Put current Durant on Miami in place of LeBron 2011-present

[Joyner82reload]

I know Durant is only 25, and LeBron was 26, but it's a fair comparison.

How many titles does this team have as of now? Bare in mind, Durant would allow Wade to play the traditional on the ball role he used to, pre 2011, and he wouldn't be reduced to a secondary ISO player/shooter. Also think of how deadly Durant is on pick-n-roll as the handler at this point due to his shooting, which results in screener's(Ibaka) being WIDE OPEN for 15-18 foot jump shots on every possession. Bosh would feast.

[MichaelCorleone]

That means Lebron is playing with the most stacked team in the league the 2011 OKC Thunder.

Lebron + Westbrook + Ibaka + Harden = 5-peat guaranteed.

[KendrickPerkins]

They've already 3peated. Going for 4 straight.

[red1]

http://www.inflexwetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IFWT-Kevin-Durant-cries.jpg
http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/mj-laughing.gif

[Joyner82reload]

http://www.inflexwetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IFWT-Kevin-Durant-cries.jpg

31 ppg 55% shooting...that heart & love for the game :applause:
17 ppg 48% shooting, main reason your team lost the Finals
[QUOTE]

[FLDFSU]

Stop posting...please? pretty please?

[BlazerRed]

http://www.inflexwetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IFWT-Kevin-Durant-cries.jpg
Reported. Stop trying to derail threads with your trolling :no:

[DFish24]

3-Peat for sure. No way Durant gets outplayed by Jason Terry on the biggest stage.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

3-Peat for sure. No way Durant gets outplayed by Jason Terry on the biggest stage.
Or Bruce Bowen:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Black and White]

3 x champ 3 x FMVP, 4 peat this year

[Black and White]

Or Bruce Bowen:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Or Boris Diaw or Shawn Marion :roll: :roll: :roll:

[livinglegend]

Miami gets eliminated 2nd round vs Celtics.
Best case scenario, Miami loses in 7 vs Bulls during ECF.

[livinglegend]

Or Boris Diaw or Shawn Marion :roll: :roll: :roll:

or the whole memphis grizzlies team:oldlol: :oldlol:

[BGriffin's Dad]

3-Peat for sure. No way Durant gets outplayed by Jason Terry on the biggest stage.

this

imagine Durant in the east, on a stacked team with Wade, Bosh, Allen, Juwan, Joel Anthony, Turiaf, Miller, Haslem, Birdman, Battier, Beasley, Rashard, Oden

[Black and White]

or the whole memphis grizzlies team:oldlol: :oldlol:

He stunk it up that series yes, but no way Durant does this:

http://mavsmag.com/redirk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/photo-1-500x373.jpg

[JT123]

2011 - Lose against Chicago as he can't handle physical defenses
2012 - Lose against the Pacers because Bosh missed the series and he wouldn't be able to get Wade back on track after his horrible start to the series.
2013 - Lose against the Pacers again. We gon try and act like Durant could carry a struggling Wade and Bosh? :roll: Durant can't carry other players, as we saw 4 straight times against Memphis last year.

[MichaelCorleone]

2011 - Lose against Chicago as he can't handle physical defenses
2012 - Lose against the Pacers because Bosh missed the series and he wouldn't be able to get Wade back on track after his horrible start to the series.
2013 - Lose against the Pacers again. We gon try and act like Durant could carry a struggling Wade and Bosh? :roll: Durant can't carry other players, as we saw 4 straight times against Memphis last year.
So he cries 3 years in a row to mommy on national TV?:lol :oldlol:

[Jameerthefear]

2 at least

[livinglegend]

2011 - Lose against Chicago as he can't handle physical defenses
2012 - Lose against the Pacers because Bosh missed the series and he wouldn't be able to get Wade back on track after his horrible start to the series.
2013 - Lose against the Pacers again. We gon try and act like Durant could carry a struggling Wade and Bosh? :roll: Durant can't carry other players, as we saw 4 straight times against Memphis last year.

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[livinglegend]

He stunk it up that series yes, but no way Durant does this:

http://mavsmag.com/redirk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/photo-1-500x373.jpg

or no way he shuts down Derrick Rose during the ECF

[Black and White]

2011 - Lose against Chicago as he can't handle physical defenses
2012 - Lose against the Pacers because Bosh missed the series and he wouldn't be able to get Wade back on track after his horrible start to the series.
2013 - Lose against the Pacers again. We gon try and act like Durant could carry a struggling Wade and Bosh? :roll: Durant can't carry other players, as we saw 4 straight times against Memphis last year.

Why don't you look at what he is doing without WB this year??

Meanwhile: LeBron busy getting outperformed by Bosh and Wade :oldlol:

[I<3NBA]

with Durant in place of Lebron, Miami would be unable to play the scrambling defense they play today. they would also need a real Center, since small ball would not work with them.

[red1]

I think he wins 2. Wins 2011 and 2013 loses 2012 to the celtics

[FLDFSU]

Yall do realize that Durant played with 2 franchise players in Westbrook and Harden in 2011 and 2012?

[JT123]

Why don't you look at what he is doing without WB this year??

Meanwhile: LeBron busy getting outperformed by Bosh and Wade :oldlol:
I mean Durant can't carry players when it counts, in the postseason. And how is Bron getting outplayed by Wade and Bosh? Last I checked Lebron still leads the Heat in every statistical category. :facepalm
At least bring some facts into your troll comments. :sleeping

[red1]

Yall do realize that Durant played with 2 franchise players in Westbrook and Harden in 2011 and 2012?
he has improved since then

[rlsmooth775]

how many times has this thread been made

[KendrickPerkins]

Honestly, and no trolling, I think they would've successfully 3peated. Fairly easily, i might add.

[VIntageNOvel]

The pauk of KD stans :facepalm

2011 KD on Miami - win title
2012 KD on Miami - probably lose to Celtics
2013 KD on Miami - probably win, may lose to Indiana though

However I didn't factor in that KD would be on HGH in Miami so he would probably be better.

really, current durant would lose to that corpse of old celtic ?:roll: :roll:

[Joyner82reload]

or the whole memphis grizzlies team:oldlol: :oldlol:

Not sure what the hell you're laughing at.

Durant averaged 28.8/10.4/6.6 53.1 TS% that series

LeBron averaged 17.7/7.2/6.8 54.1 TS% in the 2011 Finals and 22.0/7.0/6.8 42.8 TS% in the 2007 Finals

[FLDFSU]

Not sure what the hell you're laughing at.

Durant averaged 28.8/10.4/6.6 53.1 TS% that series

LeBron averaged 17.7/7.2/6.8 54.1 TS% in the 2011 Finals and 22.0/7.0/6.8 42.8 TS% in the 2007 Finals

Help me out, did memphis win or get to the finals that year?

[JT123]

really, current durant would lose to that corpse of old celtic ?:roll: :roll:
Well he lost to a Memphis team with no go to scorers.:confusedshrug:

[navy]

They would win in 2011, when Wade was in his prime and that's it. Lebron did far too much in 2012 and 2013 to claim those as victories.

[Joyner82reload]

Help me out, did memphis win or get to the finals that year?

Who cares if they made it to the Finals. LeBron James stats in series where his team was eliminated

2006 26.6/8.6/6.0 51.6 TS%
2007 22.0/7.0/6.8 42.8 TS%
2008 26.7/6.4/7.6 48.0 TS%
2009 38.5/8.3/8.0 59.1 TS%
2010 26.8/9.3/7.2 55.6 TS%
2011 17.8/7.2/6.8 54.1 TS%

Net: 26.4/7.8/7.1 51.9 TS%

And you're in here banging on Durant for choking against the Grizzlies while putting up 28.8/10.3/6.6 53.1 TS%? I guess we can safely say that LeBron choked/cost his team the series they were playing in every season from 2004-2012 aside from 2009 then.

[VIntageNOvel]

Who cares if they made it to the Finals. LeBron James stats in series where his team was eliminated

2006 26.6/8.6/6.0 51.6 TS%
2007 22.0/7.0/6.8 42.8 TS%
2008 26.7/6.4/7.6 48.0 TS%
2009 38.5/8.3/8.0 59.1 TS%
2010 26.8/9.3/7.2 55.6 TS%
2011 17.8/7.2/6.8 54.1 TS%

Net: 26.4/7.8/7.1 51.9 TS%

And you're in here banging on Durant for choking against the Grizzlies while putting up 28.8/10.3/6.6 53.1 TS%? I guess we can safely say that LeBron choked/cost his team the series they were playing in every season from 2004-2012 aside from 2009 then.


:applause:

[FLDFSU]

Who cares if they made it to the Finals. LeBron James stats in series where his team was eliminated

2006 26.6/8.6/6.0 51.6 TS%
2007 22.0/7.0/6.8 42.8 TS%
2008 26.7/6.4/7.6 48.0 TS%
2009 38.5/8.3/8.0 59.1 TS%
2010 26.8/9.3/7.2 55.6 TS%
2011 17.8/7.2/6.8 54.1 TS%

Net: 26.4/7.8/7.1 51.9 TS%

And you're in here banging on Durant for choking against the Grizzlies while putting up 28.8/10.3/6.6 53.1 TS%? I guess we can safely say that LeBron choked/cost his team the series they were playing in every season from 2004-2012 aside from 2009 then.

Stop comparing Lebron and Durant when one player is facing a championship team/defense and the other is facing a team without a star and without even a finals appearance.

[JT123]

Give it a rest OP and just enjoy the great season Durant is having. Your boy lost in the playoffs, deal with it! Every great player has come up small in big moments, even Jordan. Trying to create some fantasy scenario in which he would be on the verge of a 3 peat comes off as kind of desperate. Just being real here.

[Joyner82reload]

Stop coming Lebron and Durant when one player is facing a championship team/defense and the other is facing a team without a star and without even a finals appearance.

2010 Durant lost to the NBA champions
2011 Durant lost to the NBA champions
2012 Durant lost to the NBA champions
2013 his teammate gets hurt

As for championship defenses, ya OK bro

2013 Memphis-lead the NBA in scoring defense and #2 in DRTG :facepalm

Excluding the lockout season, where DRTG was absurd due to fatigue. They had the 7th best DRtg since 2005 when handchecking was banned

[VIntageNOvel]

2010 Durant lost to the NBA champions
2011 Durant lost to the NBA champions
2012 Durant lost to the NBA champions
2013 his teammate gets hurt

As for championship defenses, ya OK bro

2013 Memphis-lead the NBA in scoring defense and #2 in DRTG :facepalm

Excluding the lockout season, where DRTG was absurd due to fatigue. They had the 7th best DRtg since 2005 when handchecking was banned

damnit joyner, stop ethering em like that :coleman:

[dabigbaws]

they would have 3 peated already. easily

[lebeast666]

KD better win this year. Sounds like OKC are the favorites round here with all the nvthugging when he ain't win a damn thing yet. All these hypotheticals :facepalm

[Papaya Petee]

They would win in 2010-2011 with Wade getting FMVP
They would lose in 2011-2012 because LeBron with Westbrook, Harden and Ibaka would beat the Heat in the finals
2013-2014 he loses because Wade was injured and Bosh sucked.

[JT123]

KD better win this year. Sounds like OKC are the favorites round here with all the nvthugging when he ain't win a damn thing yet. All these hypotheticals :facepalm
Yep, with Miami's group of veterans getting older and declining there is no excuse for the Thunder not winning it all this year. If they don't it will be one of the biggest failures in NBA history.

[Miller for 3]

Current Durant for sure wins in 2011, probably 68+ wins in RS and 16-3 in PS. I can't predict 12 and 13 yet, because honestly who knows how much better the guy can get. I'm sure they repeat, it's just how many 70+ win season can he pull off, and do they break the 16-1 PS record two times in a row?

[Illuminati]

2011: Too good defense, KD can't defend Rose, lose to the Bulls in 6.
2012: With Bosh out half the series, they lose to the Celtics in 6.
2013: Wade injured, they lose to the Pacers in 6.

[DMAVS41]

Most likely win in 11, but it's not a lock...

Honestly probably think they lose in 12 and 13...

At best he wins 2 titles in 3 years like Lebron. Although it's probably more likely that he only wins one.

[tpols]

Easy win in 2011.. all they have to do is get by Bulls in ECF.. and Durant now is a much better clutch player than Lebron was in 2011. All those games were close and Miami won because their defense shut down Bulls offense in fourth quarters.. Add a little KD scoring to that mix and we probably wouldve seen more separation.

2012 is tricky because of the whole Finals thing.. who would Miami be playing since Durant isnt on the Thunder? Whoever it is theyd have a decent shot.

2013 I dont see Durant going off on Pacers D like Bron did.. Miami would probably still win though because Bosh would revert back to the midrange and leave 3s to Durant/Chalmers/Battier/Ray etc.. this would give Heat better spacing and cohesiveness.

Durant also wouldnt dominate the ball to the point where his teammates say to the media before a game 7 that they need more touches.:oldlol:

And KD wouldve torched the Spurs,, Pop has no answer for him

[KG215]

Easy win in 2011.. all they have to do is get by Bulls in ECF.. and Durant now is a much better clutch player than Lebron was in 2011. All those games were close and Miami won because their defense shut down Bulls offense in fourth quarters.. Add a little KD scoring to that mix and we probably wouldve seen more separation.

2012 is tricky because of the whole Finals thing.. who would Miami be playing since Durant isnt on the Thunder? Whoever it is theyd have a decent shot.

2013 I dont see Durant going off on Pacers D like Bron did.. Miami would probably still win though because Bosh would revert back to the midrange and leave 3s to Durant/Chalmers/Battier/Ray etc.. this would give Heat better spacing and cohesiveness.

Durant also wouldnt dominate the ball to the point where his teammates say to the media before a game 7 that they need more touches.:oldlol:

And KD wouldve torched the Spurs,, Pop has no answer for him
Eh, even though it's regular season, Durant generally does very well against Indiaa. Their no doubles/give up mid-range/long 2s defense is tailor made for someone like Durant to tear apart.

[tpols]

Eh, even though it's regular season, Durant generally does very well against Indiaa. Their no doubles/give up mid-range/long 2s defense is tailor made for someone like Durant to tear apart.
To be fair, while I dont agree hed do 30/8/8 I said his play would be less strainful on his teammates as in they would get more shots/touch the ball more.. which would probably make the team play better as a whole.

[KG215]

To be fair, while I dont agree hed do 30/8/8 I said his play would be less strainful on his teammates as in they would get more shots/touch the ball more.. which would probably make the team play better as a whole.
:cheers:

Yeah, you did. I sorta stopped reading at the part I bolded. My bad.

And no, he probably wouldn't do something like 30-8-8, but something like 30-7-5 or 32-7-4 wouldn't bee too far-fetched.

[bukowski81]

Yall do realize that Durant played with 2 franchise players in Westbrook and Harden in 2011 and 2012?

Yeah, with the oldest of the three being 22 and 23 in those years

[J Shuttlesworth]

Honest answer: 1. 2011 is the year they would win. OP implied what Wade would have the primary on the ball role, and Durant would be more of a shooter opposed to his current role on the Thunder where he is the main playmaker ATM.

They win 2011 since Wade is in his prime. The problem is that Wade will succumb to injuries in 2012 and on and having him as the primary ball handler could hurt the team. It's certainly better to have someone like LeBron be the main ball handler opposed to somebody who is injury prone.

[Joyner82reload]

People are seriously overrating LeBron's play vs the Pacer's last year.

29.0/7.3/5.3 60.9 TS% is good and all, but it's not otherworldly.

Also Durant has absolutely torched Indy over the last 2 years averaging
35.3/8.3/3.3 65.3 TS%

[DMAVS41]

Easy win in 2011.. all they have to do is get by Bulls in ECF.. and Durant now is a much better clutch player than Lebron was in 2011. All those games were close and Miami won because their defense shut down Bulls offense in fourth quarters.. Add a little KD scoring to that mix and we probably wouldve seen more separation.

2012 is tricky because of the whole Finals thing.. who would Miami be playing since Durant isnt on the Thunder? Whoever it is theyd have a decent shot.

2013 I dont see Durant going off on Pacers D like Bron did.. Miami would probably still win though because Bosh would revert back to the midrange and leave 3s to Durant/Chalmers/Battier/Ray etc.. this would give Heat better spacing and cohesiveness.

Durant also wouldnt dominate the ball to the point where his teammates say to the media before a game 7 that they need more touches.:oldlol:

And KD wouldve torched the Spurs,, Pop has no answer for him

If Durant gets to the finals in 11 and 13 they are for sure winning.

12, like you said, is tough because Lebron was epic against the Celtics. Durant would be capable of repeating that, but it took a 34/11/4 59% TS series with elite defense to get by those Celtics from Lebron. Durant is capable of course, but that is hardly a lock...and then even if they make it to the finals...we'd have to pit him against a stacked team as well.

Also, the 13 Pacers series is very questionable. Again Lebron put up 29/7/5 61% TS against an elite defense while not getting much help at all. Possible, but very questionable.

Don't see any likely scenario in which they win 3...so most is 2...with 1 being very much in play.

[J Shuttlesworth]

If Durant gets to the finals in 11 and 13 they are for sure winning.

12, like you said, is tough because Lebron was epic against the Celtics. Durant would be capable of repeating that, but it took a 34/11/4 59% TS series with elite defense to get by those Celtics from Lebron. Durant is capable of course, but that is hardly a lock...and then even if they make it to the finals...we'd have to pit him against a stacked team as well.

Also, the 13 Pacers series is very questionable. Again Lebron put up 29/7/5 61% TS against an elite defense while not getting much help at all. Possible, but very questionable.

Don't see any likely scenario in which they win 3...so most is 2...with 1 being very much in play.
Agreed. It's much different playing in a series against a team like Indy compared to playing them a couple times in the regular season. There's a lot more scouting and preparation for a series, especially by an elite defense like Indy. If Durant was a guy who left a team like the Thunder to join bosh/wade in Miami, he certainly would have an entirely different image. We don't know how he would handle big pressure situations like Game 6 against BOS, game 7 against IND, game 7 against SAS, etc..

[DMAVS41]

Agreed. It's much different playing in a series against a team like Indy compared to playing them a couple times in the regular season. There's a lot more scouting and preparation for a series, especially by an elite defense like Indy. If Durant was a guy who left a team like the Thunder to join bosh/wade in Miami, he certainly would have an entirely different image. We don't know how he would handle big pressure situations like Game 6 against BOS, game 7 against IND, game 7 against SAS, etc..

well, there are never any true "for sure" things in this stuff, but I'd bet my life that Durant wins in 11 and 13 if they make the finals.

And I'd bet a ton of money they make the finals in 11.

But 12 and 13 are totally different for me. They are probably around 50% chances for me...maybe a little less honestly.

[tpols]

If Durant gets to the finals in 11 and 13 they are for sure winning.

12, like you said, is tough because Lebron was epic against the Celtics. Durant would be capable of repeating that, but it took a 34/11/4 59% TS series with elite defense to get by those Celtics from Lebron. Durant is capable of course, but that is hardly a lock...and then even if they make it to the finals...we'd have to pit him against a stacked team as well.

Also, the 13 Pacers series is very questionable. Again Lebron put up 29/7/5 61% TS against an elite defense while not getting much help at all. Possible, but very questionable.

Don't see any likely scenario in which they win 3...so most is 2...with 1 being very much in play.
Ive seen you go on record saying 2 titles with Miami's supporting cast 'would be a failure' and not historically impressive given their stacked nature and uncompetitive conference.

But then recently you been propping Durant saying his current season ranks up there with the GOATs.

What gives? If Durant is as good as hes proclaimed, and 2 titles is historically mediocre.. what the hell would Durant be considered if he only won one title?:oldlol:

Reggie miller?

[Trollsmasher]

They don't sniff the Finals once

[The-Legend-24]

Put someone like Monta Ellis, and they still win. :oldlol:

[DMAVS41]

Ive seen you go on record saying 2 titles with Miami's supporting cast 'would be a failure' and not historically impressive given their stacked nature and uncompetitive conference.

But then recently you been propping Durant saying his current season ranks up there with the GOATs.

What gives? If Durant is as good as hes proclaimed, and 2 titles is historically mediocre.. what the hell would Durant be considered if he only won one title?:oldlol:

Reggie miller?

What gives? You can't just start giving titles to players that haven't won yet...and would have to reproduce a couple epic series. And I've said 2 in 4 years is mediocre...assuming they don't win this year.

2 in 3 years is average...it's just that they won in the two toughest years and lost in the easiest.

I think objectively based on reality it's

11 - Win
12 - 45% chance
13 - 60% chance

Doing something in the regular season does not mean it's going to happen in the playoffs. We've seen this time and time again...So I can't just "give" Durant titles in 12 and 13 when he'd have to be great in at least 1 series each year. Doesn't mean he couldn't do it...just means it's not anywhere near the lock that 11 would be.

[PyrrhusX]

Easy 3-peat for Durant and Miami in a weak EC.
Bran would find success in OKC as a beta to Westbrook. Sadly, Westbrook cannot carry the team

[ArbitraryWater]

0. Maybe 1 in 2011... doubt he has that epic 2012 ecf series/g6, also LBJ on the 12 thunder? that team was favorites/more stacked, bron wins again. 2013? KD aint beating the pacers shooting 42% :lol

2011 only shot

[KG215]

2013? KD aint beating the pacers shooting 42% :lol
Yeah, because his 42% against the Grizzlies would directly carry over if he was playing the Pacers instead. Never mind the title of the thread clearly states current Durant and that was last year Durant. Yes, the Pacers were a damn good defensive team, just like the Grizzlies, but from what I saw they don't double nearly as often as the Grizzlies double (and sometimes triple) teamed Durant last year. Also, keep in mind that was the first time Ibaka was adjusting to playing without Westbrook so, really, he didn't have a proven/legit second option. While Bosh and Wade weren't great against the Pacers, they'd still be more capable/better 2nd and 3rd options than what Durant was working with against the Grizzlies last year.

[DMAVS41]

0. Maybe 1 in 2011... doubt he has that epic 2012 ecf series/g6, also LBJ on the 12 thunder? that team was favorites/more stacked, bron wins again. 2013? KD aint beating the pacers shooting 42% :lol

2011 only shot

This is about current Durant. So I don't get some of the post about shooting 42%

I think everyone here is being reasonable.

Could Durant beat the Celtics in 12 and Pacers in 13? Absolutely...is it anything but a coin flip in reality? No.

[ArbitraryWater]

Yeah, because his 42% against the Grizzlies would directly carry over if he was playing the Pacers instead. Never mind the title of the thread clearly states current Durant and that was last year Durant. Yes, the Pacers were a damn good defensive team, just like the Grizzlies, but from what I saw they don't double nearly as often as the Grizzlies double (and sometimes triple) teamed Durant last year. Also, keep in mind that was the first time Ibaka was adjusting to playing without Westbrook so, really, he didn't have a proven/legit second option. While Bosh and Wade weren't great against the Pacers, they'd still be more capable/better 2nd and 3rd options than what Durant was working with against the Grizzlies last year.

Ugh, if anything the Pacers were better defensively :wtf:

So 25 year old KD playing 4 seasons straight at 25 y/o? Damn thats nice

[ArbitraryWater]

This is about current Durant. So I don't get some of the post about shooting 42%

I think everyone here is being reasonable.

Could Durant beat the Celtics in 12 and Pacers in 13? Absolutely...is it anything but a coin flip in reality? No.

He shot 42% in the last playoff series he played in.......

Could the 2012 Celtics and 2013 Pacers beat Durant? Absolutely...is it anything but a coin flip in reality? No.

[DMAVS41]

He shot 42% in the last playoff series he played in.......

Could the 2012 Celtics and 2013 Pacers beat Durant? Absolutely...is it anything but a coin flip in reality? No.

I know, but current Durant is by far the best version of Durant we've seen. And circumstances would be different on the Heat.

Dude...it's just a fun hypothetical. Obviously Durant could never play at this level for 3 straight years.

But we actually agree on this. That he wins in 11 and then 12 and 13 are nothing more than chances.

I initially was leaning towards him winning only 1...

[KG215]

Ugh, if anything the Pacers were better defensively :wtf:

So 25 year old KD playing 4 seasons straight at 25 y/o? Damn thats nice
That doesn't change the fact that they don't hardly ever double team a player, even if he's on Durant's or LeBron's level. The Grizzlies did double Durant, pretty much full time. So yes, I do think Durant would score with better efficiency against the Pacers than he did against the Grizzlies. It'd still come down to how much help he got from Wade and Bosh. As is the case in any of these scenarios, you have to keep in mind Wade could go back to the role he's best in as the main ball-handler/distributor. Not sure if 2013 Wade would've been capable of playing in that role effectively on a consistent basis, though.

[ArbitraryWater]

I know, but current Durant is by far the best version of Durant we've seen. And circumstances would be different on the Heat.

Dude...it's just a fun hypothetical. Obviously Durant could never play at this level for 3 straight years.

But we actually agree on this. That he wins in 11 and then 12 and 13 are nothing more than chances.

I initially was leaning towards him winning only 1...

I think we would agree on a lot of things regarding Dirk... I love the guy, top 15 all time imo.

[Andrei89]

He wins in 2011. Probably loses in 2012 and 2013.

[Solefade]

lol durant's situation in OKC is much better than it would be in miami, especially with an injured d.wade



if thunder couldn't win in '12, how's he supposed to win with the heat?

[Mr Exlax]

I don't think Durant can do all the things that LeBron had to do to get these Heat teams to the Finals. That makes me think that nah. He couldn't win with them.

[orange_chicken]

Why would you say that? Lebron joined the the Heat for a reason. He can't close out games. He needed Wade to close out games for him. He needed Ray Allen to bail him out when he's feeling scare. He needs a shooter in Bosh to make the basket when he's in choke shooting mode (Varejao couldn't do that in Cleveland). Durant unlike Lebron doesn't need other superstars to cover up his flaws. Lebron is nothing but an overated manufacturer so-called superstar that get's his fame due to media hype and the help of other superstars. Deal with it Lebron stans.


I don't think Durant can do all the things that LeBron had to do to get these Heat teams to the Finals. That makes me think that nah. He couldn't win with them.

[KG215]

lol durant's situation in OKC is much better than it would be in miami, especially with an injured d.wade



if thunder couldn't win in '12, how's he supposed to win with the heat?
Because if it's this version of Durant, then he is better now than he was in 2012. That 2012 Heat team was still damn good when they got Bosh back for the entire Finals and, of course, the role players went off from three. This version of Durant surely doesn't disappear as badly in the 2011 Finals as LeBron, either. I think 2011 is an almost absolute guarantee while 2012 and 2013 are very debatable either way.

[Mr Exlax]

Why would you say that? Lebron joined the the Heat for a reason. He can't close out games. He needed Wade to close out games for him. He needed Ray Allen to bail him out when he's feeling scare. He needs a shooter in Bosh to make the basket when he's in choke shooting mode (Varejao couldn't do that in Cleveland). Durant unlike Lebron doesn't need other superstars to cover up his flaws. Lebron is nothing but an overated manufacturer so-called superstar that get's his fame due to media hype and the help of other superstars. Deal with it Lebron stans.

So wait, I'm the only one that didn't diss Durant, but you quoted just me?

LeBron still lead the Heat in every stat. Leading rebounder, scorer, assists and playmaker. Then he had to go on the other end and be the absolute anchor of his team's defense.

We can go back and forth on the closing out games, but without LeBron, they wouldn't be in the position to have those games closed out. Ray Allen hit a clutch 3, that's part of having teammates. You want LeBron to score every single point?

Bosh hitting open shots because defenses are packing the paint and ready to leave their men to help out on LeBron so he passes to the open man that can hit a shot and that's a bad thing?

Go back and change the names. People like you are fans of players and not actual fans of basketball. I'm a true fan of basketball. I played it my whole life.

[DMAVS41]

Because if it's this version of Durant, then he is better now than he was in 2012. That 2012 Heat team was still damn good when they got Bosh back for the entire Finals and, of course, the role players went off from three. This version of Durant surely doesn't disappear as badly in the 2011 Finals as LeBron, either. I think 2011 is an almost absolute guarantee while 2012 and 2013 are very debatable either way.

This.

So here is the big question to you.

Should Presti use the Dallas pick, Perry Jones, and Thabo's expiring contract to go out and improve this team right now and do everything he can to get the title this year...or are you cool with the Thunder holding onto those guys and that pick?

I think it's a no brainer they should make a move, but I'd love to hear what Thunder fans are thinking.

[orange_chicken]

Lebron lead that Cavs in every stat but you should know why he joined the Heat already. At the end of the day just ask yourself what are the things in the game that Lebron can do that Durant can't? Or vice versa.


So wait, I'm the only one that didn't diss Durant, but you quoted just me?

LeBron still lead the Heat in every stat. Leading rebounder, scorer, assists and playmaker. Then he had to go on the other end and be the absolute anchor of his team's defense.

We can go back and forth on the closing out games, but without LeBron, they wouldn't be in the position to have those games closed out. Ray Allen hit a clutch 3, that's part of having teammates. You want LeBron to score every single point?

Bosh hitting open shots because defenses are packing the paint and ready to leave their men to help out on LeBron so he passes to the open man that can hit a shot and that's a bad thing?

Go back and change the names. People like you are fans of players and not actual fans of basketball. I'm a true fan of basketball. I played it my whole life.

[KG215]

This.

So here is the big question to you.

Should Presti use the Dallas pick, Perry Jones, and Thabo's expiring contract to go out and improve this team right now and do everything he can to get the title this year...or are you cool with the Thunder holding onto those guys and that pick?

I think it's a no brainer they should make a move, but I'd love to hear what Thunder fans are thinking.
You know, a month ago I thought it would've been a travesty if Presti didn't make a move. Gun to my head I'd still say he should try and move Thabo, PJ3, and whatever assets are needed to get Afflalo, because that'd make us even scarier. But I think I'd understand why Presti might not do it now simply because we've seen the added value of Perry Jones as an ultra-versatile defensive specialist off the bench. And while I thought his defense had drastically fallen off earlier in the season, Thabo does seem to be rounding back into form on that end of the floor -- he does continue to be a disaster on offense, though. Clearly Afflalo is a better player. If Thabo was still shooting around 41% from three as he did in 2012 and 2013, then no, I would probably rather keep the continuity of the current roster and take our chances; but Thabo is down to 33% from three this year, although he is shooting over 40% during this 15 game stretch since OKC really turned it on and started playing their best ball since Westbrook's injury.

But, to be honest, the thought of having Afflalo replacing Thabo in our starting lineup, and still having a bench that includes Reggie, Lamb, Collison, and Adams is too enticing to not get excited about.

[NumberSix]

0 playoff appearances.

[STATUTORY]

3 straight championships including DOMINANT playoff runs on the level of the 2001 lakers

Wade is still an elite player and no one is questioning his "future"

[Mr Exlax]

Lebron lead that Cavs in every stat but you should know why he joined the Heat already. At the end of the day just ask yourself what are the things in the game that Lebron can do that Durant can't? Or vice versa.


That makes 0 sense to me. I don't think he joined the Heat to still have to lead them in every single stat so they'd win. Are you saying that he did?

KD is a more well rounded scorer and probably harder to stop from scoring. I do think he and Dwade would compliment each other better though. Other than that though I think LeBron is better at everything else.

[DMAVS41]

You know, a month ago I thought it would've been a travesty if Presti didn't make a move. Gun to my head I'd still say he should try and move Thabo, PJ3, and whatever assets are needed to get Afflalo, because that'd make us even scarier. But I think I'd understand why Presti might not do it now simply because we've seen the added value of Perry Jones as an ultra-versatile defensive specialist off the bench. And while I thought his defense had drastically fallen off earlier in the season, Thabo does seem to be rounding back into form on that end of the floor -- he does continue to be a disaster on offense, though. Clearly Afflalo is a better player. If Thabo was still shooting around 41% from three as he did in 2012 and 2013, then no, I would probably rather keep the continuity of the current roster and take our chances; but Thabo is down to 33% from three this year, although he is shooting over 40% during this 15 game stretch since OKC really turned it on and started playing their best ball since Westbrook's injury.

But, to be honest, the thought of having Afflalo replacing Thabo in our starting lineup, and still having a bench that includes Reggie, Lamb, Collison, and Adams is too enticing to not get excited about.


Yes. Perry Jones does have a bright future imo...and Thabo is playing much better as of late, and that extra first round pick from Dallas could land them yet another promising player that impacts the team and keeps the future looking nice.

I guess I just think they are at the point in which it's time to go all in on trying to win this year and the next two....So much can change with injuries and or free agency (these guys like Jackson, Lamb, Adams, and Jones will have to get paid at some point)...that I think Presti should be in full on win now mode. He's already got the MVP, 2nd star player, quality 3rd option....that is the core. That is what matters...

I personally hope they make a move...I'd just hate to see them lose in the Finals because they were missing that one guy while we watch Lamb, Thabo, and Jones really struggle on the big stage...

We'll see. Either way it's going to be really interesting.

[freshperry]

Most likely win in 11, but it's not a lock...

Honestly probably think they lose in 12 and 13...

At best he wins 2 titles in 3 years like Lebron. Although it's probably more likely that he only wins one.

Give your boy more credit then that! Dirk was just nuts that year, I dont think anyone was going to stop him. Lebron shit the bed but still, replacing durant for lbj was not going to fix anything. They had no answer for Dirk. The eastern conference is tougher then people might think. For the haters that say lebron doesnt like contact, you think Durant would survive the Bulls, Celtics, Pacers series? We all saw what happened last year when he played against the Grizzlies and those 3 teams are way better defensively imo. Do you guys even remember how bad wade/bosh played against the bulls in 2011 and pacers in 2012/2013 (bosh basically didnt even play the pacer series) until the heat literally kept feeding him the ball.

[MASH Transit]

This.

So here is the big question to you.

Should Presti use the Dallas pick, Perry Jones, and Thabo's expiring contract to go out and improve this team right now and do everything he can to get the title this year...or are you cool with the Thunder holding onto those guys and that pick?

I think it's a no brainer they should make a move, but I'd love to hear what Thunder fans are thinking.

They should keep Jones III, whose a stud and will eventually occupy Collison's role, and package Thabo, Perkins, and the Dallas pick for shooters. I'm not sure whose all available, but I wouldn't be against making a move to better the team.

[DMAVS41]

They should keep Jones III, whose a stud and will eventually occupy Collison's role, and package Thabo, Perkins, and the Dallas pick for shooters. I'm not sure whose all available, but I wouldn't be against making a move to better the team.

Who the **** is taking Perkins?

[Simple Jack]

DMAVS - weren't you saying that anything less than 2 titles with such a stacked team as Miami would be a failure and inexcusable for any all-time great player? I mean you mentioned a lot of names stating they would quite easily win 2 titles in 3 years with this team. I'm pretty sure you threw kobe in there too.

You also stated Durant this year might be > Kobe's best year; yet you don't think Durant can get it done with this level of talent around him?

I don't follow the logic.

[plowking]

I'm not sure they win in 11. Bulls probably beat them. Same goes for most other years, they might lose before the finals.

[ihoopallday]

You could put Wilson Chandler in place of Bron in the 2011 finals and they probably win. That choke job was hard to watch. I'll never understand how he could dominate the first 3 rounds and completely disappear in the finals. It's not like he hadn't been there before.

[JT123]

You could put Wilson Chandler in place of Bron in the 2011 finals and they probably win. That choke job was hard to watch. I'll never understand how he could dominate the first 3 rounds and completely disappear in the finals. It's not like he hadn't been there before.
It's kind of like how Wade dominated the first 2 rounds then choked in the ECF. It happens. :confusedshrug:

[francesco totti]

0 rings

And not because durant isnt lebron level,he is as good... but because the heat are designed for lebron james with all the spacing then durant...

[DMAVS41]

DMAVS - weren't you saying that anything less than 2 titles with such a stacked team as Miami would be a failure and inexcusable for any all-time great player? I mean you mentioned a lot of names stating they would quite easily win 2 titles in 3 years with this team. I'm pretty sure you threw kobe in there too.

You also stated Durant this year might be > Kobe's best year; yet you don't think Durant can get it done with this level of talent around him?

I don't follow the logic.

I said 2 was average for the last 3 years...which it would be.

Which is probably what Durant would do, but a regular season is not the same as the playoffs. And it's not fair to Lebron to just start giving players that have never won before...titles in place of him when the level of difficult in 12 and 13 was so tough...especially 12

Take Kobe's 06 season, for example, he's not winning in 12 or 13 given how he played in the playoffs against the Suns. Dude quits in a game 7 against the Suns and I'm supposed to think he'll pull off coming back against the Celtics in 12 and winning two games 7's against the Pacers and Spurs...

nah...can't just give him those

but I don't think Kobe's 06 was his best. he benefitted from joke rules and the ultimate green light and played no attention to defense. Put 08 Kobe on the 12 and 13 Heat and it's a different story for me

11 is a lock

and then 12 and 13 are good chances, but hardly locks

like I have always said...what the Heat have done today is par for the course. 2 titles in 3 years...2 titles in 4 years will be slightly below average. 3 titles in 4 years...with a 3 peat...will be amazing. this stuff is fragile...

[knicksman]

or the whole memphis grizzlies team:oldlol: :oldlol:


at least it was against the whole team instead of just a role player.:oldlol:

That lack of IQ

[Simple Jack]

I said 2 was average for the last 3 years...which it would be.

Which is probably what Durant would do, but a regular season is not the same as the playoffs. And it's not fair to Lebron to just start giving players that have never won before...titles in place of him when the level of difficult in 12 and 13 was so tough...especially 12

Take Kobe's 06 season, for example, he's not winning in 12 or 13 given how he played in the playoffs against the Suns. Dude quits in a game 7 against the Suns and I'm supposed to think he'll pull off coming back against the Celtics in 12 and winning two games 7's against the Pacers and Spurs...

nah...can't just give him those

but I don't think Kobe's 06 was his best. he benefitted from joke rules and the ultimate green light and played no attention to defense. Put 08 Kobe on the 12 and 13 Heat and it's a different story for me

11 is a lock

and then 12 and 13 are good chances, but hardly locks

like I have always said...what the Heat have done today is par for the course. 2 titles in 3 years...2 titles in 4 years will be slightly below average. 3 titles in 4 years...with a 3 peat...will be amazing. this stuff is fragile...

But that's what I'm saying; you listed a bunch of players who would have won just as many rings as LeBron so far in Miami (including duos such as Dirk and Kobe)....you then said Durant's season is better than Kobe's best (unless you think something other than his 06 season is his best)....then you follow that up by saying Durant would likely win only 1. I understand what you're saying - I just don't follow the rationale.

[JohnFreeman]

Who is Durant suppose to guard in the finals, if Chalmers is on his team?

[knicksman]

2 rings max. Coz every player would quit this league. they will sweep every playoff series. That's just how unfair it is. Theres no redundancy except for scoring but Dwayne wade would become steroid version of westbrook same with bosh a steroid version of ibaka. And we all knew perk was the reason why OKC lost in their last finals appearance so had they played small ball, they would've won the series. Now replace Durants teammates with wade and bosh and its over for the league.

[gin17]

2 rings max. Coz every player would quit this league. they will sweep every playoff series

:applause:

[East_Stone_Ya]

zero titles

[Simple Jack]

2 rings max. Coz every player would quit this league. they will sweep every playoff series. That's just how unfair it is. Theres no redundancy except for scoring but Dwayne wade would become steroid version of westbrook same with bosh a steroid version of ibaka. And we all knew perk was the reason why OKC lost in their last finals appearance so had they played small ball, they would've won the series. Now replace Durants teammates with wade and bosh and its over for the league.

It can certainly be argued that Westbrook > Wade at this point; Ibaka, though not as good as Bosh offensively, is a lot better defensively. I mean even guys like Reggie are legit starters on most teams in the league. When they had Harden too, OKC was more talented than Miami. That's not to say that Miami isn't talented; because they are...but it's overstated when taking into account Wade's decline.

[knicksman]

It can certainly be argued that Westbrook > Wade at this point; Ibaka, though not as good as Bosh offensively, is a lot better defensively. I mean even guys like Reggie are legit starters on most teams in the league. When they had Harden too, OKC was more talented than Miami. That's not to say that Miami isn't talented; because they are...but it's overstated when taking into account Wade's decline.


Wade wouldn't shoulder the scoring load because Durant can handle it unlike LeBron who disappears when defenses tightens up so he needs alpha wade to shoulder it. In fact its the reason why LeBron joined Miami. While Durant can let wade be a full time playmaker and thus can preserve his body.

[Simple Jack]

Wade wouldn't shoulder the scoring load because Durant can handle it unlike LeBron who disappears when defenses tightens up so he needs alpha wade to shoulder it. In fact its the reason why LeBron joined Miami. While Durant can let wade be a full time playmaker and thus can preserve his body.

Wade doesn't shoulder any scoring load.

Where was Wade when defenses tightened up against Indiana 2 years ago? Or against Boston; specifically that game 6. Pretty sure LeBron didn't disappear those games.

I get you hate LeBron - to an healthy level; but it's not an excuse to ignore reality and go full-retard 99% of the time on this site.

[DMAVS41]

But that's what I'm saying; you listed a bunch of players who would have won just as many rings as LeBron so far in Miami (including duos such as Dirk and Kobe)....you then said Durant's season is better than Kobe's best (unless you think something other than his 06 season is his best)....then you follow that up by saying Durant would likely win only 1. I understand what you're saying - I just don't follow the rationale.

Because this is the regular season. I thought I made this clear. Is the hypothetical about Durant this season...or does he automatically average what he's averaging now

Because obviously if Durant averages 31/8/6 64% TS each year...he's going to win 3. If that is the question...then Durant wins 3.

I took it more as now that Durant has really reached a new level...how many does he win. And it's just not fair to give him 3 considering we've never seen him win yet....

Obviously he wins in 11....and then the other two are kind of toss ups...just like they were for Lebron (who is still better than Durant in my opinion)

Yes, I don't think Kobe in 06 was his best year. I think he was better as a player in 01, 02, and 08...probably take him in 07

The Dirk/Kobe comment about them on the best team in the league playing together...I don't see how they lose either of the last 3 years, but they might only win 2 as well

My comments about winning 2 in those 3 years as average is because 11 should have been a lock...and then you'd expect them to win 1 of the next 2. Hence the 2 in 3 years being par for the course. But really the point is this year. Only 2 in 4 years will be slightly below average for the Heat/Lebron...I think that is fair

Again, Durant has to show he can do this shit in the playoffs....he's had loaded rosters since 11...and he's had Dirk and Lebron outplay him...and then last year I don't blame him by any means, but wasn't able to put his stamp on that series the way I thought he would. I think there is still a bit of uncertainty here with Durant

I mean, lets say they lose this year with a healthy squad...what's the excuse? The Thunder have as good or better roster than anyone...so I need to see a bit more first before I just start handing Durant titles when he hasn't won one with more than enough help (especially in 12)