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If it were not for his improved defense and all around game, I think Durant would be the best SF in the West.

But given that his defense is not that much improved either (still average in most games), I'd give the nod to Durant now.

Not because of the rookie game, but in terms of pure scoring, Durant will be the best, even better than LeBron. LeBron is the better all-around player, but Durant's all around game is not bad either.

so become a thunder fan and go bother their board.

SnakefromHell wrote:If it were not for his improved defense and all around game, I think Durant would be the best SF in the West.

But given that his defense is not that much improved either (still average in most games), I'd give the nod to Durant now.

Not because of the rookie game, but in terms of pure scoring, Durant will be the best, even better than LeBron. LeBron is the better all-around player, but Durant's all around game is not bad either.

I think Melo is a better overall player.... even more versatile as a scorer.... Durant might be the more explosive scorer but Melo really has no weakness offensively.... solid Jumpshot, he can post up on the block or high post, even more dangerous when he faces up, very explosive first step, can finish at the rim, great in transition, and a under-rated passer and offensive rebounder..

I think someone just wants attention. That's why these posts appear here.

why are you guys getting so defensive? if you haven't had this thought go through your head yet, then i think you are in some sort of denial. durant is proving everyone that made those general and player comparison board threads about how he is overrated or a bust look stupid. the guy is an amazing scorer, this year hes a much better shooter than melo and if melo doesnt get back to his usual high percentage FG average...then durant can and will eclipse him.

melos overall game has improved, but not as drastically as some of you are acting. i still think melo is better, but in all honestly, durant could easily have a higher ceiling in the end. look at the stats, then look at his age. and then if you are still in denial and going to with the "durant is on a bad team/isnt getting to the playoffs", look at how lebron missed the playoffs his first two years, then made it to the finals his second time there.

You're right, Durant has been shooting a better % than a guy whose been playing most of the year with painful bone spurs in his shooting elbow. Granted I don't watch many Thunder games, but I doubt Durant could handle the level of abuse Melo takes while in the post.

Although the responses you see here are about the poster. He is a "fan" of the team, but always ripping Melo and making zero sense. Like recently, he claimed Melo is being selfish for staying home with his family over the All-star break to spend time with them and get healthier.

Yeah, I know snake, and he nitpicks melo a lot. But if I had to have a favorite player for my team, its Melo and if I said that I hadn't been noticing what Durant has been doing and thought "wow, this kid is impressive and probably has the talent to surpass Melo as the top SF in the west" then I would be lying.

Thank you Blue Steel, I'm not necessariy attacking Melo guys, or you guys who defend Melo... but going directly at the "belief" that Melo is better than Durant, but he's not.

NNF, Durant can't take abuse? Anyone who averages 25 ppg "can take abuse". This is his second season for the 20 yr old, he hasn't truly figured out how to be fully effective on the offensive end... he blows past defenders like it's nothing, he has freakish long arms, he shoots over people like it's nothing, he shoots from deep like it's nothing (I think his range extends to half court)

I used to think Melo was unstoppable offensively but always with little hesitation... but with Durant, he's going to be unstoppable. Noone will be able to check him. There's no doubt.

well i always thought Durant will surpass Melo eventually as an offensive player... he's athletic as hell, and his offensive game is very close to unstoppable.

Will he surpass Melo? Who knows... I do think Melo would make that OKC team win more games though.

SnakefromHell wrote:NNF, Durant can't take abuse? Anyone who averages 25 ppg "can take abuse"..

You really need to learn to read. I said I doubted Durant could take the level of abuse in the post Melo does. Read it again. Carefully. Although even if I had made the claim you think I did, you must not know much about basketball. Someone could score 25 points a game without going in the paint often. Its called shooting jumpers (and no, I'm not claiming that's all Durant does).

It all depends on how the league responds to him. If 'Melo got 1/4 the calls Lebron or Dwyane do, you're talking about the best offensive player in the league. Durant's got better range and better length, but he doesn't have nearly the quicks that 'Melo does. Carmelo relies an awful lot on his ability to elevate and beat defenders off the dribble, so Durant may age better than him. Given the level of abuse that Anthony takes (as Nats Fan pointed out) Durant may have a longer more productive career. Currently, Carmelo is far more valuable to his team than Durant is. Westbrook and Green could carry the Thunder if Durant went down. Carmelo's been to the playoffs every year he's been in the league. You've got to look at the history. Melo > Durant.

I was just about to mention, If Melo get the calls then I dont even think this thread would be in place

I dont watch any Thunder games. But watching us play them, All I see mainly in Durant game is a jump shot from half court offense

And yes Melo has been injured

Im happy Melo didnt make the all-star this season. So he can play with a chip on his shoulder. So far he has been

SnakefromHell wrote:I used to think Melo was unstoppable offensively but always with little hesitation... but with Durant, he's going to be unstoppable. Noone will be able to check him. There's no doubt.

It hasn't happened yet. Melo is currently better.

Melo has come in to his own. We proud of him. Looking forward to playoffs.

Melo > Durant, but Durant is a more valuable player than Melo now.
Why???
See what Melo can do for his team. Durant knows how to respect other players.
And Melo is too cheesy.

realfung wrote:Melo > Durant, but Durant is a more valuable player than Melo now.
Why???
See what Melo can do for his team. Durant knows how to respect other players.
And Melo is too cheesy.

too cheesy? what the hell are you talking about? melo doesnt respect other players? your post makes no sense...

realfung wrote:Melo > Durant, but Durant is a more valuable player than Melo now.
Why???
See what Melo can do for his team. Durant knows how to respect other players.
And Melo is too cheesy.

Melo has led his team to the playoffs every single year since entering the league.
What exactly has Durant done for his team?

Talk to me when the Thunder are a legitimate NBA team and actually compete for even the playoffs.

My opinion is worthless because im a Bulls fan and you really dont care about my opinion . BUT , Kevin Durant is the superior player at this moment and I dont think its all that close to be honest .

cocktailswith_2short wrote:My opinion is worthless because im a Bulls fan and you really dont care about my opinion . BUT , Kevin Durant is the superior player at this moment and I dont think its all that close to be honest .

You mean a fully healthy Durant is better then a Melo with a bruised knee and bone chips in his elbows? The sad part is that it takes an injury filled season for all these comparisons Melo to even work for all of these players.