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

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Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
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

Пікірлер: 1 700

  • @isiahsarne8505
    @isiahsarne85053 жыл бұрын

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

  • @broccolihighkicks708

    @broccolihighkicks708

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @mve5758

    @mve5758

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Mdautkreix

    @Mdautkreix

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @arthurdiserbeau1736

    @arthurdiserbeau1736

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @Nuthinnull

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@arthurdiserbeau1736 best fit is Curry Jordan Bird Garnett Shaq

  • @gyeongchankim5423
    @gyeongchankim54233 жыл бұрын

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

  • @johnsmith1474

    @johnsmith1474

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @eboy4216

    @eboy4216

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@johnsmith1474 how is it sad?

  • @diatribeeverything

    @diatribeeverything

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @NM-ev7pu

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @anthonychang2298

    @anthonychang2298

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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
    @MrDavid43013 жыл бұрын

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

  • @colemanmurray2762

    @colemanmurray2762

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @sambalaskas5082

    @sambalaskas5082

    3 жыл бұрын

    @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

    @LilShrooms

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @sambalaskas5082

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @sambalaskas5082

    3 жыл бұрын

    @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
    @gabrielwinston94263 жыл бұрын

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

  • @robertbowen5457

    @robertbowen5457

    3 жыл бұрын

    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 kzread.info/dash/bejne/o2eLqZN7ppjHcqg.html 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

    @mashwork6615

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@robertbowen5457 T-Mac was the KD pre cursor

  • @swpdisciple

    @swpdisciple

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @BladeintheBrain
    @BladeintheBrain3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @silverfox389

    @silverfox389

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @mintesinotsturm388

    @mintesinotsturm388

    3 жыл бұрын

    Kevin Spacey is a person I’m pretty sure

  • @swpdisciple

    @swpdisciple

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@mintesinotsturm388 correct

  • @fabianperspectv

    @fabianperspectv

    3 жыл бұрын

    🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️

  • @pedromdcc13

    @pedromdcc13

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@silverfox389 I see you, you maniac

  • @arp_909
    @arp_9093 жыл бұрын

    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

    @jengonzales502

    3 жыл бұрын

    💕💕💕

  • @thedarkfrost2351

    @thedarkfrost2351

    7 ай бұрын

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

  • @QueGee774

    @QueGee774

    6 ай бұрын

    @@thedarkfrost2351we don’t know KD the person smh

  • @xViolentDeathx
    @xViolentDeathx3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @jeffreyt4345

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @SuperJamal1996

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @orange_cat

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @kylerfite9323

    @kylerfite9323

    8 ай бұрын

    Finally I found someone who thinks the same as me lol

  • @adrianmaliackel2651
    @adrianmaliackel26513 жыл бұрын

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

  • @eduardoalegre9075

    @eduardoalegre9075

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @chambeet

    @chambeet

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @NM-ev7pu

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @theretrosavage

    3 жыл бұрын

    Durant could easily average 40 a game if he wanted

  • @oupentertainment

    @oupentertainment

    2 жыл бұрын

    Beat scorer of all time IMO

  • @austinrawlins
    @austinrawlins3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @johnsmith1474

    @johnsmith1474

    3 жыл бұрын

    Simpleton?

  • @chanendlerbong
    @chanendlerbong3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @armandtonga4501

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed, great idea

  • @ratedpending

    @ratedpending

    3 жыл бұрын

    100%

  • @wallstreetzoomer

    @wallstreetzoomer

    3 жыл бұрын

    The best point guard of all-time.

  • @Goldengamer444

    @Goldengamer444

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@wallstreetzoomer MJ better but steph better then Stockton

  • @jackpeyton1894

    @jackpeyton1894

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Goldengamer444 stockton isnt top 5

  • @floijd
    @floijd3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @gt8mar

    @gt8mar

    3 жыл бұрын

    I was just gonna comment this lol

  • @12gark

    @12gark

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @tokenblack7983

    @tokenblack7983

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @allenxavier6073

    @allenxavier6073

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @t4d0W

    @t4d0W

    3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @gabrieltierrafria9740
    @gabrieltierrafria9740 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @caleb_lane
    @caleb_lane3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Cyrusislikeawsome

    @Cyrusislikeawsome

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Cyrusislikeawsome

    @Cyrusislikeawsome

    3 жыл бұрын

    But would be a good future vid for sure

  • @vanhoot2234

    @vanhoot2234

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @caleb_lane

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@vanhoot2234 I never asked for a greatest peaks episode

  • @caleb_lane

    @caleb_lane

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Cyrusislikeawsome I never said I wanted his peak

  • @chungusbudungus4062
    @chungusbudungus40623 жыл бұрын

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

  • @dusk6159

    @dusk6159

    3 жыл бұрын

    And it's not even close with the rest.

  • @russellpo7758

    @russellpo7758

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @Van_ax

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @TheDarkChemicalBond

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @cottonmather8146

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @Alphasports576
    @Alphasports5762 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @nonutemperor
    @nonutemperor3 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @aidangibbons4131
    @aidangibbons41312 жыл бұрын

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

  • @hesiiii

    @hesiiii

    10 ай бұрын

    only shaq and kobe compare

  • @Vyuel

    @Vyuel

    10 ай бұрын

    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

    @aidangibbons4131

    10 ай бұрын

    @@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

  • @Riccardopelle98
    @Riccardopelle983 жыл бұрын

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

  • @catherinelynnfraser2001
    @catherinelynnfraser20013 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely riveting series. Thank you so much🏀

  • @parangjothic5737
    @parangjothic57373 жыл бұрын

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

  • @KByrd80

    @KByrd80

    3 жыл бұрын

    I was Looking For this Comment 😁😆😆

  • @dusk6159

    @dusk6159

    3 жыл бұрын

    The spacey snake!

  • @danebeaulieu6411
    @danebeaulieu64113 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @bigbrotherallstars43
    @bigbrotherallstars433 жыл бұрын

    Durant officially stands at 6'10.5" without shoes!

  • @exiledknight3961

    @exiledknight3961

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @joshjohnson3867

    @joshjohnson3867

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @exiledknight3961

    @exiledknight3961

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jjarvo1245

    @jjarvo1245

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @joshjohnson3867

    @joshjohnson3867

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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/

  • @Blkslvr18
    @Blkslvr183 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ggyougotmetoreply
    @ggyougotmetoreply3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @JoshOlawale
    @JoshOlawale3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @steveno7058

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @StefanoFalchi99

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @darrellludlow
    @darrellludlow3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jaiden8102
    @jaiden81023 жыл бұрын

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

  • @AbsentCircle
    @AbsentCircle3 жыл бұрын

    Great Series Keep it up Bro!

  • @eliasdejene2779
    @eliasdejene27793 жыл бұрын

    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

    @mve5758

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @chambeet

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cat can ball.

  • @Fooglegod
    @Fooglegod3 жыл бұрын

    This series is amazing. Keep up the good work!

  • @philiph616
    @philiph6163 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @louis2927
    @louis29273 жыл бұрын

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

  • @timbowerman779
    @timbowerman7793 жыл бұрын

    Love this series please keep dropping these videos

  • @d-goat3heatnation633

    @d-goat3heatnation633

    3 жыл бұрын

    Only one left sadly but it’ll be MVP Steph

  • @calebgilbert4382
    @calebgilbert43823 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jlui21

    @jlui21

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @autumnleaf2976

    @autumnleaf2976

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @calebgilbert4382

    @calebgilbert4382

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @colingremse9069

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @petersonofleo11

    @petersonofleo11

    2 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Mozzermarr10
    @Mozzermarr103 жыл бұрын

    Really good series. Thanks for this.

  • @swpdisciple
    @swpdisciple3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @mudyez
    @mudyez3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jimbix8517
    @jimbix85173 жыл бұрын

    LETS GOOO NEW GREATEST PEAKS

  • @jamesmontgomery1930
    @jamesmontgomery19303 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @bobbysbluebooster
    @bobbysbluebooster3 жыл бұрын

    This makes my Monday morning. Ty sir :)

  • @asaarnold8751
    @asaarnold87513 жыл бұрын

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

  • @sergeyegiyan9577
    @sergeyegiyan95773 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @othotheartist7688
    @othotheartist76883 жыл бұрын

    Been waiting for this one 💯

  • @tg2112
    @tg21123 жыл бұрын

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

  • @AllucB
    @AllucB3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Bankai2169

    @Bankai2169

    3 жыл бұрын

    It'll be a year-long video

  • @marquisdaniels8371

    @marquisdaniels8371

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @diatribeeverything

    @diatribeeverything

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @drehasthebestbeats2874

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @lachlanobrien7401

    @lachlanobrien7401

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ryuk3950
    @ryuk39503 жыл бұрын

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

  • @diegocarvajalcastro

    @diegocarvajalcastro

    3 жыл бұрын

    Its not the first football reference in this channel

  • @padraigdoyle9262

    @padraigdoyle9262

    3 жыл бұрын

    the true GOAT

  • @obed8960

    @obed8960

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @diegocarvajalcastro

    @diegocarvajalcastro

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Thomas-dl4cb

    @Thomas-dl4cb

    3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @mantassbakas
    @mantassbakas3 жыл бұрын

    This intro is so epic, gives me chills every time

  • @Bruhbruhmcgee
    @Bruhbruhmcgee3 жыл бұрын

    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 🙏

  • @sarveshdeshmukh3310
    @sarveshdeshmukh33103 жыл бұрын

    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

    @geordiejones5618

    5 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @MrTeaveee
    @MrTeaveee3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @swpdisciple

    3 жыл бұрын

    I’d like that too!

  • @leothetang
    @leothetang3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @Beyonder-rq2gx

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yea dumb reference by narrator

  • @theretrosavage

    @theretrosavage

    3 жыл бұрын

    Patrick ewing is a top 50 player

  • @leothetang

    @leothetang

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @theretrosavage

    @theretrosavage

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @leothetang

    @leothetang

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

  • @zbt62
    @zbt623 жыл бұрын

    streets been waiting for this one

  • @n_a8917
    @n_a89173 жыл бұрын

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

  • @qdgamer7183
    @qdgamer71833 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @kalginage
    @kalginage3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @milesmungin2754
    @milesmungin27543 жыл бұрын

    Such an under appreciated channel

  • @kierankobaissi2396
    @kierankobaissi23963 жыл бұрын

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

  • @haydenmellsop2270

    @haydenmellsop2270

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @kierankobaissi2396

    @kierankobaissi2396

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@haydenmellsop2270 kd... that you??

  • @haydenmellsop2270

    @haydenmellsop2270

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ryansquizzles6562
    @ryansquizzles65623 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @nickdamas2164
    @nickdamas21642 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @TroyBrownTV
    @TroyBrownTV3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @notatrueroute
    @notatrueroute3 жыл бұрын

    20:30 "offensive linemen" lol

  • @itssecret.722
    @itssecret.7222 жыл бұрын

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

  • @JonnyLin7
    @JonnyLin73 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @JP-jd8wr
    @JP-jd8wr3 жыл бұрын

    Spot on analysis!

  • @bradlylawson6923
    @bradlylawson69233 жыл бұрын

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

  • @demolisherOfMoney

    @demolisherOfMoney

    3 жыл бұрын

    And snake, burner, etc lol

  • @Christopher._M

    @Christopher._M

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@demolisherOfMoney hahahaha

  • @Christopher._M

    @Christopher._M

    2 жыл бұрын

    No one uses them anymore. But they were good.

  • @riancarlson7924
    @riancarlson79243 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @jahdaijackson4755
    @jahdaijackson47553 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @KByrd80
    @KByrd803 жыл бұрын

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

  • @pau6762
    @pau67623 жыл бұрын

    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

    @bobbypayne9843

    3 жыл бұрын

    He said wade was one of his hardest cuts

  • @mve5758

    @mve5758

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @bigfella1612

    @bigfella1612

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @allan9095

    @allan9095

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @sophtkid1014

    @sophtkid1014

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wade was really close, Ben had already started a video

  • @ShooterSanoff
    @ShooterSanoff3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @t4d0W

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @steveno7058

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @n813productions2
    @n813productions23 жыл бұрын

    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!!

  • @cristiandelvillar3121
    @cristiandelvillar31213 жыл бұрын

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

  • @rome8180
    @rome81803 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Smiththebat
    @Smiththebat3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @acgeewhiz

    @acgeewhiz

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @zacwoods

    @zacwoods

    2 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @Rippie92
    @Rippie923 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @toxicmustardwasabi
    @toxicmustardwasabi3 жыл бұрын

    the one I was waiting for. GOAT scorer.

  • @ImBarryScottCSS
    @ImBarryScottCSS3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @t4d0W

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @williamjackson5421

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @steveno7058

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Shosei_iw
    @Shosei_iw3 жыл бұрын

    13:05 that speech bubble tho

  • @bchen0709
    @bchen07093 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Oskar1000
    @Oskar10003 жыл бұрын

    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'

  • @moneymitch100
    @moneymitch1002 жыл бұрын

    You may have to make another one 😂😂😂😂

  • @randomcat5262
    @randomcat52623 жыл бұрын

    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

    @Van_ax

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @scordatura9259

    @scordatura9259

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Van_ax ok

  • @billybob3672

    @billybob3672

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @ezraprzytyk

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ezraprzytyk

    @ezraprzytyk

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

  • @splashnskillz37
    @splashnskillz373 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ashwincheekala1566
    @ashwincheekala15663 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @abdeenabdul7803
    @abdeenabdul7803 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @jaobille79

    3 ай бұрын

    Kawhi and KD are uber efficient scorers

  • @commanderjoj6426
    @commanderjoj6426 Жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @MrJh0vi
    @MrJh0vi3 жыл бұрын

    Finally steph's video is next 🔥🔥🔥

  • @noahcunningham3166
    @noahcunningham31663 жыл бұрын

    Best Series on YT

  • @kiranm1166
    @kiranm11663 жыл бұрын

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

  • @darkswaggboss9059

    @darkswaggboss9059

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @TheMissinLink

    @TheMissinLink

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @NM-ev7pu

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ajdaking507

    @ajdaking507

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @TheMissinLink

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @Isaac_Essa
    @Isaac_Essa3 жыл бұрын

    Man I’m so hyped for the curry episode

  • @racuz8
    @racuz83 жыл бұрын

    This should be required viewing for NBA Twitter

  • @llleeolly1717
    @llleeolly17173 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @landlocked_lifts332
    @landlocked_lifts3323 жыл бұрын

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

  • @TheDarkChemicalBond

    @TheDarkChemicalBond

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @steveno7058

    @steveno7058

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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

  • @michaeldillman1660
    @michaeldillman16603 жыл бұрын

    You should do a video on the Utah Jazz! They're leading the league with an interesting style of basketball that I think your analysis is worthy of.

  • @nickolasbarnes4430
    @nickolasbarnes44303 жыл бұрын

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

  • @dayofayanju9021
    @dayofayanju9021 Жыл бұрын

    Durants' offense is a thing of beauty

  • @LxyD
    @LxyD3 жыл бұрын

    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

    @JulioLeonFandinho

    3 жыл бұрын

    He already did Walton

  • @mentalgame5608
    @mentalgame56087 ай бұрын

    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

    @_Gwuapo

    2 ай бұрын

    Yousirrr are speaking facts 🙏🏼

  • @ron88303

    @ron88303

    Ай бұрын

    You can make a good case for it.

  • @broccolihighkicks708
    @broccolihighkicks7083 жыл бұрын

    Maybe in the off-season you could revisit this series and do videos on some of the others players that didn’t make the cut. Jerry West, Dr. J, Dirk, Chris Paul, Harden, Westbrook. This is a fantastic series and I would love to see more!

  • @NewAgeSlaves

    @NewAgeSlaves

    3 жыл бұрын

    Jerry west and Dr j 👀

  • @CoachMarcus92
    @CoachMarcus923 жыл бұрын

    Best series!

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