Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleK
Honest question: Does Durant make that much of a difference?
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Yes, in so many ways.
He's a creator, so he takes the ball out of the hands of guys like Thompson and Green as primary playmaking options.
He's such a long and sharp shooter, so he can swing those contested late shot clock prayer plays as well ast anyone on either team including Kawhi or Curry. He can get to his spots and get a clean shot away every time. You're also forced to put Kawhi or Siakam on him defensively, opening up someone else to take advantage.
He takes minutes away from a guy like McKinnie who's been a total liability at both ends.
He's a strong help defender who would give guys like Ibaka and Siakam more difficulty finishing around the paint. He's also a strong primary defender who can bother Kawhi's shot.
He's an elite shooter who spaces the floor. With him on the court you have two guys in Thompson and Durant that you absolutely can't leave for a second to double team Curry. Completely different dynamic that allows them to run their pick n roll. The Raptors' Box+1 that everyone is talking about is only viable when neither Durant nor Thompson are on the floor.
All that said I'd rather watch Kawhi vs Curry than have Durant be the centre of attention while Curry defers to him.