“KD is just like Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard” Colin Cowherd says Kevin Durant is not a franchise ‘Leader’ but only an ‘Enhancer’
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Kevin Durant and Colin Cowherd
Kevin Durant and Brooklyn Nets have become the talk of the basketball world for a long time now. First Durant was criticized for his 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Celtics; the Nets were facing the Kyrie issue for a longer period. And then Kevin Durant himself requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets last week. Durant reportedly informed the Nets that his preferred destination would be the Phoenix Suns or Miami Heat, as both the teams were top-seeded in their respective conferences, and has a strong roaster to challenge for the title. It is interesting though, that the Suns have never won a title and the Heat, too have been looking to emulate the “D-Wade era” with a championship.
However, there will be no shortage of suitors. KD is a generational talent and will be coming in with a readymade 4-year-long contract. Durant can transform a team into a title contender overnight. But Collin Cowherd believes in other ways. He put on his views about Kevin Durant in the recent edition of “the Herd with Colin Cowherd”
“Kevin Durant is not a leader”: Collin Cowherd sums up KD’s attributes
Kevin Durant was 2nd overall pick in the 2007 draft and he did live up to his pick status. Since joining the league, he won 4 scoring titles, a regular-season MVP Award, 12 All-star appearances, 6 All-NBA first-team selections, and was constant in discussion for the MVP / leading scorer. In the postseason also he won 2 NBA Championships and was named Finals MVP on both occasions. His resume is certainly very impressive, and no doubt any team would love to have him on their team.
But his time at the Nets from 2019 was something to forget about. Durant has played just 80 of a possible 226 games in the regular season with the Nets. He missed his very 1st season due to the recovery process from an Achilles tendon injury. But then also regular injuries kept his time-limited on the court. He played 35 of 72 games in 2020-21, missing 23 games with a hamstring injury. And a sprained MCL in his left knee limited him to 55 games – and led to a pivotal 3-17 swoon – last season.
But he’s still been a dominant force to reckon with when playing on the court. Last season, Durant averaged 29.9 points (in the top 3 leading score averages), 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 51.8%, including 38.3% from the 3-point range. There is no doubt about his offensive prowess or game in general.
But as per Cowherd, that’s not enough. He said, “He’s become Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis: talented and productive, but you can’t have him lead your franchise.” To some extent, it might be a very bold and “trade value” diminishing statement.
Durant has been part of some of the league’s most impressive rosters. But his Brooklyn experiment has been a flop, and even young Kevin Durant couldn’t deliver silverware at OKC. While at Nets KD and co. managed to win only one playoff series win. On the contrary, the Durant team went on to win the 2017 and 2018 championships rather easily, winning 8 of 9 games played against the finalists Cleveland Cavaliers. But to some extent, he had a massive support cast – who already won a title in 2015, in Golden State Warriors.
Now after his trade request and a busy opening to free agency, many teams are awaiting the result of a Kevin Durant trade. But the solution is not much easy as many may expect it to be. Slim reaper will turn 34 in September and will be looking at his fourth franchise in the 15th season of his career. Fans will be waiting to see how the situation between Durant and the Nets develops. For now, there’s only speculation and the waiting game.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)