RealGM

We all know Durant can score the ball and he is only going to get better offensively. But what kind of impact can Kevin bring on the defensive side of the ball?

Obviously Durant is slight in frame but he has shown improvements with his body the last two seasons. So there is reason to believe that he should be able to keep filling out.

So what long and lean defender type of defender can Durant become?

Prince?


AK47?


John Salley?


Michael Cooper?


KG?


Remember Durant might be able to play SG but he has the same standing reach as Tyson Chandler.

At this point, the guy pictured who closest resembles his defense to me is in the first picture... Reggie Miller. Thus far, I just really haven't seen anything that makes me think his defense will be more than average. The occasional block is what gets it up to that level.

Ceiling... yeah, I guess somebody like Tayshawn wouldn't be too far off. The best I can realistically see is his defense developing to the point where it isn't a weakness.

I think he could easily become an AK47 type defender.
He's got enough mobility, long arms and great athleticism. His work ethic is off the charts and I see no reason he'll be anything less than a good position defender. Once his body matures I can see him defending 3-4 positions much like LeBron does in crunch time.

Based on his physical tools I don't think this is an unfair expectation.

So you expect DPOY candidate from Durant?
Not being a defensive liability is the first step in that direction.
But bad defenders can be hidden with great team defensive schemes.

He'll end up the same kind of defensive player that Danny Granger is, i.e. not a liability and capable of making a few good plays here and there. Tayshaun Prince and Andrei Kirilenko are both exceptional defenders who had that reputation entering the league. It would be very unusual for Kevin Durant to develop into that kind of defender.

I personally think his defense will improve, but there really isn't any evidence supporting that belief. Many skilled offensive players never really become good defenders, but they can buy into a system and have their decifiencies masked. Take two former Sonics, Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen. Lewis never played any defense on Seattle but now he's guarding power forwards in Orlando. Ray Allen was quoted once about not caring much about defense, now he's buying into the system in Boston and is much less of a liability.

slick_watts wrote:He'll end up the same kind of defensive player that Danny Granger is, i.e. not a liability and capable of making a few good plays here and there. Tayshaun Prince and Andrei Kirilenko are both exceptional defenders who had that reputation entering the league. It would be very unusual for Kevin Durant to develop into that kind of defender.

I personally think his defense will improve, but there really isn't any evidence supporting that belief. Many skilled offensive players never really become good defenders, but they can buy into a system and have their decifiencies masked. Take two former Sonics, Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen. Lewis never played any defense on Seattle but now he's guarding power forwards in Orlando. Ray Allen was quoted once about not caring much about defense, now he's buying into the system in Boston and is much less of a liability.

You know I think Durant is cut from a more competetive cloth than Ray and Rashard. I see him in more of a Kobe, LeBron or maybe even MJ mold. I just don't see the kid being satisfied with being a one way player.

The kid is barely 21, he is still learning the league. His "D" will be much improved in two more years.