kevin durant don't like speed

Vender Womder

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22-11-2024

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Kevin Durant: The Deliberate Demeanor of a Scoring Machine

Kevin Durant's game isn't defined by blinding speed. While possessing impressive athleticism, Durant's dominance stems from a different kind of agility – a calculated, deliberate approach that allows him to dissect defenses with precision rather than sheer pace. This isn't to say he lacks speed entirely, but his style contrasts sharply with the explosive, hyper-athletic styles of other NBA superstars. Let's explore why Durant's success hinges less on breakneck speed and more on a refined understanding of basketball's nuances.

The Myth of the "Slow" Superstar

Many mistakenly characterize Durant as slow. This perception likely stems from comparing him to players like Russell Westbrook or Ja Morant, whose games are built on breathtaking speed and athleticism. However, Durant's efficiency isn't hindered by a lack of quickness; it's informed by a different approach. His movements are fluid, deliberate, and deceptively fast. He uses subtle changes in pace to create separation, exploiting the slightest hesitation from defenders.

The Power of Precision over Pace

Durant’s game is characterized by:

• Lengthy strides: Rather than short, quick bursts, Durant uses long, controlled strides to cover the court efficiently. This allows him to maintain his balance while maintaining momentum.
• Calculated movements: His offensive movements are deliberate and often unpredictable. He uses subtle jukes and changes in direction, making him a nightmare to guard. He's not about overwhelming speed, but controlled, calculated movement.
• Exceptional footwork: Durant’s footwork is a masterful display of technique. He expertly utilizes pivots, step-backs, and crossovers, all executed with a remarkable level of control. This precision outweighs the need for explosive speed.
• Shot creation: His ability to create shots isn't solely dependent on sprinting past defenders. His size, skill, and masterful use of screens allow him to get open shots even without relying on raw speed.

Comparing Styles: Durant vs. Other Stars

Comparing Durant to other high-scoring wings highlights the contrast:

• LeBron James: While possessing exceptional speed and athleticism, LeBron's game is built on power and force, leveraging his physicality to create scoring opportunities.
• Kobe Bryant: Kobe was known for his explosive first step and his ability to quickly get to the basket. His style was more reliant on sudden bursts of speed than Durant's controlled movements.
• Michael Jordan: Similar to Kobe, Jordan's game featured incredible explosiveness and quickness, allowing him to dominate in transition and create separation with sudden bursts of speed.

While these players used speed as a key component of their scoring prowess, Durant's success is a testament to the power of skill, precision, and calculated movement.

The Advantage of Deliberation

Durant's deliberate style offers several advantages:

• Reduced risk of injury: The controlled nature of his game minimizes the risk of injuries associated with explosive movements.
• Improved efficiency: His precision allows him to maximize his scoring opportunities, resulting in higher efficiency.
• Improved decision-making: His controlled pace gives him more time to assess the defense and make the optimal decision.

In conclusion, while Kevin Durant isn't lacking in athleticism, his success isn't defined by breakneck speed. Instead, his mastery of the game relies on a calculated, deliberate approach that leverages his exceptional skill, precision, and court awareness. His style is a testament to the fact that dominance in basketball can be achieved through various means, and that deliberate movement can be just as effective – if not more so – than raw, explosive speed. He's a master craftsman, not a speed demon, and that's perfectly fine.