gobears7;842323864 said:
Durant massively improved his D this year and LeBron slacked. I would say Durant was a better defender this year than LeBron, and could easily continue to be going forward as he reaches his peak and LeBron enters his 30s. Even if you want to argue that LeBron and Leonard are better, Durant was with them this year as one of the best in the league, definitely all-star level. He'll make an all defensive team soon, if not next year. The narrative just hasn't caught up.
I watch little of the regular 82 game season, as I am much more focused then on the Bears. So no comment about James and Durant during the 82 game season.
However, I have watched both LeBron and Durant extensively in the playoffs. I did not make my remarks based on any "narrative," but rather what I have seen over many games.
There James and Leonard have been defensive all stars, in keeping with their making, respectively, first and second team all NBA defense. James has been a huge defensive factor, both in the East finals and again playing San Antonio. Leonard, also, though he has the tougher assignment, trying to control, bother, slow down James, who must have him by 30 or 40 pounds of muscle. Kawhi did it better than I could have imagined last game, but was not nearly as good against LeBron in the first two games. Leonard was also a factor in his defense of Durant, when he guarded him in the previous series.
On the other hand, Durant, particularly when he plays the 4, does not play defense at an all star level. Did you see him against San Antonio, when he was fairly abused by Diaw? I thought it even carried over to his his offense, where he appeared tired or simply knocked off his rhythm by the demands of defending a stronger guy.
I make these comments, despite my love of Durant the guy and his game. I have never warmed up to James the man, or the bullish part of his game, so don't love it to admit that he is the best player in the NBA and a dominant defender.
Durant, though so beautiful to watch with his incredibly quick and soft jumper, his variety of shots closer to and at the basket, his (usually) excellent ball handling, is still a skinny guy. More muscled for sure, but not yet (if ever) built to play strong in the post, especially on defense.
As for perimeter or tweener defenders, I would be surprised if Durant ever surpasses Leonard or George of Indiana, both of whom are on the upswing and are younger than Kevin is.
