Is Kevin Durant the second best player right now?

[z0sa]

I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt in knowing what a true all-star is.

What's your definition of a true all-star, Kobe luva?

[JamStone]

Fan popularity does not = greatness, or should I give you the benefit of the doubt in knowing that? Knowing happens like Iverson starting the ASG or the season Grant Hill and Alonzo Mourning were voted in as ASG starters when they hadn't even played in the first half of that season should tell you that arguing a player can't be the a player can't be the second best player in the league if he doesn't start the all star game is a pretty stupid argument. And Durant will start in the ASG in the future. And you should also realize that even if Carmelo keeps getting voted in, once guys like Duncan and Dirk get older and/or retire, Durant can still get voted to start because there are TWO "forward" spots in the ASG. Doesn't even matter. Just admit that was a stupid argument.

[Truckules]

I don't know if he's second best, but he's definitely top 5 maybe even top 3.

[z0sa]

So you don't have any defined characteristics of a 'true all-star,' at least any different ones than everyone else already goes by (voted in by the fans/coaches).

Gotcha.

[z0sa]

You beyond re ed.

What an adept way of putting your misplaced opinion.

[JamStone]

I didn't even say Durant was the second best player in the league. I said he was a top 5 player. But, I'll play along for the sake of showing how stupid a comment you made.

Now, you explain to me how in the the second best player in the league can't find a starting spot in the all-stars.

This is your comment I was arguing against.

Case in point: 1993-94 NBA season. David Robinson was arguably the second best player in the league at the time. He finished 2nd in MVP voting. He did not start the all star game for the West. Hakeem did.

And my arguing your stupid statement has nothing to do with my judge of talent. I have been wrong plenty of times when it comes to that, when it comes to plenty of things. But, your contention that the second best player can't start the all star game when starters are selected by fans in a popularity contest is still stupid.

[BRHornet45]

he is up there. definitely better than guys like Kobe, Dirk, Joe Johnson, etc.

[21_Blessings]

Everybody knew Hakeem was better than D-Rob in 93/94. There was no argument.

[bigdog]

I'd put Durant right up there at the top, but maybe not #1. If he picks up his defense, then I'd put him at the top. His offense just cannot be touched. To me, he's better than Wade and Melo, and VERY close to Lebron and Kobe. VERY underrated player.

[JamStone]

Doesn't matter. The comment made was, "explain to me how in the the second best player in the league can't find a starting spot in the all-stars." I gave an example where that was the case.

I didn't argue Durant was the second best player in the league. I argued "against" the suggestion that the second best player in the league should start in the all star game, because it suggests that how good a player is is judged by how popular that player is with fans.

[BRHornet45]

I'd put Durant right up there at the top, but maybe not #1. If he picks up his defense, then I'd put him at the top. His offense just cannot be touched. To me, he's better than Wade and Melo, and VERY close to Lebron and Kobe. VERY underrated player.

how is he better than Wade and Melo, but not better than Kobe? Durant shoots the ball MUCH better than Kobe in EVERY shot category: field goals (488% compared to 463%), 3PT (371% compared to 323%) and free throws (879% compared to 817%). oh and Durant scores more points than Kobe on LESS shot attempts as well. Not to mention being a better rebounder. Durant dominates Kobe in every category except assist.

but hey since ESPN tells us that Kobe is the greatest to ever play ... then lets just keep turning the other cheek and ignoring the facts.

[BRHornet45]

Offensively he is close to James and others, but Kobe is in league of his own, maybe Jordan is there just visiting.

you can't possibly be serious dude? are you that damn gullible ?

[BRHornet45]

Offensively, Kobe has done things MJ could never do. Mr. 81 is just starting.

wow ... its sad just how downright ignorant some of you are. Kobe is on the same level as a Pippen, Pierce, Johnson, etc. .... what has the man ever done to deserve to be mentioned as one of the greatest?

[Chieflion]

Why the do people argue with lakaluva about stupid ? We know he is going to come up with more stupid like David Robinson was a role player.

[BRHornet45]

Why the do people argue with lakaluva about stupid ? We know he is going to come up with more stupid like David Robinson was a role player.

true lol ... its just funny seeing how gullible and ignorant some of these Laker / ESPN tool bags are.

[21_Blessings]

w. Kobe is on the same level as a Pippen, Pierce, Johnson, etc. ....

Look how stupid you are

[Chieflion]

When Kobe Bryant tried to lead a team, he embarrassed himself. Gasol arrives, and he finds his role. Sure, he gets the bag of the year award, but he's no Great.

Um, ya of course, sure sure.

[BRHornet45]

You know what's funny? Kobe have busted the asses of all of the guys you just mentioned on a regular basis. You just still mad cause cp3 couldn't get an all-star nod over the white boy.

son what does this have to do with Paul? ... and what are you talking about him not getting an all star nod? he has made the team the last 3 years lol.

but back on the subject, since you are obviously insecure about Kobe's REAL status in the NBA .... he hasn't busted on those other players listed. Last time I checked, Kobe got FACE ED by Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in the finals. that's what I remember there. I also don't ever remember Michael Jordan (who you seem to think deserves comparison) ever choking in the finals like Kobe has 3 different times. Not to mention the fact that Kobe never once led his team to the le. Shaq was the lead man for 3 of them and Gasol was the ONLY reason they won it last year.

[Chieflion]

Kobe was winning les and forcing MJ and Pippen into retirement around that age.

Just when you think you won't be seeing any more stupid , this happens.

[BRHornet45]

You have enough failure in the post to last a lifetime. I see why you are giving away your season tickets these days. You've officially become a Laker/Kobe hater.

lol again the ignorance continues.

son I gave away one damn set of tickets lol.... what about you though? do you actually pay to go to the games? or are you too cheap to support the team and you just stay at home watching ESPN and letting them tell you who to like? ... or better yet, I bet you don't even live anywhere near L.A.. you're the type of person who is a "fan" of a team that is thousands of miles away from where you live and the only reason you claim to be a fan is because they are a trendy, bandwagon team. let me guess, your favorite NFL team will either be the Colts or the Saints by Monday right?

[Killakobe81]

I dont know about 2nd best ...i thought scoring was not enough around these parts?! LOL
But I love him and his game ... Portland Made a HUGE mistake ...it's one of the the few things The sport's Guy has been right about lately ...

[BRHornet45]

To be honest, I haven't paid for, or had season Laker tickets since Shaq's first season with the Lakers, which was a failure I might add. However, I only hit about three games a year, court side, at the expense of some Corporate friends. I notice that you often use the word cheap when addressing people that you think might not frequent games. Just out of curiosity... where are your season tickets located at? How much did you pay? Seeing that your team doesn't turn a profit, I would assume the tickets are quite cheap, especially season tickets. Holding season tickets for the Hornets is like holding season tickets for the Clippers. It's not being cheap when you don't go, it's just that both teams suck and are not worth the few shekels to be wasted. Why not just buy a 12 pack with that money and call it a day?

the Hornets don't turn a profit? son they have made profit every year being here and had a 12% increase last season. my season tickets aren't court side, but are about 8 rows away from it in the club section. I pay a pretty penny for them. not bragging by any means, but since you seem so curious there you go.

[TheMACHINE]

Im going to give ChrisRichards props for once. I admire his leadership. Everytime he starts a thread, he makes his point and gets input from his followers. Its always the same followers (aka his es). I wont list names, but you guys can click every thread he does and you'll see the same 3 guys posting sucking his .

God Bless.

you sound like a

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce to you ChrisRichards #1 ...err follower. He beat Z0sa to it. He'll have to settle for #2.

[ChrisRichards]

When Robinson tried to lead a team, he embarrassed himself. Duncan arrives, and he finds his role. Sure, he gets the nice guy of the year award, but he's no Great.

Dude, thats some stupid logic.


Robinson won an MVP, DPOY and Rookie of the year. He also scored 71 points. He has a scoring le and multiple All Nba selections.



Using that same logic, the Kobe is not great? Kobe's career mirrors Robinson's very well. Without Gasol and Duncan, both Kobe and DRob had no rings too, no?

[Baseline]

OKC are 27-21 in the WEST! Out East the Thunder would be fighting for a 4th seed!


Durantula's stats


29.7 PPG 7.4 RPG 3.0 APG 1.4 SPG
25.5 PER
.608 TS%
.524 EFG%
4th in Win Shares!


This guy will be on Lebron's level. I think if he fills out just a tiny bit, he can be a better defender and post player. He's already in Kobe's level when it comes to shooting, if not better and he definitely has a better reach than Wade,Kobe or Melo.


His impact for the game is undeniable. His second best player is sop re Russell Westbrook (whose shooting 40% in the season) after that you have another sop re in Jeff Green and the gap in talent after Harden widens. They are freaking coached by Scott Brooks.


I think Durant is the second best player now and will be fighting for that spot with Lebron within the next few years. Now we have 3 talented, efficient wing players (Lebron, Wade, Durant) fighting for that # 1 spot for the next few years. This is exciting stuff.

Totally agree, CR. Well stated.

This is why I always say that in a few years, after new guys like LeBron and Durant light up the league, K. Bryant will be remembered as a volume shooter who shipped a Top Ten All-Time player (Shaquille) out of town and never meshed with his teammates because of his ego-driven agenda, and will be nowhere near any Top Ten Greatest list.

Guys like LeBron and Durant may play their entire careers and never have anywhere near the supporting cast Bryant has right now.

If you had to assemble an equivalent "Other Big Three" supporting cast for LeBron, the other "Big Three" to equal Gasol/Bynum/Odom would have to include...
1. Tim Duncan at the 5 (Gasol)
2. Brooke Lopez at the 4 (Bynum)
3. Kirilenko at the 3 (Lamar)

Tim is the only other big in the league who has similar offensive skills as Gasol. Brooke Lopez is the Eastern Conference equivalent of Bynum, and AK47 is a long 3 with offensive skills. Actually Odom is a far better rebounder than Kirlenko.

So, how do you think LeBron would do with this supporting cast?

You think he'd shoot 24 times a game to score 28 points, average less than 5 assists, bicker and call out his teammates, and throw them under the bus every chance he gets? Yeah, probably.

Truth is, LeBron has averaged 11 assists since Mo Williams has been out. By the way, Chris Paul leads the league at 11.2 assists per game.