How good was Kevin Durant at his best? | Greatest Peaks Ep. 14

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Kevin Durant won the MVP in 2014, starting a multi-year run as one of the best players in the world. (It was briefly interrupted in 2015 by injury.) How impactful was his switchable defense? What were his strengths and weaknesses as a playmaker? Just how important was his shooting and off-ball game? And was he actually the best scorer in NBA history?
This is the 14th episode in a series on the greatest peaks in NBA history (focusing on 1977-2020), featuring detailed scouting reports and film breakdown on the best players in NBA history at their best, along with analysis of their impact using historical data & stats to size up the highest peaking players ever.
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Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
For more, see the Thinking Basketball stats series: • NBA Stats 101 Series
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
*SERIES MUSIC*
Bames Jond by Mikey Geiger
csus (instrumental)
Hair (fairlight)
Our Imperfect Place by Strength to Last
Lost by Alter Ego
Restless Knight by Greg Collins
Empire Season by Dan Henig
Confronting the Void by Cody Martin
Bloom by Bryant Lowry
Nemesis
#ThinkingBasketball #GreatestPeaks #NBAGoat

[@isiahsarne8505]

Could we see your best starting 5 of all time counting how well they fit together in the final episode?

[@broccolihighkicks708]

I was thinking the same thing! But maybe it deserves its own video

[@mve5758]

Apart from the (classic) big it is not a hard choice for me: Steph MJ KD LeBron Hakeem/Duncan/Shaq

[@Mdautkreix]

People bump up this comment so it happens! Don’t leave it underrated. 1K likes min

[@arthurdiserbeau1736]

@@mve5758 I have seen way worse starting five than yours but although those are all all time players I'm not sure they would fit that well together. MJ ,Lebron and a big man like Shaq, Duncan etc don't space the floor well enough to create the best team possible

[@Nuthinnull]

@@arthurdiserbeau1736 best fit is Curry Jordan Bird Garnett Shaq

[@gyeongchankim5423]

Last time I was this early okc fans still loved kevin durant.

[@johnsmith1474]

Is there a world where people keep track of "how early" they are to a KZbin video? Sad!

[@eboy4216]

@@johnsmith1474 how is it sad?

[@diatribeeverything]

Best scorer? Lmao, that's ridiculous! There's this dude named Jordan than won 10 scoring titles. Scoring titles are not subject to era inflation. Scoring titles are an objective way of judging "the best scorer."

[@NM-ev7pu]

@@diatribeeverything What about Wilt then? Sorry but KD is the most unstoppable scorer ever. Nobody had that length and mobility.

[@anthonychang2298]

@@diatribeeverything It isn’t objective. There are many other factors besides era inflation, such as teammates, the system, efficiency, volume, and your ability to score from everywhere on the court. A single number can’t define that, so scoring titles shouldn’t be the only way to measure how good someone is at scoring.

[@MrDavid4301]

Kevin is a true unicorn man. To be that size, that skilled and that gifted athletically is just wow

[@colemanmurray2762]

and Greg Oden might have been a better athlete, major what if

[@sambalaskas5082]

@Ezio Auditore I think Kd is the most versatile scorer in history but I still give the best scorer nod to Jordan. Being able to score at all levels is important but Shaq was an amazing scorer and he basically sucked beyond 10 feet.. Points are points.

[@LilShrooms]

@@sambalaskas5082 also if Jordan grew up in today’s era im pretty sure he would easily develop his 3 pt game to be at least good if not great

[@sambalaskas5082]

@@LilShrooms probably right. It’s easier to compare against contemporary players and use that as the basis. How good of a shooter was Jordan compared to shooters back then and assume that the best shooters back then given today’s knowledge and training would be just as good today.

[@sambalaskas5082]

@Ezio Auditore I don’t know about player but sure if you want. It doesn’t really change anything. Rebounding isn’t very useful of a skill set to have though.. rebounding above all else is effort and some basic IQ of rebounding angles. If you think Michael couldn’t rebound 10+ a night if he wanted to, you’re crazy. KD could do it too. That is not either of their roles though. Neither are looked on to gather boards so using that as a metric to say why ones more versatile when it’s not really apart of either players game doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I guess KD is taller so that’s an advantage for him.

[@gabrielwinston9426]

Gervin said on an interview with the Knuckleheads that KD was the modern player he saw himself in so fitting comparison

[@robertbowen5457]

its not a new revelation or anything. The comp has been made for over a decade now that old NBA forever commercial even had them side by side kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2S6eGR4q5qUeKc Offensively I think KD in his prime years had more in common with Bob McAdoo offensively than Gervin though. He is truly a unicorn. 6'11 without shoes, basically an offensive amalgamation of Dirk, T-Mac, McAdoo and Gervin. And he was a really good defender from 2013/14 till even now. Just a freak of nature.

[@mashwork6615]

@@robertbowen5457 T-Mac was the KD pre cursor

[@swpdisciple]

@@mashwork6615 kinda, not quite the precision on offense. Better passer though and (believe it or not) better defender in his Toronto days. T-Mac more of a hybrid of Kobe/Dominique Wilkins with some KD elements.

[@arp_909]

This is one of those moments where you realise we should appreciate KD while he’s still in the league and now back healthy. It’s just a joy to watch him do his thing on the court

[@jengonzales502]

💕💕💕

[@thedarkfrost2351]

Everyone’s always appreciated KD the basketball player. People just don’t like KD the person.

[@QueGee774]

@@thedarkfrost2351we don’t know KD the person smh

[@xViolentDeathx]

Kevin Wayne Durant, because of him I became engrossed in the sports of basketball, fell in love with it & learn how to play it. One of the best player that ever play

[@jeffreyt4345]

I know this should make me feel old... But that's so dope to hear. One word that undoubtedly describes what it's like watching KD play: Inspiring.

[@SuperJamal1996]

My thoughts exactly he is to me one of the purest scores of all time. My favorite player of all time. people say he isn’t the best and that’s cool because we ALL KNOW he will give anybody buckets. WE ALL KNOW💪🏾💪🏾

[@orange_cat]

Steph is the same way for me. They are both equally great.

[@kylerfite9323]

Finally I found someone who thinks the same as me lol

[@BladeintheBrain]

19:38 "Kevin could be a bit... Spacey", I see what you did there 😂

[@silverfox389]

i dont get it, could u explain it to me like I'm a vulnerable little boy?

[@mintesinotsturm388]

Kevin Spacey is a person I’m pretty sure

[@swpdisciple]

@@mintesinotsturm388 correct

[@fabianperspectv]

🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️

[@pedromdcc13]

@@silverfox389 I see you, you maniac

[@adrianmaliackel2651]

One of the best and most effortless scorers I have EVER seen

[@eduardoalegre9075]

He shoots like no one is contesting him. No one bothers his form.

[@chambeet]

Yep, "effortless" is the best word I've ever heard to describe KD's scoring. When he's in full health, KD in the playoffs is wild to watch.

[@NM-ev7pu]

@@eduardoalegre9075 Well you can contest him, is just doesn't matter. Similar to how you could stand between Shaq and the basket, he would go through you.

[@theretrosavage]

Durant could easily average 40 a game if he wanted

[@oupentertainment]

Beat scorer of all time IMO

[@chanendlerbong]

Next one: The Unanimous MVP season of Steph Curry and his breakdown of his insane shooting and his insane off ball moves and his greatest OBPM and greatest plus minus ever

[@armandtonga4501]

Agreed, great idea

[@ratedpending]

100%

[@wallstreetzoomer]

The best point guard of all-time.

[@Goldengamer444]

@@wallstreetzoomer MJ better but steph better then Stockton

[@jackpeyton1894]

@@Goldengamer444 stockton isnt top 5

[@gabrieltierrafria9740]

Like most fans. I would say he has the most effortless offensive game ever. He truly makes it look too easy. Plus he definitely holds his own on defense side of the ball.

[@austinrawlins]

It’s real simple, I see a thinking basketball video I watch a thinking basketball video.

[@johnsmith1474]

Simpleton?

[@floijd]

Funny, how most of the clips highlighting his good passing ability end in a bricked shot by Westbrook, Adams or Roberson.

[@gt8mar]

I was just gonna comment this lol

[@12gark]

That's basically why they didn't won and he left 😅

[@tokenblack7983]

If Russ had a basketball IQ over 50 they would have won

[@allenxavier6073]

@@tokenblack7983 or if they actually had a shooting guard that can shoot.

[@t4d0W]

Its similar to the KG vid. With KG however his court vision was underratedly better but since most of his teammates couldn't shoot either those brilliant passes ended possessions with bricks or air balls.

[@caleb_lane]

The Iceman reference makes me hope we get an analysis of him

[@Cyrusislikeawsome]

Would have been here by now if it was gonna be in the series:/

[@Cyrusislikeawsome]

But would be a good future vid for sure

[@vanhoot2234]

his peak was before the nba-aba merger .. plus i think he is going by each decade... so the problem with gerving is his 80's success coincides with magics

[@caleb_lane]

@@vanhoot2234 I never asked for a greatest peaks episode

[@caleb_lane]

@@Cyrusislikeawsome I never said I wanted his peak

[@darrellludlow]

Durant admitted that he was recorded at "6'10" and three-quarters with no shoes, so with my shoes on I'm 7-feet."

[@Alphasports576]

This guy knows more about basketball then all the people that talk basketball on ESPN put together and half of those guys played in the NBA

[@chungusbudungus4062]

There’s finally a good breakdown of KD’s game

[@dusk6159]

And it's not even close with the rest.

[@russellpo7758]

My own criticism of this is that I feel that Ben undersells how bad his help those OKC teams were offensive because OKC didn't have "some spacing issues" the spacing was just trash with 3 nonshooters on the floor most of the time.

[@Van_ax]

Not really. His breakdown is misleading when talking about KDs scoring with Curry and Russ of the floor. KD’s scoring stays the same every year with Westbrook & Curry off the floor in the sample he uses except 2014....one bad year that’s likely noise takes down entire sample

[@TheDarkChemicalBond]

@@Van_ax The analysis is good. KD just isn't as good as people make him out to be. He's certainly not in the GOAT conversation. A guy that can't get his own shot reliably and is not a leader on the floor is just not top 10 all time material. He has some amazing skills off-ball, but he's just not the world beater people claim he is. If he wasn't 6'11" but more the size of a guard at 6'7" or so he wouldn't even be up here. As was stated repeatedly in the video, he is barely a plus defender. At his height with his reach, he should be All NBA defense. But he's not. Why? Only he can answer that.

[@cottonmather8146]

@@russellpo7758 Shooters don't just grow out of trees, and the idea that every team needs at least 3 shooters on the floor is something that the Spurs and Warriors revolutionized. OKC was BUILT against the Warriors. Athletic bigs, Westbrook, and KD all got that 3-1 lead over the Warriors for a reason. It took Klay Thompson going nuclear, and both Westbrook and KD choking in game 6 to lose that series. Otherwise, they might have had a ring.

[@nonutemperor]

6"11 with althleticism, handles of a guard and literally can create shots whenever he wants. Defensively, he's also great able to guard all positions. Yes he is one of the most complete scorer in basketball history

[@bigbrotherallstars43]

Durant officially stands at 6'10.5" without shoes!

[@exiledknight3961]

Nope 6'9.5 " www.si.com/nba/2019/10/18/kevin-durant-height

[@joshjohnson3867]

@@exiledknight3961 Have you seen him next to Demarcus Cousins? Or even Lebron?

[@exiledknight3961]

​@@joshjohnson3867 Yes man , all their heights were reduced by official measurements. Like how are you arguing official NBA measurements ?

[@jjarvo1245]

@@exiledknight3961 6”9.5 with shoes is 6”11😂 so who really cares

[@joshjohnson3867]

@@exiledknight3961 Once again your are wrong his height got officially changed by the NBA to 6’10 without shoes. Nice try tho. www.google.com/amp/s/crownhoops.com/2019/10/08/complete-list-of-nba-player-height-changes-and-updates/amp/

[@aidangibbons4131]

KD and Steph were the best duo in NBA history at their peak.

[@hesiiii]

only shaq and kobe compare

[@Vyuel]

jordan and scottie, Kareem and magic, kobe and shaq were all much greater, hard to say they were the best duo if without KD at all, they go 73-9 lmao...

[@aidangibbons4131]

@@Vyuel those were good, but scottie isn't very close to either prime KD/Steph, and Kareem wasn't in his prime with magic. Shaq and Kobe is definitely a close one though

[@danebeaulieu6411]

Not the same series, but would love to see you analyze Ben Wallace's impact. He's up for HOF again, but the analytics don't have him as an all-timer but he's a 4x DOP and all the ex-players talk about how much an impact he had. Kind of a polarizing figure in that sense plus he's like 6'8 playing center. Definition of an anomaly

[@calebgilbert4382]

Next greatest peaks episode is gonna be "Klay thompson, 5/28/16"

[@jlui21]

- greatest Robin? nope. Greatest shooting robin? yup.

[@autumnleaf2976]

If talking about greatest single game peaks, he's top 5 all time, easy.

[@calebgilbert4382]

@@autumnleaf2976 For sure. He's also got 60 points on 11 dribbles in three quarters on his resume, as well as 37 in a quarter. Those should be up there as well.

[@colingremse9069]

greatest single game multi-peaks confirmed. LoL get well soon

[@petersonofleo11]

Klay is like that stoner guy in class that you know he is really smart but he gets distracted by random stuff but once he decides to focus he is the smartest guy in class.

[@parangjothic5737]

"Slithery enough to catch off the screen". I see what you did there 😉

[@KByrd80]

I was Looking For this Comment 😁😆😆

[@dusk6159]

The spacey snake!

[@JoshOlawale]

I've always seen Kevin as the greatest scorer ever but found it weird that he struggled to generate more shots. This clears a lot of it up. Kevin really relies a lot on a creative playmaker. He's a great ceiling raiser but may not raise the floor as high as a James Harden for example.

[@steveno7058]

The dude is 7 feet. Expecting him to be point guard is pretty silly. Its like expecting Shaq to play PG and create his own shot. As long as KD was paired with a decent PG he could easily create his own shots.

[@StefanoFalchi99]

@@steveno7058 well, James is 6'9" (nice) and he is a brilliant playmaker.

[@asaarnold8751]

That Kevin Spacey joke was both the best thing I’ve heard all day and the worst thing I’ve heard all day

[@Riccardopelle98]

I can just imagine the amount of work you put for this series, amazing job Ben! 🏀♥

[@AllucB]

Please stop teasing and just do a breakdown of the goat himself: Brian Scalabrine

[@Bankai2169]

It'll be a year-long video

[@marquisdaniels8371]

Video would be way too long! KZbin doesn’t allow uploads to use that many Terabytes!

[@diatribeeverything]

Idk who can possibly respect a guy who joined the team that eliminated him after he checked a 3-1 lead. Draymond said it best "we didn't need you bitch." Then KD had to go and say some dumb bitch shit, after inevitably beating the cavs, about the torch being passed. Lmao, ok KD... Sure

[@drehasthebestbeats2874]

@@diatribeeverything Where the fuck did that even come from?

[@lachlanobrien7401]

@@drehasthebestbeats2874 he's still upset because he's either a LeBron fan or an OKC fan who still hasn't recovered.

[@ggyougotmetoreply]

This series has been so amazing so far. Thanks for all the work you put in for this!

[@Blkslvr18]

This might be the greatest series I've ever seen from a youtuber... Such great insight and knowledge.

[@jaiden8102]

Been waiting for this one. One of my favorite players to ever touch a basketball.

[@eliasdejene2779]

Yo Ben I'm really excited to watch this video; KD is actually my favorite player and I'm pumped you did a video on him. Thanks so much man

[@mve5758]

I started watching basketball, because I saw him play (on tv) in an international tournament once. Still my favorite basketball player to this date.

[@chambeet]

Cat can ball.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Absolutely riveting series. Thank you so much🏀

[@jamesmontgomery1930]

YES! MOAR VIDS PLZ! whoever you want to cover, how ever long you want to take on the vid. I'll be here, im ready! THE GREATEST PEAKS BABEEE!

[@louis2927]

i feel like dirk deserves a video. Your vids are amazing!

[@swpdisciple]

I love how this series shadow-references Lebron and Bird and how all episodes fit together if you know what to listen for. Excellent, scientific analysis and super entertaining.

[@AbsentCircle]

Great Series Keep it up Bro!

[@Mozzermarr10]

Really good series. Thanks for this.

[@mudyez]

Really would love to see this series expanded. Isiah, Erving, Barkley, Malone, Nowitzki, Nash and Pippen come to mind. Maybe Steph and Stockton also would be very interesting.

[@Fooglegod]

This series is amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@notatrueroute]

20:30 "offensive linemen" lol

[@sergeyegiyan9577]

Amazing content, enjoyed every second Though I feel the part about Durant's passing focused too much on how he's still not a traditional playmaker level passer and a bit less on how he managed to add passing to his arsenal and make his game more deadly. Because he was a great scorer already in his 2nd season and the main difference offensively between young & developing KD and established KD that won MVP and Finals MVPs was his ability to share the ball properly. His first 5 seasons he averaged just 2.8 assists per game with 3.1 turnovers, finishing with less assists than turnovers in every season. That made him predictable and more guardable as he is now because you knew that if you make him the primary ballhandler and put a lot pressure on, he's going to take bad shots or lose the ball rather than finding an open men and using that extra pressure on himself to create easier shots for his partners. From his MVP season he averaged 5.3 assists per game with the same 3.1 turnovers per game making him better prepared for those situations and just a better team player integrated into overall ball movement and style. From that moment of time he became top-1/top-2 NBA player. I just feel like that was a huge transformation and was not appreciated enough

[@sarveshdeshmukh3310]

I wonder if kawhi will be mentioned in this series. I mean he's been historically great at improving his numbers in the playoffs, plus he has great scoring and defense. He's also added some playmaking since toronto

[@geordiejones5618]

Kawhi is a pretty unique NBA story. 2017 you could argue he was MVP and maybe even this year in 23/24, but his health issues and identity as a defensive first guy kinda precluded him from the buzz he needed in 16/17 to generate MVP noise over Steph, LeBron and KD. Russ never should have won in 2017, yeah he was on fire but I think Kawhi was the best player on one of the best teams, and that they would have upset the Warriors sans Zaza's bullshit. Spurs-Cavs would have been a six or seven game slugfest between peak Kawhi and peak LeBron.

[@ryuk3950]

As a football(soccer) fan I'm thoroughly impressed that you mentioned Lionel Messi.

[@diegocarvajalcastro]

Its not the first football reference in this channel

[@padraigdoyle9262]

the true GOAT

[@obed8960]

@@diegocarvajalcastro I remember him likening Siakam to Mbappe too lmao

[@diegocarvajalcastro]

@@obed8960 and comparing Hakeem to a golie or Giannis to a football Sweeper (the most impressive reference for me)

[@Thomas-dl4cb]

Do you guys know anything like thinking basketball for football? I love this kinda thing but I can't find anything close to Ben's quality.

[@philiph616]

Great video as always! So excited for the Stephen Curry one. You’ve given us all some great entertainment and made us better students of the game :D

[@bobbysbluebooster]

This makes my Monday morning. Ty sir :)

[@timbowerman779]

Love this series please keep dropping these videos

[@d-goat3heatnation633]

Only one left sadly but it’ll be MVP Steph

[@itssecret.722]

It's easier to score when you have five Allstars and 2 mvp....noted.... makes sense to me.

[@tg2112]

I love this series Keep it up !!!....🙏🏼

[@othotheartist7688]

Been waiting for this one 💯

[@kierankobaissi2396]

alright where's kd's burner account comments at lemme see

[@haydenmellsop2270]

Just becuz he was caught out once dosent mean he's comentinng on everything. He's very loyal btw - Devin Kurant

[@kierankobaissi2396]

@@haydenmellsop2270 kd... that you??

[@haydenmellsop2270]

@@kierankobaissi2396 ay... shit.... who said what?

[@bradlylawson6923]

Durant also has some of the best nicknames to date: Durantula, Slim Reaper...

[@demolisherOfMoney]

And snake, burner, etc lol

[@Christopher._M]

@@demolisherOfMoney hahahaha

[@Christopher._M]

No one uses them anymore. But they were good.

[@mantassbakas]

This intro is so epic, gives me chills every time

[@kalginage]

I could watch these on every player in the league and never get bored

[@n_a8917]

Bro, the fact that this content is free is absurd. Well done.

[@jimbix8517]

LETS GOOO NEW GREATEST PEAKS

[@nickdamas2164]

I've been watching basketball a LONG time. Since the days of Magic and Bird... There has NEVER been anyone like KD. UNBELIEVABLE basketball player. People gotta enjoy him while hes playing, AND give that brother his flowers.

[@milesmungin2754]

Such an under appreciated channel

[@qdgamer7183]

Please do 1 for harden. I'd love your view and assessment. Maybe be even a great video after this playoffs for an in depth assessment of him before and after Houston. It would help us understand his game much better overall. Once again thank you for the great content

[@leothetang]

This is my fav series of all time, i would love to see these analysis of other players that are not considered the "greatest" but still superstars such ass melo, patrick ewing, nash ... etc

[@Beyonder-rq2gx]

Yea dumb reference by narrator

[@theretrosavage]

Patrick ewing is a top 50 player

[@leothetang]

@@theretrosavage i agree but he not one of the goats, he a superstar fr thoguh

[@theretrosavage]

@@leothetang he had offense and defense though...melo and nash couldn't play defense if someone placed a 12 gauge to their temple

[@leothetang]

@@theretrosavage i nvr said he is worse than melo and nash, i want this series to included players like ewing and such cause this series only has the goat

[@JP-jd8wr]

Spot on analysis!

[@Bruhbruhmcgee]

Great videos man these help me out so much, could you do a video on Nash or another great recently modern point guard because I noticed the only other point guard you have done a video on is Magic. Keep up the great content and god bless 🙏

[@MrTeaveee]

Love these vids so much, and would love to see in-depth analysis, even a similar series, on the greatest WNBA players! Keep up the great work 🙌🏻

[@swpdisciple]

I’d like that too!

[@Smiththebat]

Durant’s listed height is the biggest joke since Boogie Cousins.

[@acgeewhiz]

For real, lol. Any side by side with other tall players put that joke about him only being 6’9” in the spotlight.

[@zacwoods]

Russell Westbrook’s is wrong too. Westbrook is AT LEAST 6’5 but he’s listed at 6’3. When Westbrook and Harden are side by side Westbrook is the same height if not a bit taller

[@TroyBrownTV]

This is the best comprehensive punlic breakdown series probably of any league and amy sport

[@magicmagic8188]

3:18 “he was slithery enough” 😭

[@Shosei_iw]

13:05 that speech bubble tho

[@ShooterSanoff]

The best per scorer I have ever seen in person and I saw Kobe when he came to town and LBJ his whole career but at 7ft and can score from anywhere at anytime is amazing still, he was a walking bucket

[@t4d0W]

@@GameChanger-xi4iy Which is funny because he gets memed for the 'hardest road' thing. But ideally Durant's high level basketball is unlocked with another super star offensive playmaker playing alongside him.

[@steveno7058]

@@GameChanger-xi4iy KD didn’t need anyone to create for him when he nailed both dagger 3’s over Lebron in the 17 and 18 finals. It isn’t a negative that KD plays better with a PG. The dude is 7 feet. You really expect him to be the PG? Its like saying a negative in Currys game is his shot blocking. KD is a wing, not a PG.

[@JonnyLin7]

You should do a 1 episode briefly covering each of the honorable mentions for greatest primes. I'm thinking Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard would be my contenders for greatest primes honorable mentions.

[@jahdaijackson4755]

Great vid and a lot of detail. It would be interesting to see and point out the differences in Kyrie’s and Harden’s playmaking and scoring skills.

[@zbt62]

streets been waiting for this one

[@moneymitch100]

You may have to make another one 😂😂😂😂

[@splashnskillz37]

GSW legit tamed KD like a horse, crazy btw i hope you do a part II with his Nets years when he's done

[@nickolasbarnes4430]

Literally came to KZbin to look for a video like this and it was the first thing when the app opened.

[@ryansquizzles6562]

Yo Ben. Will the original efficiency monster (Charles Barkley) be included in this series? If not, might be worth doing an additional series of the gaps that were missing in would-be greats. Or maybe regular season monsters, post-season game-planned out players? P.s. Spacey inclusion 10/10

[@riancarlson7924]

I know it wouldn’t happen but I’d love to see a greatest peak on linsanity for the memes plus it would low key kinda fit

[@KByrd80]

This Is The Best Series On KZbin.. Bar None . 💯💯💯

[@n813productions2]

I really love your videos! Here's some criticism: I almost missed this awesome content because I didnt click it because the thumbnail didnt attract me. I passed this vid a couple of times in my subscription box and ignored it subconsciously then when I realized it was Thinking Basketball's video, I clicked immediately because I know you have good content. For new vieweres though, they probably wouldn't find you easily. I know your theme in your thumbnails are consistent but changing it up a bit might help you reach wider audiences. Anyway, keep making quality content! ❤️ Good luck!!

[@rome8180]

I know the LeBron and Durant episodes have been about previous seasons, but I still think it's a weird choice to use the past tense when talking about them. Not only are they still playing, but many of the elements you mention are still very much aspects of their game.

[@randomcat5262]

about the point that Durant functions way better with a star PG then without: that's why the Nets will be very good for they have not 1 but 2 star guards

[@Van_ax]

It’s not true though....KD functions just as good without a point guard

[@scordatura9259]

@@Van_ax ok

[@billybob3672]

@@Van_ax Yea he has greatly improved as a playmaker and has plays PG whenever Russ or Steph aint play,, its just OKC had terrible spacing and no real role player they had were that good offensively at all so without them KD would be heavily trapped/double. Driving lanes were just heavily clogged and that happen sometimes even with Russ.

[@ezraprzytyk]

Two of the top 5 PGs in the league 😳 (harden, Curry, Dame, Luka, Kyrie)

[@ezraprzytyk]

@@Van_ax did you not watch the video? There was clear evidence it's not debatable and I'm a KD fan. He's still amazing without but with one he's arguably the best in the world

[@bchen0709]

THANK YOU FOR USING THE SLIM REAPER MONIKER. KD never liked it but I think it's one of the best, least used nicknames of all time.

[@imranhanafi9716]

People been giving KD so much flaks so leaving OKC, but damn OKC putting Andre Roberson and Russel Westbrook on the same line up is downright criminal of spacing abuse

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Nice to see an honest breakdown of KD. When people say he is the greatest scorer ever they really need to qualify what they mean. If you take that to mean iso scorer he's probably not even top 10. But as a flow scorer in an offence, maybe as the primary scoring option behind pass first PG he may very well be the best ever, his catch and shoot game is so OP it should be banned.

[@t4d0W]

With how the rules have changed over the course of decades, being the 'best' scoring in the NBA requires granularity on what makes up that component. That said KD in this modern era is one of the elite ISO scorers especially his GSW run. But stacked against the legends and he probably will be ranked lower against guys who are triple threat masters who had the physical gifts, great length and size but also explosive first steps.

[@williamjackson5421]

This is BS his MVP season leading the league in every advance stat per bpm vorp WS WS/48 came with Westbrook hurt. Elgee is a known Curry guy.

[@steveno7058]

BS. Wheres your proof KD isn’t a great iso scorer.

[@pau6762]

Haven’t watched yet, but I assume Curry is next. I wonder how close guys like Giannis and Harden were? Who were some of your hardest cuts?

[@bobbypayne9843]

He said wade was one of his hardest cuts

[@mve5758]

Giannis is still young. Might get a video in a couple of years.

[@bigfella1612]

what's giannis' peak? his 24 and 25 year old seasons? that doesn't seem right.

[@allan9095]

Giannis is like 25 years old or something, his peak likely hasn't happened yet.

[@sophtkid1014]

Wade was really close, Ben had already started a video

[@Oskar1000]

Can you do one on Kevin McHale? He only had how killer seasons but his combination of efficiency and proficiency is statistically one of the best ever. Also, super cool to be the originator of the term 'torture chamber'

[@dayofayanju9021]

Durants' offense is a thing of beauty

[@landlocked_lifts332]

Legitimately underrated defender; it would be appreciated more if not for his other worldly scoring

[@TheDarkChemicalBond]

He's barely a plus defender. Did you watch the video?

[@steveno7058]

@@TheDarkChemicalBond so the video covers his entire career? BS. Plus players who have to carry the offense can’t be playing elite defense the entire game. KD is a monster in a swiching defense where he can guard 1 to 5

[@abdeenabdul7803]

kevin durant,micheal jordan and kawhi leonard make basketball look so easy such efficient scorers who dont need only physicality to beat pkayers because they are so smooth.Lebron is great also but is game is not as appealing like durant,mj and kawhi.super smooth operators who make basketball seem effortless

[@jaobille79]

Kawhi and KD are uber efficient scorers

[@cristiandelvillar3121]

Love the channel and the series, would love it if you did Oscar Robertson too. Either way, these videos are amazing.

[@ashwincheekala1566]

Now that u finishing ur greatest peak series. U think u could do a greatest/biggest what if players in nba history(Sabonis GHill hardaway bias Walton etc) for historical perspective and learning about their game before injury.

[@kiranm1166]

KD in 2014: Honestly, I think I can score better than anybody Harden sitting next to him: and I took that personally...

[@darkswaggboss9059]

? Harden scan score better than him tho lol harden shoots more shots more fts and is less efficient

[@TheMissinLink]

@@darkswaggboss9059 He’s been nearly as efficient as KD for the past few seasons and that is with nearly all of his offense being created by himself. They’re entirely different scorers but very comparable volume/efficiency wise.

[@NM-ev7pu]

@@TheMissinLink KD is more versatile than Harden and has delivered in the playoffs.

[@ajdaking507]

@@TheMissinLink that's primarily because harden shoots more 3s and fts than kd does, even though he's a few percentage points worse in both categories. Also, almost half of kd's shot attempts are from mid-range where he shoots about 50%, which is better than every single player in the league over the last 7 seasons, obviously harden included. I'm bringing up the difference in their shooting tendencies to make this point. kd shoots on average better than harden does from every single spot on the floor, but because harden shoots more 3s and fts than kd does on average, his ts% is greatly boosted.

[@TheMissinLink]

@@ajdaking507 I understand that. That doesn’t change the fact on a per true shot basis he’s just as efficient as KD. And like i said harden is creating almost all of his own offense which usually drives efficiency way down but that’s not the case when it comes to him which makes it even more impressive. KD is 100% the more versatile, resilient scorer but that wasn’t my point.

[@tobiaschaparro2372]

"That's usually some smothered chicken by Duncan" Bro what does that even meeaaaaaan

[@immafatazn]

lol i had to play it back to make sure i heard him correctly

[@tokenblack7983]

You young kids. Danny ainge said that all the time doing games on tnt in the 00s Shot blocking

[@t4d0W]

Zoomers gon struggle getting through these cool catch phrases from the day.

[@tokenblack7983]

@ shaq says that all the time🤣

[@tokenblack7983]

@ perfectly explained

[@toxicmustardwasabi]

the one I was waiting for. GOAT scorer.

[@racuz8]

This should be required viewing for NBA Twitter

[@commanderjoj6426]

One of the great questions in NBA history: What if the Thunder had decided to give James Harden a max deal instead of dealing him?

[@Isaac_Essa]

Man I’m so hyped for the curry episode

[@MrJh0vi]

Finally steph's video is next 🔥🔥🔥

[@llleeolly1717]

Hey Ben know you’re probably super busy but would love to see an update on your 2way hierarchy method from episode 66 of the podcast would love to see that model be implemented in the world of player projection and analysis

[@mentalgame5608]

Kevin Durant is a hybrid of T-Mac & Dirk……Ball handling like T-Mac with Dirk efficiency shooting. All time Great….arguably top 10 ever.

[@_Gwuapo]

Yousirrr are speaking facts 🙏🏼

[@ron88303]

You can make a good case for it.

[@LxyD]

Series suggestion: "What if" covering the NBA's great athletes who are weighed down on the past injuries. like Brandon Roy, T-Mac etc.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

He already did Walton

[@lars2675]

Gonna have to make another one soon with the way kd has been playing since his achilles return

[@Rippie92]

Can you do a video on Dirk Nowitzki Ben? I feel he gets underrated a lot these days since his scoring volume doesn't match elite scorers of the modern era but there's something to be said about the guy featured in a lot of all-time great offenses. Who's also one of the best playoff scorers ever. Who, while not being defensively great, was still good enough to be hidden within Carlisle's system and boasted strong defenses as long as he had a defensive anchor at the 5 next to him. Quick hands to grab steals. Good defensive rebounder, prolonged prime and an impactful player 18 seasons deep into his career. As deadly as MJ from the midrange while being 7foot tall. 7 foot guy who was REALLY quick in his athletic prime and had a deadly first step against other big men for his era. Idk I just feel Dirk scales better than most guys considered above him in all-time rankings because they also were good defenders. Dirk was just so much better on offense and one of the best floor spacers and raisers ever. Would love to see an in-depth video about him, I know you did a lot of research for Dirk on your podcast but having a thorough video that connects all the dots would be so cool.