Steph or Durant? || Q&A Week 2

Good points Major! I'm just pointing out it wouldn't be shocking if he started feeling himself a lil too much...

Athletic Alchemy

I think there's no way KD reverts to ISO. 1) He's been wanting to play in a Warriors-like share'n'flow system for a few years at least now, 2) he took almost 10 less million to keep the band together - he's sold on this, and 3) it sealed the deal for me during his drunk post-finals interview where he took time to basically yell at the media and league that Steph is the BIG DOG. I think the underlying narrative is that this is Steph's team and I think everyone knows it is and is happy that it is.

Major Powers

KD chance of getting a good look is much higher...in fact its probably the highest in the game with his range, size and handle. I think they both "want it" but your right Steph's confidence is more easily shaken. I think KD should be the closer down the stretch of games. But let's say both are geting good looks in the 4th, I think Steph has stronger dagger dna. There is a reason KD is a more confident aggressive closer. Who is better at getting a good look from anywhere on the court? The key is neither has the Kobe gene of no plan b, which will enable them to both have their opportunities.

Athletic Alchemy

One thing I was interested in hearing your take on was how they compare personality wise? Like, who would you rather take a shot with the game on the line type of stuff. I feel like Durant's track record is pretty good whereas Steph can be really dynamic - sometimes he plays incredible defense and hits every shot, but if he's not feeling it it's hard to watch. That's gotta factor in somehow too right?

Overall he might be, but last 5 min KD is. Especially during playoff basketball, he can get a good shot every time! As well as protect the rim and get to the line.

Athletic Alchemy

In terms of importance though, man any player combination with Steph outscores teams. I just think if they replace KD with Steph would they ever be a 73-9 win team, seems like the simplest way to translate his impact in regard to the teams performance. KD is definitely more skilled but Steph is just better to me.

Great insights, the comparison between KD - Jones and Steph - Silva was pretty spot on. KD and jones are freaks of nature but people like Silva and Steph when they're in their peak are just otherworldly but when they fall off it's more drastic because of how good they are. That's why I also agree that Steph out of the big 4 will probably age the least gracefully.

This is great and I definitely think making podcasts of longer analyses is a good idea. I can listen to it while commuting to work.

Jason Poh

The detail you provided is unparalleled. Much appreciated.

appreciate it Darren! Im going to transition these longer ones into a podcast moving forward, thinking about having patron guests weekly.

Athletic Alchemy

Lovin' your work, brother. Keep it up!