Let’s give this guy a season. I don’t think he’s been set up well. But if he commands the ball like he did in this last Denver game, he’s gonna have a much better 2nd half of the season. If we can take the initiation pressure off him he will pay dividends. Let’s not ask him to be Luka. He’s not that guy. Set him up to maximize what he does best.
I agree. The team is better if Durant takes more 3’s and less 2’s. Last night was an indicator of what we could be with more space. Durant took over at times and we need that as well. Ime’s job is to figure out how to utilize Durant in the way that makes the team the best it can be. I personally don’t think that is dominating the ball with ISO plays. I saw several double picks to get Sheppard loose when he was on ball. Now, institute some off ball screens to get him open.
Its pretty clear to all but a few people KD is a superstar. Thats just facts at this point. He isnt Jokic or SGA but clearly he is still in the tier below those guys
KD is no longer a leader or a franchise player, he is a sniper on offense, but he doesn't play much D, he is great at finishing but not leading and his passing as the lead dog is pretty poor. He ideally would be a number 2 or 3 option at the end of the clock. The Rockets will continue to lose leads with him as initiator in the 4th, they need Reed or Amen to take that role, or possibly Sengun. DD
It's not just offensively. The Rockets are losing games defensively. Alpi has been so bad in drop coverage, it's not even funny. KD needs to be on the block at his age in late situations and Alpi needs to establish deeper position on the block. This freethrow line post up is not great for the offense late.
If Reed or Amen or Sengun would take the reins and not get thrown from the horse, sure. Otherwise, KD, much like the aforementioned players, in the absence of JVV and a potential trade for another PG, are forced into a role thrust upon them by management and coaching not shoring up the spot.
I’m more optimistic with the new synergy on offense the last 3 games, but it is a good thing we were playing Memphis last night. Sengun and Durant were amazing on offense and putrid on defense. Sometimes Durant steps up on defense, but generally he is pretty lazy. I think Sengun has regressed significantly, but I’m not sure if he is nursing injuries or not. He certainly looked healthy on offense last night, but man did he suck on defense.
I really don’t mind hot takes or people being wrong on stuff, but man this is completely wrong. Off the charts off base. You clearly don’t watch KD on the defensive end. He is everywhere, plays with effort, closes out on shooters, defends the rim, deters penetrators … all this at age 37, logging top five minutes per game, and carrying the offense. Look up his defensive rating and what opponents FG is when defended by KD. He should be on all NBA defense team this year.
Durant has been A+ on offense and like C+ as a defender and a passer. I kind of quantify those in the same grouping because I don’t think we’ve always put him in the best of spots. I think he is doing as much as he can and probably too much considering his age, but I am hopeful that we continue to evolve, that he gets some rest toward the playoffs and that we go into game 83 and after at a high point.
