Is Kevin Durant an Elite Defender?

[baller101200]

Simple question, do you think that Kevin Durant is an elite defender?

Let's go over some numbers for those of you inclined to say that he's not:

We'll go with elementary statistics first. KD currently averages 1.6 steals per game. To compare to some other wings... Lebron averages 1.7, Tony Allen averages 1.7, and Metta World Peace averages 1.8. It's widely accepted that these players are some of the elite perimeter defenders in the entire NBA. KD's 1.6 currently outdoes other elite wing defenders such as Andre Iguodala, Nicolas Batum, and Kobe Bryant (he's not elite, but I threw him in there for Kobe fans' ego's sake).

Now, let's look at KD's blocks per game. He currently averages 1.2 blocks per game. Nothing to boast about, but then lets look at that compared to the same players that he competes with in steals:

MWP - 0.6
Lebron - 0.8
George - 0.7
Batum - 1.1

I'll stop there because there's an obvious trend... None stack up to KD's total except for Batum (although he is outdone by KD in both). In other words, KD is one of the few in the NBA averaging 1 of each stat (blocks AND steals) per game. Here's the short list of those players, all of who are viewed as above average to elite defenders:

Kevin Durant
Marc Gasol
Joakim Noah
Nicolas Batum
Andrei Kerilenko
Anthony Davis
Josh Smith

LINK.

Alright, those stats are relatively irrelevant anyway, so on to the ones that matter.

Kevin Durant currently ranks #8 in defensive win shares on the season. Every single player other than Paul George who is above him on this list is a big man, and the names include elite defenders such as Tim Duncan and Joakim Noah.

Kevin Durant currently owns a defensive rating of 101. For comparison's sake, Lebron James currently has a defensive rating of 102, while Kobe's weighs in at 108.

All of these stats/comparisons can be done here.

I can jump to 82games.com and grab some more, but I'm tired for now.

So, do you feel that Kevin Durant is an elite defender in the NBA?

[seikou8]

of course this season

[tredigs]

Well, no small forward on the Warriors made a basket tonight, so that counts for something. He even switched up and tried to guard Curry and J.Jack, it was impressive. Curry didn't even try to take him either.

[Chronz]

Its very tough to figure out when that player makes that leap, but last year I thought to myself, if Durant is soo good defensively, why are the Thunder not an elite defensive team, given that they have Thabo/Ibaka/Perkins/Collison and the most athletic PG in the game? Shouldn't they be the most suffocating defensive team in the league? Whats holding them back, Coaching?

[baller101200]

Its very tough to figure out when that player makes that leap, but last year I thought to myself, if Durant is soo good defensively, why are the Thunder not an elite defensive team, given that they have Thabo/Ibaka/Perkins/Collison and the most athletic PG in the game? Shouldn't they be the most suffocating defensive team in the league? Whats holding them back, Coaching?

Well from an individual view, the team loses four full points of defensive production when Durant heads to the bench. Obviously that doesn't new everything, but I'd say that's a pretty big factor when looking at KD's individual defensive impact.

[Hardaway Here]

Its very tough to figure out when that player makes that leap, but last year I thought to myself, if Durant is soo good defensively, why are the Thunder not an elite defensive team, given that they have Thabo/Ibaka/Perkins/Collison and the most athletic PG in the game? Shouldn't they be the most suffocating defensive team in the league? Whats holding them back, Coaching?

I'd say coaching plays a big part in it. I hardly ever see Thunder trap and press. As young as they are you would think they're D would be more suffocating. Also blocks and steals don't tell the whole story, but I do believe he is better on D this year than he was last year.

[DanG]

What does separate Lebron and Durant then?

[John Walls Era]

What does separate Lebron and Durant then?

Handling, Playmaking, Athleticism, Size, Strength.... but yeah nothing much..............

[arealballer]

I rarely watch Durant on the defensive end, since I tend to focus on his scoring. Having said that, he does have elite defensive stats, and his length allows him to be a great defender in theory.

I watched his defensive play last season in the playoffs closely and he absolutely wants to be a top level defender. Durant is not quite the athletic freak that Lebron is (who is?), but Durant is far more focused and hungry this year than ever before.

[thevcballer]

Simple question, do you think that Kevin Durant is an elite defender?

Let's go over some numbers for those of you inclined to say that he's not:

We'll go with elementary statistics first. KD currently averages 1.6 steals per game. To compare to some other wings... Lebron averages 1.7, Tony Allen averages 1.7, and Metta World Peace averages 1.8. It's widely accepted that these players are some of the elite perimeter defenders in the entire NBA. KD's 1.6 currently outdoes other elite wing defenders such as Andre Iguodala, Nicolas Batum, and Kobe Bryant (he's not elite, but I threw him in there for Kobe fans' ego's sake).

Now, let's look at KD's blocks per game. He currently averages 1.2 blocks per game. Nothing to boast about, but then lets look at that compared to the same players that he competes with in steals:

MWP - 0.6
Lebron - 0.8
George - 0.7
Batum - 1.1

I'll stop there because there's an obvious trend... None stack up to KD's total except for Batum (although he is outdone by KD in both). In other words, KD is one of the few in the NBA averaging 1 of each stat (blocks AND steals) per game. Here's the short list of those players, all of who are viewed as above average to elite defenders:

Kevin Durant
Marc Gasol
Joakim Noah
Nicolas Batum
Andrei Kerilenko
Anthony Davis
Josh Smith

LINK.

Alright, those stats are relatively irrelevant anyway, so on to the ones that matter.

Kevin Durant currently ranks #8 in defensive win shares on the season. Every single player other than Paul George who is above him on this list is a big man, and the names include elite defenders such as Tim Duncan and Joakim Noah.

Kevin Durant currently owns a defensive rating of 101. For comparison's sake, Lebron James currently has a defensive rating of 102, while Kobe's weighs in at 108.

All of these stats/comparisons can be done here.

I can jump to 82games.com and grab some more, but I'm tired for now.

So, do you feel that Kevin Durant is an elite defender in the NBA?

No and not a single one of those stats is any good at measuring a player defensively. The first 2 being counting stats. The 2nd 2 being more team based.

[DanG]

No and not a single one of those stats is any good at measuring a player defensively. The first 2 being counting stats. The 2nd 2 being more team based.

What about this one?

Opponent's efficiency

Durant: 9.5
LeBron: 14.6
Melo: 15,2

[HowFit]

Yes...

[NYKnickFanatic]

No.

[kozelkid]

Yes. He has been since last year.

[NYKnickFanatic]

Yes. He has been since last year.

Can he win DPOY?