Why is Durant not involved in the offense much?

MvPderozan · Post #1 » by **MvPderozan** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:43 pm

Why does it seem like Durant isn't involved in the offense much? Maybe it's just me, or do other people feel this way too. Durant always has to work hard to get his points, i rarely see anyone setting him up. I saw in the 4th quarter when Durant had the ball, he would just jack up shots even though they weren't good shots, because he probably felt if he gave it up he wouldn't get it back. When he is on the low block asking for the ball, guys like Jackson would just swing the ball the other way. It is really disturbing to see. Durant needs to take more shot!!

Podirk · Post #2 » by **Podirk** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:55 pm

I've noticed this before and normally it was because he was asking for it beyond the 3 point line. He doesn't move much...whether by choice or by offensive scheme.

Didn't get to watch the game yesterday but sounded like he went cold in the third..?? maybe he was trying to get himself going in the fourth? Maybe he was throwing up shots to try to get into the bonus??

It's no secret OKC struggles with ball movement. Playing a 5 who is offensively challenged and a 2 who is streaky on both sides of the ball doesn't help.

MvPderozan · Post #3 » by **MvPderozan** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:02 am

Podirk wrote:I've noticed this before and normally it was because he was asking for it beyond the 3 point line. He doesn't move much...whether by choice or by offensive scheme.

Didn't get to watch the game yesterday but sounded like he went cold in the third..?? maybe he was trying to get himself going in the fourth? Maybe he was throwing up shots to try to get into the bonus??

It's no secret OKC struggles with ball movement. Playing a 5 who is offensively challenged and a 2 who is streaky on both sides of the ball doesn't help.

Yeah, i think we need a more consistent shooter at the two. someone like a Korver or a JJ reddick.

comingbacktousa · Post #4 » by **comingbacktousa** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 8:22 am

I'm assuming you are talking about the Golden State game. Iggy was doing a great job denying entry passes to him and they were also doubling immediately every time he got the ball. That is why everyone else was able to score almost at will. It looked like they game planned to take him out of the game and it worked. He started trying to force everything in the 2nd half and had a terrible half due to that. I can't remember Durant establishing himself on the low block at all. Its something he really struggles to do because he can't body up someone like Iggy. Even if he is posting at like a midpost area, the player with the ball can see what the help defender is doing. If they are cheating towards Durant, it doesn't make sense to get him the ball.

Post #5 » by **tsherkin** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:26 pm

Is this a surprise? With Westbrook blowing goats and not looking like his healthy self despite his shooting volume, the Thunder are continuing the whole "have KD create for others" experiment more. There's a reason he's been a turnover factory this season and it's a tactical misapplication of Durant's strengths.

theokie · Post #6 » by **theokie** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 7:36 pm

No offensive scheme and 2 shoot first PGs doesn't help. But honestly, Durant is involved in the offense plenty. Especially for the regular season. Nothing wrong with trying to get other players, especially the young ones involved.

bbms · Post #7 » by **bbms** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 8:01 pm

Poor coaching leading to no ball movement in the starting lineup and, specially, in late game situation, as always. No scheme - no off ball screens designed. When they are, they are poorly executed by the bigs(Collison and sometimes Perkins being the exceptions). Wonder why people still get surprised.

Since the Perkins trade we're facing the same problems. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Thunder's success is always about defensive fit and how bright Westbrook and Durant can shine. Thunder never managed to find a way to create a solid foundation of offensive game on late game situations and starting lineup since they took Krstic pick and pop from Westbrook and Jeff Green's spacing.

Nothing new. Move on. Thunder will never be consistent as long as we have Brooks. Not saying he doesn't do nice things for us, but don't expect and apple from an orange tree.

Devilanche · Post #8 » by **Devilanche** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 4:44 am

tsherkin wrote:Is this a surprise? With Westbrook blowing goats and not looking like his healthy self despite his shooting volume, the Thunder are continuing the whole "have KD create for others" experiment more. There's a reason he's been a turnover factory this season and it's a tactical misapplication of Durant's strengths.

We look better if we have a sloan/pop/phil coaching us for sure but if we want Durant to be better at creating for others might as well do it during the regular season now so he can improve.

Our regular season record shouldn't be too bad. the youngsters/role players get their shot and Durant become even more rounded for the playoff.

They_Them_Hatin · Post #9 » by **They_Them_Hatin** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 7:25 am

This annoys me so much he shouldn't have to beg for the damn ball. Westbrook shouldn't get all the blame because serge and now jackson and lamb are ball hogs too. Kevin needs to become an Mj like leader because this is getting ridiculous.

Devilanche · Post #10 » by **Devilanche** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 10:21 am

I won't exactly call those other 3 ball hogs right now.
Durant will be better off if he can rest abit during games and take over in the 4th quarter or so.

17-18 shots per game is about right for Durant/Westbrook, Durant going to have way more free throw attempts as well.

comingbacktousa · Post #11 » by **comingbacktousa** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 10:28 am

Durant has a top 10 usage in the Nba, how much more involved to you want him really? I'd like to see the offense try and create better looks for him. OKC's offense is set up to draw help defenders so someone is open. No defender is going leave Durant to help.

Ibaka is a ball hog? He pretty much only gets the ball if he is wide open or with a chance to finish when Durant and Westbrook are out there.

I agree that Jackson looks off KD way to much.

Post #12 » by **wizkid27** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 5:00 pm

Gotta be honest... I think is one of the few times almost all of the blame rests with KD. His idea of moving without the ball is posting up 28 feet out and begging his teammates took it over the guy guarding him so he can isolate or maybe use a pick and roll.

I agree that Brooks needs to do a better job of setting up an offensive system for the guys to play within, but there is a portion of the blame that goes to Durant and he doesn't ever seem to get criticism for anything. The guy is certainly amazing but moving without the ball and within the structure of an offense hasn't exactly been his strength.

bbms · Post #13 » by **bbms** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 6:28 pm

comingbacktousa wrote:Durant has a top 10 usage in the Nba, how much more involved to you want him really? I'd like to see the offense try and create better looks for him. OKC's offense is set up to draw help defenders so someone is open. No defender is going leave Durant to help.

Ibaka is a ball hog? He pretty much only gets the ball if he is wide open or with a chance to finish when Durant and Westbrook are out there.

I agree that Jackson looks off KD way to much.

It's not about raw numbers. It's about consistency. Throughout the game, the offense needs to find some balance. Durant gets a ton of usage, but, can you really say that this usage is well spread through the game? Why is Durant a slow starter?

It's not about quantity, is about quality of basketball. It's all about sheer talent and brilliance for the Thunder. Can you win it all without a scheme pattern in the NBA?