
You've got to realize that your own ambitions for him will make it even more difficult for him to post 5+ apg, because high FGA don't go well with high APG in most cases. Have a look at the FGA/g next to the APG for the guys averaging 5 apg and you'll again notice how few of them take a really high number of shots per game.
Durant's not a point forward; the guys who are, who have been in the past, they've been recognized for that ability before they reached the NBA.
Durant was actually criticized for his passing ability before he hit Texas and he was complimented on his improvement while there, though he wasn't much used in a playmaking role. You're talking about a guy going through his developmental period without being relied upon to create a lot for others, a guy who noticeably faded when his point guard was attacked defensively. He's obviously improved his ball-handling and passing and looks better but he's not natively skilled in the same vein as a T-Mac or a Kobe or a Penny Hardaway or a Grant Hill or a Scottie Pippen, Paul Pressey, etc.
5 apg is a rather significant barrier because of what it means in terms of volume of plays devoted to playmaking rather than scoring, time spent looking specifically to create for others first, which is very difficult to do when you're the primary scorer.
Kobe has an advantage in that he plays in the triangle with shooters and he's only posted 6+ twice in his career, both times when he's shot considerably less than usual... and he is INFINITELY superior to what Durant will ever manage at drawing fouls on account of his greater strength and superior athleticism. Durant will improve in this respect as he ages of course, but he'll never match Kobe or Lebron or those guys who slash and draw 10 FTA/g.
T-Mac managed it once last season, posting a career-high 6.5 apg. Obviously, 6+ isn't 5, but you'd mentioned 6+ before and we're talking capacity as point forwards. These are the best of the best in the league and they've only reached that pinnacle once or twice in their careers. Routinely at or above 5, but these are much more athletic and mobile players who've been known since HS for their ability to create for others.
That's the separation, the historical development path that Durant lacks.
Try not to get saddle sore on that high horse you riding there GLOBAL MOD.
I'm not riding any high horse; you've insulted me directly and expected no response? If I was a ballboy and no mod at all, I'd have reported that post and called you out on it, it's exceedingly rude and inappropriate.
