'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Kevin Durant is one of the most gifted offensive players in NBA history. Standing at 6'10" tall, with the agility and athleticism of a guard, Durant's length gives him a natural advantage over most players. But what separates him from the rest is his limitless bag of moves.
Durant plays at the small forward position. In addition to his athletic prowess, Kevin Durant has one of the most vicious crossover dribbles in the game today. With a hesitation pull-up jumper that is his calling card, Kevin Durant can score from virtually anywhere on the floor.
At his size, Durant is also an effective defender and shot blocker. Although his injury has affected his lateral movement, he is still capable of putting the clamps on most offensive players. His length also gives him an additional advantage as a rebounder in his position.
Kevin Durant has the ability to bring the ball up the floor and be a threat the moment he enters three-point range. Having a history of making tough shots with the clock running down, Durant consistently shows how clutch he can be.
With his additional ability to pass when defenses collapse on him, Kevin Durant is virtually impossible to guard. A two-time NBA Champion with four NBA scoring titles, one NBA MVP and one NBA Finals MVP award, Kevin Durant is a bonafide legend.
Possessing a very unique skill set and style of play, Kevin Durant is hard to compare to other players. Compared to Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki in the past, here are five players who can emulate the Brooklyn Nets superstar in today's NBA.
#1 Jayson Tatum
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2017, Jayson Tatum has grown into their franchise player. A two-time All-Star, Tatum makes use of traditional one-on-one techniques such as jab steps and fluid footwork to create space for a jumpshot, much like Kevin Durant. His game primarily features a signature side step fadeaway which he effectively uses from different spots on the floor.
A prolific scorer and rebounder, Tatum averaged 26.4 points and 7.4 rebounds in the 2020-2021 season. With a highlight 60 point performance against the San Antonio Spurs, Tatum continues to remind us of his offensive prowess.
With tremendous handling, Tatum is efficient in creating shots off the dribble as well as off the catch. He has shown scoring efficiency at all three levels. Jayson Tatum is the complete offensive package and at only 23 years of age, he still has things to show.
#2 Michael Porter Jr.
Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2018, Michael Porter Jr. has shown signs of being a potential star in the league. Having missed most of his rookie season recovering from injury, MPJ returned and immediately became a contributor for the Nuggets.
Listed at six feet ten inches, MPJ plays at the forward position. His game features elite athleticism and shooting ability. A keen eye for spotting up from three, MPJ has shown himself to be a reliable shooter, averaging 44.5% from beyond the arc.
Averaging 7.3 rebounds in 2020-2021 season, MPJ uses his ability to move without the ball to facilitate the Nuggets offense. Frequently diving and receiving passes from Nikola Jokic, MPJ finds easy finishes at the rim.
Using his length on the defensive end and making tough contested shots on the offensive end, MPJ's game mirrors aspects of the game Kevin Durant plays.
Also Read: How much is Kevin Durant’ Net Worth in 2021?
#3 Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram was drafted by the LA Lakers in 2016 where he showed signs of being a superstar early in his tenure. With a long and slim build, much like Durant's, Brandon Ingram possesses a skill set that reminds us of the Nets' superstar. Currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, Ingram is part of their frontcourt trio that includes Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas.
Brandon Ingram's game features a smooth handle that helps him get to his spot on the floor. Creating isolation situations on the wing, Ingram is a frequent outside threat, shooting an improved 38.1% from downtown. Featuring a smooth mid-post game, he also uses his length to finish over defenders going to the rim, or he can stop and pop from the elbow.
Ingram's length allows him to guard three positions (1-2-3), but with a defensive rating of 114.6, this isn't a great sign. He also only averaged 4.9 rebounds for the 2020-2021 season.
#4 DeAndre Hunter
Drafted by the LA Lakers but traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2019, DeAndre Hunter features a fundamentally sound style of basketball reminiscent of Kevin Durant.
With his ability to score at all levels, DeAndre Hunter was potentially one of the Hawks' best players coming into the 2020-2021 season. He often uses simple but effective combos to beat defenders or steps into spot-up three-point shots. Hunter showed that he was a reliable scorer for the team, scoring a career-high 33 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the additional aid of muscle he put on in the offseason, Hunter became a heavier load going to the rim. Being a gifted defensive player, this muscle also helps in stabilizing while guarding bigger players.
Unfortunately Hunter suffered various injuries which kept him sidelined for most of the season. Hunter shows a high ceiling for improvement and we can expect a breakout performance from him this upcoming NBA season.
#5 Jonathan Kuminga
Entering his rookie season playing for the Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga is one of the most talented prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft.
At only 18 years old, Kuminga possesses the physical attributes to be a star. At 6'8" tall with a 6'11" wingspan, Kuminga also boasts elite athleticism and jumping ability.
His shot-making ability is the key to his offensive upside. Kuminga possesses a holistic offensive skill set, rare for players his age. Having played in the NBA G League to prepare for the draft, Kuminga displayed the strength to finish at the rim amongst tough defenders.
A natural slasher with a comfortable handle on the ball, Jonathan Kuminga has also shown the potential to be a knockdown shooter from deep. With a smooth transition from dribble to shot, Kuminga's potential for growth is limitless.
Being able to create his own shot off the dribble and use the agility at his disposal to rebound and slash, it is evident how his game can resemble that of Kevin Durant.
Guess the Lakers players!
