OKC KD vs. OKC Shai

[Im Still Ballin]

Saw this thread made on RGM. Thought I'd make it here.

Who's better?

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[999Guy]

KD is a better scorer. But his scoring isn't actually as disruptive as Shai's. Shai can keep his dribble alive for 240 seconds if it were legal. And probes into the lane at-will, under control in a way KD never did. Shai's a better ballhandler, passer, and defender.

Shai is better. I just want to see him in another playoff run. But even in the playoffs, OKC KD struggled mightily at times. So the bar isn't even that high as far as the playoffs.

Presti is a monster at scouting man. Two generations and just loaded teams up with MVPs and all-NBA guys along with really good support players. Giddey is beasting as a lead guard in Chicago.

[Im Still Ballin]

KD is a better scorer. But his scoring isn't actually as disruptive as Shai's. Shai can keep his dribble alive for 240 seconds if it were legal. And probes into the lane at-will, under control in a way KD never did. Shai's a better ballhandler, passer, and defender.

Shai is better. I just want to see him in another playoff run. But even in the playoffs, OKC KD struggled mightily at times. So the bar isn't even that high as far as the playoffs.

Presti is a monster at scouting man. Two generations and just loaded teams up with MVPs and all-NBA guys along with really good support players. Giddey is beasting as a lead guard in Chicago.

This is pretty much my take. It's very close, but I lean toward Shai due to superior playmaking, ball security/turnover efficiency, and defense. KD's superior shot-making is mitigated by his higher turnover rate.

[SouBeachTalents]

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2447218

They're not the end all be all, but surprised KD is winning so decisively, he's got 72% of the vote in that poll.

[iamgine]

As far as regular season, this year's SGA and 2014 MVP Durant are comparable IMO.

Playoff though, last season SGA was pretty great but hasn't reached Durant's level in 2013 when OKC was also bounced in the 2nd round.

So I'd definitely give it to Durant right now.

[FKAri]

KD is a better scorer. But his scoring isn't actually as disruptive as Shai's. Shai can keep his dribble alive for 240 seconds if it were legal. And probes into the lane at-will, under control in a way KD never did. Shai's a better ballhandler, passer, and defender.

Shai is better. I just want to see him in another playoff run. But even in the playoffs, OKC KD struggled mightily at times. So the bar isn't even that high as far as the playoffs.

Presti is a monster at scouting man. Two generations and just loaded teams up with MVPs and all-NBA guys along with really good support players. Giddey is beasting as a lead guard in Chicago.

SGA's better on the ball whereas KD is better off the ball. Really depends on team construction. KD's the type that could fit on any team. He doesn't need an offense to run through him.

The only issue is he needs a great guard next to him if you want to maximize the team. Someone who can get in the paint and get easy shots for others. Shai can do this himself. Shai's a more complete player but that doesn't mean he's better.

[ImKobe]

Easily KD based on peak play and the fact that OKC went to two WCFs and a Finals with him. KD had SGAs efficiency with much worse spacing around him.

[tpols]

Eh... Kevin Durant was better. A lot of goofies here though hate him and hold a grudge.

[ShawkFactory]

Really tough to compare. I think at this stage and the way Shai is playing he might be a bit better of a floor raiser than KD was at the time. But KD was so amazing and being able to fit anywhere and dominate.

I guess it depends on the team. I don't think either version of the Thunder with these respective guys would trade for the other.

[Wally450]

I want to see what Shai's gonna do when he aint getting those touch fouls in the playoffs.

[ImKobe]

Really tough to compare. I think at this stage and the way Shai is playing he might be a bit better of a floor raiser than KD was at the time. But KD was so amazing and being able to fit anywhere and dominate.

I guess it depends on the team. I don't think either version of the Thunder with these respective guys would trade for the other.

KD did lead OKC to 59 wins with Westbrook missing about half the season and that team wasn't all that great. He also was carrying the Nets just 2 years ago at age 34 averaging 30/7/6 on 67%TS prior to the Phoenix move.

Shai is a beast and more skilled overall I think but KD's skill & athleticism for his size is just unfair.

[FKAri]

I want to see what Shai's gonna do when he aint getting those touch fouls in the playoffs.

30,7,6 on 50% shooting in the playoffs last year. His touch from midrange is GOAT tier, he has a good power game and he plays well in traffic. It translates well to the playoffs. His weakness is he's a good but not great playmaker. So he needs his sidekicks to show up.