- "Lanky" (can't argue with that)
- "Smooth" (like a smooth operator)
- "Non-smilish" (he's got a lot to smile about at the moment)
- "Greasedlightning" (tell me more, tell me more)
- "Unacceptable" (unacceptably impossible to guard)
- "Prick" (Laker fans are bound to be bitter)
And, probably the most relevant:
"Incredibleamazingwonderfulsuperawesomeridiculous"
In my humble opinion, I'd have to call Durant "evolutionary."
The guy shoots like Dirk, dunks like Lebron, explodes to the basket like Rose, beats buzzers like Kobe, and dominates the defense like a younger, more versatile KG.
I'm fairly certain that there isn't a move or a shot that KD can't master (he figured out Dirk's fadeaway J pretty quickly).
He's like a basketball chameleon.
Similarly to when Bron-Bron took over the Eastern Conference in the 2007 playoffs, we have all "witnessed" the emergence of the NBA's next best player.
This postseason (as well as the regular season) has been Durant's proverbial coming out party, where he has proven that he is not only a dominant scorer, but he is also a natural leader, a great teammate, and an extremely hard worker.
It no longer makes sense to exclude Kevin out of the "best player in the world argument."
In fact, I'd go as far to say that it no longer makes sense to bring up Lebron or Kobe's name in a basketball context without talking about what Durant has done for this league.
Let's think about that for a second.
What has Durant done for the NBA?
Besides winning the scoring title three seasons in a row and making the all-NBA first team multiple times, Durant has propelled a small market franchise to the NBA spotlight following one of the ugliest NBA exiles the league has ever seen (sorry Seattle). His intentions of staying within a small market structure, and accepting a contract extension without a "proven" contender proves that small markets do have the ability to attract, and keep, big name stars.
In other words, he is the exception to the rule that big name teams in big name media markets are the only squads that can support A-list talent.
At this point, its definitely fair to say that ex-Supersonic fans are pissed.
KD is also the exception to the rule that stars need to have the ball in their hands in order to be effective.
Let me explain.
Durant is his team's best offensive option and their best offensive facilitator (I don't think "pass" is in Westbrook's vocabulary), but even when he doesn't get the ball, he trusts his teammates and encourages them to play their games.
He'd probably be mildly perturbed to say the least.
Either way, this unspoken confidence in Durant's teammates has been vital to the Thunder's postseason success because it allows his teammates the freedom to exploit their mismatches (Sessions couldn't guard Westbrook) and play with confidence.
Furthermore, this leadership tactic is pivotal to a healthy locker room.
So, in closing, following tonight's game, what's one word that you think accurately describes Durant?
Thanks for tuning in,
The Mattman (@mindofmattman; mindofmattman.com)
PS: I'll have more on this man~ana.
