Chris Graythen/Getty Images via Zimbio
Yesterday, when I read Tommy Craggs’ column about Kevin Durant I kind of just thought, “Hmm, that’s an interesting take on it. I don’t really agree entirely, but still interesting.” And moved on. I didn’t think much of it.
But then a bunch of people started writing and giving thoughts on it, so here I am a day late about to give a few thoughts of my own. Try and contain your excitement.
It’s true – we don’t really know Kevin Durant. I’ve met him. I’ve talked to him. In all my encounters, nobody seems to more of the real deal than KD. There are countless stories about him out there illustrating how genuine and humble he is. Every media reporter or fan that’s ever talked to or met him has nothing but great things to say. But to Tommy Craggs point, I suppose we don’t really know Kevin Durant. We just know his image.
But then again, what about the other side? How dare anyone judge Ron Artest for being a crazy person or J.R. Smith for being a bad person or Terrell Owens for being a jerk? Since we don’t REALLY know, I guess we can’t say anything one way or the other. I kind of think this whole argument is a little circular. On the surface, we all agree KD is a humble, kind and great guy, plus a great basketball player. All of that is obvious if you follow him. Do I know what he’s doing at 2 a.m. on a Friday night? No, I guess not. But then again, your pastor could technically be getting high. Your moral Senator could be banging another man’s wife. You don’t REALLY know about anyone, so I think media and fans go by what we do know. LeBron appears to be a narcissistic, prideful person and Durant appears to be the opposite. Why can’t we just leave it at that?
The media tends to deify athletes. We all threw up in our mouths at the media idolization of Tim Tebow the past few years. He was painted as an angel and it made most of us sick. In the eyes of the media, Saint Timothy Tebow could do no wrong. Is that Tim Tebow’s fault? Should he not have gone on those mission trips or been such a good person in order to quell media attention? I fear KD might approach Tebow status this season with the current lovefest for him. People might get so much Durant exposure that they start to loathe him. And when he starts killing other people’s favorite teams, they’re going to start to dislike him even more. It happens. It’s the life-cycle of an athlete’s public image.
I think Mike Prada’s point about judging how you feel about an athlete in comparison to another is definitely a quality one. For people that are now KD fans because they hate LeBron, Craggs is right, you might be setting yourself up for a fall. The Phil Mickelson-Tiger Woods comparison is a good one, but what’s interesting there is that many of Phil’s fans liked him because of his personality and disliked Tiger for his, long before any of this sex scandal stuff. Sure, Mickelson could certainly be cheating on his wife as I type, but then again, how do you know what ANYBODY is really doing? I think that sort of reasoning is FAR more judgmental and invasive on one’s character than just going by what we know.
Besides, LeBron hasn’t done anything wrong, per se. He’s just kind of irked people with his lookie-here! antics. And as a result, a lot of people have turned to Durant and said, “Ah, a breath of fresh air!” But this is coming before Durant is on every NBA preview issue this fall, before he’s on national TV 25 times, before every commentator is talking about him nightly, before Durant starts endorsing products. Maybe all that starts to inflate his ego. Maybe he starts listening to people like me bow down to him and he starts thinking, “Yeah, I am really great. I should start talking about that more often.” Maybe. But I don’t think so.
My issue with Craggs piece is that he calls Durant “allegedly humble” as if he’s saying we don’t really know if he is or not. What’s that supposed to mean? I guess in his bedroom at night, Durant might shout to the heavens, “I AM THE GREATEST EVER!!!!!!!!”But to us, he hasn’t ever slipped or said a prideful word yet. Even when he appeared on Wale’s mixtape and a DJ was begging him to list off accomplishments, it took some serious prodding just for Durant to say some of the facts. He wasn’t even saying, “Best player in the NBA…” or anything. He was just listing some accomplishments. The dude’s humble. There’s no alleged about it.
Are we setting ourselves up for a fall with Durant? It’s possible. Over time, a lot of public figures have let people down. Presidents, movie stars, athletes – they’ve all screwed up. But some haven’t. Some really are the person you’re looking at. It’s possible that in private, they aren’t, but isn’t it pretty weak to just assume that? Do we REALLY know Kevin Durant? I suppose not, at least in the sense that “REALLY” implies. But of what we’ve seen, is it safe to assume that Durant views things a little differently than say, LeBron James? Based on the evidence, that would be a yes.
I agree with Craggs about his point about portraying Durant as the anti-LeBron. It’s kind of a weird thing to do, especially when a few years ago, LeBron announced his contract extension with the Cavs a very similar way as Durant. But then again, at this current moment, they appear to be two very different people. LeBron was comfortable with his title of The King since high school. LeBron has written books and made documentary films. LeBron has tried to develop a worldwide brand. LeBron held a one-hour television special. LeBron talks in third person. It goes on and on. Durant hasn’t done any of these things and at this point, it’s hard to see him ever doing them. Does that make them two different people? In a superficial, public image kind of way, yes, yes it does.
@Tazmaniac
Tru DAT!! I'd like to think that I know KD well enough to know he isn't a bullsh*ter. Until proven otherwise, he's our leader and ambassador ...on and off the court.
@Tazmaniac
I believe your observation speaks volumes.
Why I feel that we all, at least to some degree, "know" KD is because of the old saying that "the nut doesn't fall far from the tree." While usually coined in a derogatory manner, it is non the less true on the positive side.
If you recall, at many important points in KD's career, who is on the sidelines? His parents, certainly his mother, and his brother. Not his posse.
Beyond that, it was his mother who, during the playoffs against the Lakers last spring was wearing a jersey not with the number 35, but with the number 9 - Ibaka. Why, because Ibaka's mom couldn't be there.
Enough said!
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/09/03/kevin-durant-still-under-the-radar-and-its-fine-by-him/
I read this article.And it is strange they use Kobe as face of Team USA now.
Its good to understand that Kevin Durant is only a human being,a mammal,someone who breathes air and drinks water and of course one of the most talented athletes that has stepped onto the hardwood in the past 20 years.
Now as a fan of this franchise for the past 15 years,i think im really just happy that we have a superstar on our team and aguy that can lead us to the promised land
He is the best thing since Gary Payton and i do agree that there is a lot of noise and hoo ha surrounding this guy but in my oppinion it doesnt matter if Durant does a bad deed along the way as long as he is giving his all to the team im happy.
You could do this without changing the starting lineup (with a very disciplined rotation) if they think the system and overall results are better that way. I doubt that to be true but I'd take minute increases for these guys in general and with Durant however they will actually do it.
So they had one or both out there with Durant about 18 minutes per game and neither for about 30 minutes. A 50% increase would almost flip that split.
But Brooks only rolled the trio out there about 6 minutes a game.
Of the 10 best lineups used over 25 minutes on Adjusted +/- last season 8 had either Harden or Ibaka. Only 1 of the top 10 had both with Durant but overall that trio's minutes were quite strong on average- to the tune of +10 per 48 minutes on raw +/-.
make that... Ibaka was 2nd highest "on eFG%" in regular season
On eFG% Harden was the 3rd lowest of the rotation 9 last regular season. By driving he moved up to 4th best on TS%. I'd like to see at least 3rd or 4th best on both next season. He was 2nd best on eFG% and 3rd best on TS% in the playoffs.
Ibaka was 2nd highest of the rotation 9 last regular season and 3rd best on TS%. He was best on both in the playoffs.
I'd like to see Durant out there with at least one of the two most of the time. Last regular season he played with Harden about 14 minutes a game, Ibaka about 10. These could / in my mind should go by something like 50%.
@Sammy
yeah, that's for sure.
@Keith
I haven't paid attention to that specific part of his game, so I figured I'd ask. But it's definitely nice to see his passing improved. It's nice to see him handling the ball at the top of the key too.
@sas
I think his one-on-one game looked only slightly improved. I heard the same comment, but then watched who was guarding him. Tunisia doesn't have a starting caliber player on it's entire roster, even if for entirely defensive purposes. KD isn't going to have the kind of openings he was getting against Tunisia. Not to mention, that's pretty much the entirety of Team USA's offense - give someone the ball and let them score.
The thing I've been most impressed with is KD's passing. I feel I've seen enough to say that if we actually had any shooters outside KD, or if their was any motion from players without the ball, KD would easily get more assists (probably in the 5 range). Not to mention, he would have a much easier time with double teams if the rest of our guys we're actually getting open when it happened.
There's always two sides: the good and the evil. The media has labeled Lebron as the evil. now they need to find the "good". enter Kevin. One is the biggest name is sports, been told he's the next jordan, he's the king and that has affected him and OUR perception of Lebron. the other is the unassuming young kid that doesn't know how good he really is or can be, but wants to be the best. Fact is there are a lot of players in professional sports that fit into this tale, this epic novel. This is how we've survived. even heroes waiver and when they do, the narrator, in this case the media, exploits that. Keep your head on straight, stay true to yourself and you'll be ok.
@sas
Wouldn't read much into that. Don't think the Tunisian defenders are quite on Ron Artest's level.
Kinda off topic, but in rewatching the Tunisia game, they made an interesting point about KD. He was making a lot of his points on a one-on-one basis, as opposed to running off screens, etc. Do you guys think there has been improvement in this part of his game that will help him against some of the lock down defenders of the league? Or is his one-on-one game about the same from what we've seen so far?
Durant's already had plenty of media adversity. Lots of talk that he didn't deserve Rookie of the Year, lots of people who thought he was nothing but a scorer (or a gunner or a chucker) and could never be a complete player, talk that he was not even helping the team win games, etc., and he's always handled it the right way. He was attacked by KG and Phil Jackson this year for his "star" treatment, and responded with nothing but class and honesty.
If he ever does change a lot or go off the deep end, it might be if he loses his mom. TO was actually a model citizen before his grandma died.
Let Kevin be Kevin. The press has been pressing the "anti-lebron" thing for weeks, and Kevin resists. Now we hear the "anti-anti-lebron" spin, and I'm guessing KD still wants none of it.
Let Kevin be Kevin.
I've been thinking a KD backlash is a given. Anybody painted as a saint in sports or entertainment is gonna have haters. All we can really judge players for, other than their actual, on the court play, is their public image. KD deserves praise for creating and maintaining a positive image worthy of respect. As far as his personal life goes, it's not for us to judge cause we will never know. If I hear one my sports analyst comment on Tiger's marriage problems I'm gonna puke.
Guys like Nash, Grant Hill and KD, who have squeky clean images are good role models. But make no mistake about it, it's called an "image" for a reason. It may not be the real thing behind closed doors, but that ain't my business.
I guess in his bedroom at night, Durant might shout to the heavens, “I AM THE GREATEST EVER!!!!!!!!”
...LOL
@4razr
He was a class act 100%, even after Hakeem ripped him to shreds and everyone was questioning him. More than a decade later though, already there are people like Simmons and many others claiming that Robinson lacked a killer instinct and his persona didn't lend itself to winning (i.e. he needed Duncan to carry him to a title). I don't necessarily agree with this because Robinson had crappy teammates forever (even worse than Hakeem IMO), but that stuff clearly bothered him at least a little and might have affected his play even.
@MartzMimic
I think Justin's point is that is didn't. He was tested, but he didn't fold. I think it just added to his determination.
Question for Justin: Just how do you remember the Admiral? Someone who whined or made excuses when he was called out for failing to take his team to a championship? Robinson as I remember him was a class act, didn't seem to reveal any deep character flaws under criticism, I just remember him as a bit defensive. Nothing like the charges that have been directed at LeBron.
@J5
What you said. The backlash against LBJ isn't because of his performance (with the exception of his occasional lackluster performance against Boston in the playoffs).
@J5
Hah, no. I guess like Royce said you never know, but I don't expect that sort of stuff from KD. But how he reacts personally to serious media backlash if / when it comes will be interesting.
MartzMimic :@justinRefresh my memory, if you please. How did the scrutiny change the general public’s perception of the kind of person Tim Duncan is?
If Duncan hadn't won a title before he might have been labeled as 'too nice' just like David Robinson who is one of my favorite basketball personalities but it harmed him on the court. I think if the Thunder don't progress to the deep playoffs, regardless of how much of it is KD's fault, he'll get a rap similar to David Robinson's and it might be tough for him.
Duncan never really got it because he won almost immediately and sort of validated Robinson's career in the process.
@justin
Refresh my memory, if you please. How did the scrutiny change the general public's perception of the kind of person Tim Duncan is?
@justin
Well I agree KD will take more and more scrutiny the longer he doesnt win a championship. However I thought this article was discussing his humility and off-the court attitude. I think we know KD well enough to say he wouldnt have a one-hour special or be charged with rape... thats what I thought you were referring to when you said KD would fail.
@Daniel Plainview
Exactly. For example, if the Thunder make the playoffs and KD has a similar playoff series that he had this year with a first round exit, there will be a ton of media backlash considering what most have KD and the Thunder projected to do.
@AC
I disagree. I'll not repeat my Bolts post, but by all accounts, Durant's behavior today is consistent with how he behaved when he was a gym rat, when he was in high school and when he was at UT.
Remember a year or so ago when some were down on KD because of his loyalty to Texas? I'm a Sooner fan, but my take was that if Durant is that loyal to a program where he spent one year, it's likely he would be just as loyal when it came time to extend his contract. He proved me right when he not only agreed to an extension, but requested that it not contain an opt-out.
@J5
I dont think its a foregone conclusion that he will fail, but the media NEEDS stories, and if their is a chink in KDs armor, it will be expolited and discussed ad nauseum, potentially wearing him down to teh point of bristling or hostility, fueling their fire.
Ive been in love with KD since Texas and cant get enough of his game or 'image.' I hope they dont try to eat him, but theylll try
@J5
Tim Duncan and the Spurs got plently of scrutiny when they lost to the Lakers with home court advantage in 2004.
Just one headline: "Spurs' Duo Turns Less Than Dynamic; After first two games, Duncan and Parker fail to hold up team, which faces more changes."
Duncan won a title in his second year, though, so a lot of pressure was off him almost immediately. If the lockout hadn't occured or if things go a little differently Duncan could have been remembered a lot more like David Robinson.
justin :KD’s going to fail at some point when he’s in the real limelight, just like LeBron, just like Jordan, and his attitude / outlook when the backlash occurs will be more telling than any of this stuff.
Why is it a foregone conclusion that KD is going to fail? I think comparing KD to Tim Duncan is just as fair as comparing him to LeBron or Kobe. Tim Duncan never failed when he was in the limelight. Truely, its unfair to compare KD to anyone because he is blazing his own path.
justin :KD’s going to fail at some point when he’s in the real limelight, just like LeBron, just like Jordan, and his attitude / outlook when the backlash occurs will be more telling than any of this stuff.
Agreed. The media has been very kind to him, save Hank Abbott writing that artivle last year about howw he makes hsi team worse. But, Im sure their will be some fatigue for him with the endless adoration and if he slips once the media hounds will try to destroy him, psychoanalyzing his every move.
shiki=4 seasons :I dont care whether KD is humble.I like him because he is an incredible player.
Amen...
I don't think KD put himself into a contest called "Mr. Nice Guy" or something like that. He put himself into the sport called basketball. I watch KD play, like the way he plays and keep improving. That's all matter!!! So, he's a nice and humble guy off the court too, that's just a bonus, but not the main reason I like him.
If an athlete is suck at what he/she's doing but being humble and nice... Do we really care that much about that athlete? No, because we are watching an athlete in sports and admire the way he/she does the work. We are not trying to find a best friend here.
KD's going to fail at some point when he's in the real limelight, just like LeBron, just like Jordan, and his attitude / outlook when the backlash occurs will be more telling than any of this stuff.
I think KD being picked #2 in the draft could be a big reason why he is the way he is today. There's just that little bit of doubt, that little bit of trying to show people that they were wrong, and I think it comes from feeling irked. I think its hard for Lebron to come from KD's angle, because even though sometimes athletes go to extremes to imagine adversity and disrespect (Jordan), it would have taken so many mental leaps for Lebron to ever find "doubters" for him to prove wrong or measure up against. Especially in high school/ early in his career.
an incredible, basketball-addicted / can't live without it / get up early - stay late practicing, player
I dont care whether KD is humble.I like him because he is an incredible player.