Sources: Kevin Durant will be Warriors' top target in free agency

[ABQcowboyJR]

KD needs to come home to DC and pull a Lebron......DC needs a title

No they don't.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

I don't think Durant fits in GS either. Warriors lead the league in Assists but Assists to who? Curry and Thompson were the benefactors of this. The scoring is a two player deal in GS. Heck, even Green's production was a distant 3rd to those two and this guy shoots 49% from the field. If Durant were to go to GS, it would have to be a deal in which he has to give up shots IMO. I don't see Curry giving up the ball and Thompson is actually a better Three Point Shooter then Durant so why would you take the ball out of his hands? The thing that saves GS from the rest of the league is that they have two guys who can shoot the three with exceptional accuracy. If you change the offense and go away from that, then their size shows up and that's bad. They probably should have lost to OKC in the Conference Finals and it was specifically because OKC went big on them.

If Durant is OK with giving up his offense, then yeah, it could work because the only reason GS wants Durant is for ISO situations when they need buckets in the crunch that are outside of their current Offense. They need playoff baskets in one on one situations and Durant can do that but that's not the Offense GS can play very much if they want to win. Would Durant do that? Could he do that? That's a lot of money to pay and if Durant isn't satisfied with anywhere from a 3rd to half the shots he is currently seeing in OKC, it's probably not going to work.

JMO

There are a couple interesting things going on in the Durant to Golden State hypothetical. First and foremost I think that Golden State runs the kind of offense that could really showcase Durant's talent and take his game to the next level. He is good enough to play iso-ball and create his own shot, but I think this hurts is overall shooting percentage. He does end up taking more bad shots than he should be taking. If he were to end up in GS he would become the second scoring option and Klay would slide more into that traditional 3pt shooter role. In GS Durant would be facing many of the same issues he faces with Westbrook right now by having Curry. If it were to happen that would be an even better 3pt shooting team, which is hard to contemplate.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

There are a couple interesting things going on in the Durant to Golden State hypothetical. First and foremost I think that Golden State runs the kind of offense that could really showcase Durant's talent and take his game to the next level. He is good enough to play iso-ball and create his own shot, but I think this hurts is overall shooting percentage. He does end up taking more bad shots than he should be taking. If he were to end up in GS he would become the second scoring option and Klay would slide more into that traditional 3pt shooter role. In GS Durant would be facing many of the same issues he faces with Westbrook right now by having Curry. If it were to happen that would be an even better 3pt shooting team, which is hard to contemplate.

I don't know Son. I mean, if you make Durant the 2nd option, you are taking a chance. That Offense only works because teams are deathly afraid of the three ball. Durant only shot 38% last year. He's a career 38% 3pt shooter so I think It's a lot to ask for him to become a guy who can shoot 47% from 3 point land. I don't think GS's offense works if you make Durant the 2nd option. You do that and you have to be able to either stop other teams from scoring as much against you, which is a bad thing for GS because defensively, they really aren't that good, or you have to find more offensive possessions because not only are you going to have to shoot more shots, in order to make up for the lower shooting percentage of Durant but you have to actually score more baskets because you are trading 2 pt for 3 pt production.

I don't think they are a better 3pt shooting team with Durant. You figure Harrison Barnes leaves and Durant takes that spot. Barnes was a 38% 3 pt shooter and Durant is the same. I think they are actually a worse three point shooting team if Durant is the 2nd scoring option because Thomspon sees fewer opportunities and Thompson is clearly a better 3 pt shooter.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

I don't know Son. I mean, if you make Durant the 2nd option, you are taking a chance. That Offense only works because teams are deathly afraid of the three ball. Durant only shot 38% last year. He's a career 38% 3pt shooter so I think It's a lot to ask for him to become a guy who can shoot 47% from 3 point land. I don't think GS's offense works if you make Durant the 2nd option. You do that and you have to be able to either stop other teams from scoring as much against you, which is a bad thing for GS because defensively, they really aren't that good, or you have to find more offensive possessions because not only are you going to have to shoot more shots, in order to make up for the lower shooting percentage of Durant but you have to actually score more baskets because you are trading 2 pt for 3 pt production.

I don't think they are a better 3pt shooting team with Durant. You figure Harrison Barnes leaves and Durant takes that spot. Barnes was a 38% 3 pt shooter and Durant is the same. I think they are actually a worse three point shooting team if Durant is the 2nd scoring option because Thomspon sees fewer opportunities and Thompson is clearly a better 3 pt shooter.

GS is not a bad defensive team at all. Alot of this is that they scheme you into playing small ball against them defensively and they can defend other teams small lineups very well. Now we did see them struggle against OKC small ball lineup, but alot of that is because it isn't a very "small lineup" when they play small.

My point is that I think Durant becomes a better shooter because GS offense will open up the floor for him. Just because Klay becomes the 3rd preferred option doesn't mean he isn't going to get his 3pt shots. It would be an interesting think to see because Durant is such an upgrade from Barnes offensively.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

GS is not a bad defensive team at all. Alot of this is that they scheme you into playing small ball against them defensively and they can defend other teams small lineups very well. Now we did see them struggle against OKC small ball lineup, but alot of that is because it isn't a very "small lineup" when they play small.

My point is that I think Durant becomes a better shooter because GS offense will open up the floor for him. Just because Klay becomes the 3rd preferred option doesn't mean he isn't going to get his 3pt shots. It would be an interesting think to see because Durant is such an upgrade from Barnes offensively.

Correct, they rely on their Offense and the threat of the three ball to limit other teams. You take that away or limit it and then they have to match up and play real D and I just don't think they are very good at that.

Durant has never been as good a three point shooter as Thompson is right now and Thompson is getting better at it. I don't think there is any way you get the same production out of Thompson if he is the third option. There are only so many shots in a game and like it or not, if you are the third option, you are going to get fewer of them. That's just how it works.

 

[dogunwo]

I hope Durant gets criticized the way LeBron was for creating a super team.

 

[JoeKing]

KD to the Spurs!

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

Correct, they rely on their Offense and the threat of the three ball to limit other teams. You take that away or limit it and then they have to match up and play real D and I just don't think they are very good at that.

Durant has never been as good a three point shooter as Thompson is right now and Thompson is getting better at it. I don't think there is any way you get the same production out of Thompson if he is the third option. There are only so many shots in a game and like it or not, if you are the third option, you are going to get fewer of them. That's just how it works.

I don't really see the need for Klays shot attempts to go down. You need to steal ten shots per game from everyone other than Curry and Klay.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I don't really see the need for Klays shot attempts to go down. You need to steal ten shots per game from everyone other than Curry and Klay.

But if you do that, then you create a problem with your spacing. The ability to make the three by GS players are what create the threat. This makes other teams play small ball because you need players who can close out on shooters. If you start taking away that threat, then you start undermining why it is that GS's Offense, and by extension, Defense is successful. In effect, you start making it easier for other teams to go big on you. Now, you may think that if you still have guys who can make the three on the floor, then threat is still there and the scheme still works but that's not really how it works. Every team studies tendencies and what happens is that even if you have guys who can make the three, if they aren't shooting it, then doesn't matter.

It is my experience that most of the time, when you run your Offense, the 1st two options are going to get more shots, regardless. Even if you want to say we are going to find 10 more shots for a guy, it turns into more shots for the 1st two options and not 10 shots that go to your third option. That happens because you take your first good shot and statistically, that is going to end up being a shot from your 1st or 2nd option so even if you were going to take offense away from your other players, it still doesn't mean that Thompson would see those shots. You also have to worry about Thompson as a player. Thompson is younger and he is improving. If you lesson his role in the Offense, that usually effects young players, more so, then older Vets. The natural tendency is to want to prove yourself and it can create problems for the player and the team chemistry. It's hard to know how that plays out. Does Thompson accept that role with no issues or does he start thinking about getting out of GS? It's really hard to know how those things will work.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I don't think Durant fits in GS either. Warriors lead the league in Assists but Assists to who? Curry and Thompson were the benefactors of this. The scoring is a two player deal in GS. Heck, even Green's production was a distant 3rd to those two and this guy shoots 49% from the field. If Durant were to go to GS, it would have to be a deal in which he has to give up shots IMO. I don't see Curry giving up the ball and Thompson is actually a better Three Point Shooter then Durant so why would you take the ball out of his hands? The thing that saves GS from the rest of the league is that they have two guys who can shoot the three with exceptional accuracy. If you change the offense and go away from that, then their size shows up and that's bad. They probably should have lost to OKC in the Conference Finals and it was specifically because OKC went big on them.

If Durant is OK with giving up his offense, then yeah, it could work because the only reason GS wants Durant is for ISO situations when they need buckets in the crunch that are outside of their current Offense. They need playoff baskets in one on one situations and Durant can do that but that's not the Offense GS can play very much if they want to win. Would Durant do that? Could he do that? That's a lot of money to pay and if Durant isn't satisfied with anywhere from a 3rd to half the shots he is currently seeing in OKC, it's probably not going to work.

JMO

Curry averaged nearly 7 assists per game. He wasn't passing to himself. The Dubs also have/had one of the deepest benches in the league. They spread the ball around and Curry and Thompson have shown zero signs of being the "I need my shots" kind of players. In fact, Curry averaged 30+ points this season and didn't play in the 4th quarter of I believe 25 games.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Curry averaged nearly 7 assists per game. He wasn't passing to himself. The Dubs also have/had one of the deepest benches in the league. They spread the ball around and Curry and Thompson have shown zero signs of being the "I need my shots" kind of players. In fact, Curry averaged 30+ points this season and didn't play in the 4th quarter of I believe 25 games.

A single players assist do not really tell the complete picture of your original statement, which was having to do with GS being the top assist team in the NBA. The question is not about what Curry averaged or who he passed it off to. He's the 1st option so naturally, if he is not open, he is going to pass the ball to the next option. How many of Curry's assist resulted in a score for the second option or somebody else? I don't have those numbers but that is going to say more about the original question you asked and my response.

 

[Nightman]

KD would be admitting defeat if he went to GSW......if you can't beat em join em......either go home to DC or stay in OKC and win with Westbrook....I like that trade they just made......Ibaka disappeared in the playoffs and Oladipo can really score....

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

A single players assist do not really tell the complete picture of your original statement, which was having to do with GS being the top assist team in the NBA. The question is not about what Curry averaged or who he passed it off to. He's the 1st option so naturally, if he is not open, he is going to pass the ball to the next option. How many of Curry's assist resulted in a score for the second option or somebody else? I don't have those numbers but that is going to say more about the original question you asked and my response.

They led the NBA in assists by a wide margin which is a clear indicator that Kerr's offense is predicated on passing the ball around. That speaks to my original statement. Me mentioning Curry averaging nearly 7 assists per game speaks to him distributing the ball and not simply looking to hit his typical quota of shot attempts.

What's also being overlooked is the fact that Curry and Thompson have a large share of attempts (though not any different than other star tandems in the league) as a byproduct of two reasons:

1. They're good; Curry and Klay are efficient shooters and not hurting the team like true volume scorers ala Allen Iverson.
2. They shoot because they need to. Curry and Klay are the primary scorers for the team. They don't have 3rd gun in the offense. Rather, they have a bunch of guys that can hit an open shot, rather than being a dynamic scorer.

How many of Curry's assist resulted in a score for the second option or somebody else?"

How many of Curry's assists resulted in a score option [...]? An assist is a pass that leads to a score. So....all of them.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

They led the NBA in assists by a wide margin which is a clear indicator that Kerr's offense is predicated on passing the ball around. That speaks to my original statement. Me mentioning Curry averaging nearly 7 assists per game speaks to him distributing the ball and not simply looking to hit his typical quota of shot attempts.

What's also being overlooked is the fact that Curry and Thompson have a large share of attempts (though not any different than other star tandems in the league) as a byproduct of two reasons:

1. They're good; Curry and Klay are efficient shooters and not hurting the team like true volume scorers ala Allen Iverson.
2. They shoot because they need to. Curry and Klay are the primary scorers for the team. They don't have 3rd gun in the offense. Rather, they have a bunch of guys that can hit an open shot, rather than being a dynamic scorer.

If what you say is true, then why are the one and two options on GS carrying so much of the scoring on that team? If, as you seem to suggest, the assist are being distributed, then why isn't the scoring more balanced? If Kerr's Offense, as you suggest, is so evenly balanced and the scoring is coming from so many other players, besides the 1 and 2 options, then why would you need to go get Durant in the first place?

How many of Curry's assists resulted in a score option [...]? An assist is a pass that leads to a score. So....all of them.

Here is my actual quote. As you can see, it is different from what you posted above. I think you will find that you will have more success if you actually quote what was said and not what you want it to say.


"A single players assist do not really tell the complete picture of your original statement, which was having to do with GS being the top assist team in the NBA. The question is not about what Curry averaged or who he passed it off to. He's the 1st option so naturally, if he is not open, he is going to pass the ball to the next option. How many of Curry's assist resulted in a score for the second option or somebody else? I don't have those numbers but that is going to say more about the original question you asked and my response."


BTW, you didn't answer the actual question posed. How many of Curry's assist lead to scores for the 2nd scoring option and how many were to the 3rd option? If you can't actually understand that, then you can't really determine validity of your earlier statement.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

If what you say is true, then why are the one and two options on GS carrying so much of the scoring on that team? If, as you seem to suggest, the assist are being distributed, then why isn't the scoring more balanced? If Kerr's Offense, as you suggest, is so evenly balanced and the scoring is coming from so many other players, besides the 1 and 2 options, then why would you need to go get Durant in the first place?

Lol, because Curry and Thompson are the best offensive players on the team. Why are you trying to make it more difficult than it really is. The best players (which are typically the best scorers) are going to get the lions share of the shots. Why? Because they make the shots.

That's the case for every team in the league. Name a team that's any different...Spurs, OKC? Expecting any different is not understanding today's game. Do you really think Festus Ezeli should get the same number of shots as Curry? The fact that Dubs pass the ball around does not mean that shots will be evenly distributed from player 1-12.

If you're really asking me why the Dubs would need arguably one of the Top 2-3 players in the league (Durant), then I have no words, lol. I'm also going to assume you're not aware of the Warriors impending free agency dilemma. Give me Durant over Harrison Barnes all day, any day and twice on Sundays.

Here is my actual quote. As you can see, it is different from what you posted above. I think you will find that you will have more success if you actually quote what was said and not what you want it to say.


"A single players assist do not really tell the complete picture of your original statement, which was having to do with GS being the top assist team in the NBA. The question is not about what Curry averaged or who he passed it off to. He's the 1st option so naturally, if he is not open, he is going to pass the ball to the next option. How many of Curry's assist resulted in a score for the second option or somebody else? I don't have those numbers but that is going to say more about the original question you asked and my response."

BTW, you didn't answer the actual question posed. How many of Curry's assist lead to scores for the 2nd scoring option and how many were to the 3rd option? If you can't actually understand that, then you can't really determine validity of your earlier statement.

Your question is a misnomer. Curry's assists lead to scores by the exact definition of the term: assist. You also say "He's the 1st option so naturally, if he is not open, he is going to pass the ball to the next option." That's simply motive mongering. You may as well be saying "well, yeah, he got an assist, but he really wanted to shoot it so it's different" and if that's your belief, or something close to it, there's no point in debating.

The idea that Curry or Thompson would be unwilling to give up shots to in order to incorporate a guy like Durant into the offense is unfounded. When Lebron went to Miami w/Bosh to join Wade, all of their shots-per-game averages dropped dramatically. It's been done.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Lol, because Curry and Thompson are the best offensive players on the team. Why are you trying to make it more difficult than it really is. The best players (which are typically the best scorers) are going to get the lions share of the shots. Why? Because they make the shots.

That's the case for every team in the league. Name a team that's any different...Spurs, OKC? Expecting any different is not understanding today's game. Do you really think Festus Ezeli should get the same number of shots as Curry? The fact that Dubs pass the ball around does not mean that shots will be evenly distributed from player 1-12.

Isn't that exactly what I said in my earlier post? I don't think it's me who is trying to make it hard. I pretty much made the same point earlier and you responded with the ball share thing but as I said before, team assist numbers do not necessarily indicate balanced offense.

I never said that Curry should or should not get any specific number of shots. I said that if you bring in KD and you make him the second option, he would have to shoot a much better percentage of three point shots. If Durant comes to GS, he would have to be willing to accept the fact that he might be the third option on the team and if he is the third option, is he really that much of an upgrade to what you had last year?

If you're really asking me why the Dubs would need arguably one of the Top 2-3 players in the league (Durant), then I have no words, lol. I'm also going to assume you're not aware of the Warriors impending free agency dilemma. Give me Durant over Harrison Barnes all day, any day and twice on Sundays.

This would be the wrong assumption. I am aware of Barnes' FA status for the upcoming season but look at the role he plays and then try to figure out if Durant would be willing to play the same role. There are only so many shots in the Offense. Would KD be willing to fill that role or are you better off trying to pay Barnes and let Durant sign elsewhere? That was the whole point of the earlier post.

Your question is a misnomer. Curry's assists lead to scores by the exact definition of the term: assist. You also say "He's the 1st option so naturally, if he is not open, he is going to pass the ball to the next option." That's simply motive mongering. You may as well be saying "well, yeah, he got an assist, but he really wanted to shoot it so it's different" and if that's your belief, or something close to it, there's no point in debating.

Not at all what I'm saying. You are using the team assist stat to justify your position that GS runs an offense where there is enough opportunity for everybody to get their offense. I am saying that can not be determined by team assists accurately. The 1 and 2 option on that team get the majority of the shots so how do you insert Durant into this offense as the third option and find him more shots? First of all, Curry really would rather shoot it so I don't even know why you make that point. It's an empty point, with regards to this discussion. There, in fact, is no debating it. If Curry didn't want the shot, then he would not be the scorer he is. You can't debate that.

The idea that Curry or Thompson would be unwilling to give up shots to in order to incorporate a guy like Durant into the offense is unfounded. When Lebron went to Miami w/Bosh to join Wade, all of their shots-per-game averages dropped dramatically. It's been done.

If Curry and Thompson are playing the way the did last year, they better not be willing to give up shots because that part of the GS offense aint broken. Why would you take shots out of their hands? Again, I say that if Durant can't get better with the 3, then it would be stupid to take the ball out of Curry's or Thompson's hands in order to give more opportunities to Durant. It only makes it harder for GS. Durant would have to be willing to accept a lessor role in the offense in GS or it's not going to work IMO.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I never said that Curry should or should not get any specific number of shots. I said that if you bring in KD and you make him the second option, he would have to shoot a much better percentage of three point shots. If Durant comes to GS, he would have to be willing to accept the fact that he might be the third option on the team and if he is the third option, is he really that much of an upgrade to what you had last year?

KD adds a new dimension to the offense being a capable scorer inside the perimeter, off-the-dribble and in-the-paint. If anything, he would keep teams honest and spaced creating better opportunities for all involved.

And you're asking if Kevin Durant would be "(as a third option) really that much of an upgrade to what you had last year?"

First, I don't accept this notion of 1st-3rd option. The Warriors pass it around and expect the open man to hit their shot. They are the epitome of a "3 and D" team, meaning have guys that can shoot from the perimeter and play defense.

Of course Durant would be an upgrade to Barnes are any other small forward on the team.

This would be the wrong assumption. I am aware of Barnes' FA status for the upcoming season but look at the role he plays and then try to figure out if Durant would be willing to play the same role. There are only so many shots in the Offense. Would KD be willing to fill that role or are you better off trying to pay Barnes and let Durant sign elsewhere? That was the whole point of the earlier post.

And what I'm saying is your whole premise operates on the assumption that guys like Curry and Thompson would refuse to give up shots to a guy like Durant. I think it's completely unsubstantiated and unfounded. For one, Curry and Thompson have not shown any evidence of being selfish players. Secondly, there is recent example of such collaboration when Lebron and Chris Bosh joined Wade in Miami; all of there per-game shot attempts went down.

Not at all what I'm saying. You are using the team assist stat to justify your position that GS runs an offense where there is enough opportunity for everybody to get their offense. I am saying that can not be determined by team assists accurately. The 1 and 2 option on that team get the majority of the shots so how do you insert Durant into this offense as the third option and find him more shots? First of all, Curry really would rather shoot it so I don't even know why you make that point. It's an empty point, with regards to this discussion. There, in fact, is no debating it. If Curry didn't want the shot, then he would not be the scorer he is. You can't debate that.

See above. Your premise can only operate on an assumption ("Curry really would rather shoot it [...]") that is completely unfounded.

If Curry and Thompson are playing the way the did last year, they better not be willing to give up shots because that part of the GS offense aint broken. Why would you take shots out of their hands? Again, I say that if Durant can't get better with the 3, then it would be stupid to take the ball out of Curry's or Thompson's hands in order to give more opportunities to Durant. It only makes it harder for GS. Durant would have to be willing to accept a lessor role in the offense in GS or it's not going to work IMO.

I don't agree at all.

Having three proficient scorers hypothetically sharing 60 shots per game (or whatever arbitrary number) will always be preferable to having just two guys sharing the same number of shots. If you're seriously questioning how a guy as capable as Durant is over a guy like Barnes, I can't lead you to the water. Durant is a much more capable scorer inside the perimeter than either Curry or Thompson.

This would be the wrong assumption. I am aware of Barnes' FA status for the upcoming season but look at the role he plays and then try to figure out if Durant would be willing to play the same role. There are only so many shots in the Offense. Would KD be willing to fill that role or are you better off trying to pay Barnes and let Durant sign elsewhere? That was the whole point of the earlier post.

Again....your assumption. Why would you assume KD would have to fill Barnes role? Adding KD would allow the Dubs to have a more balanced scoring offense.

If Curry and Thompson are playing the way the did last year, they better not be willing to give up shots because that part of the GS offense aint broken. Why would you take shots out of their hands? Again, I say that if Durant can't get better with the 3, then it would be stupid to take the ball out of Curry's or Thompson's hands in order to give more opportunities to Durant. It only makes it harder for GS. Durant would have to be willing to accept a lessor role in the offense in GS or it's not going to work IMO.

Why do you assume "taking shots out of their hands" breaks the offense. Are asserting KD is not a capable scorer? If anything, KD betters the offense when shots aren't available to Curry or Klay.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

KD adds a new dimension to the offense being a capable scorer inside the perimeter, off-the-dribble and in-the-paint. If anything, he would keep teams honest and spaced creating better opportunities for all involved.

What is it with you? I never said Curry would have to make a higher percentage of shots. I said Durant would have to make a higher percentage of 3s. Read man.

And you're asking if Kevin Durant would be "(as a third option) really that much of an upgrade to what you had last year?"

Yes, for what it would cost, would he be that much of an upgrade to what you had last year? That's what I'm asking.

First, I don't accept this notion of 1st-3rd option. The Warriors pass it around and expect the open man to hit their shot. They are the epitome of a "3 and D" team, meaning have guys that can shoot from the perimeter and play defense.

Stats don't tell that story. Look at the percentage of Offense that goes through Curry and Thompson. It's those two and then nobody else really close.

Of course Durant would be an upgrade to Barnes are any other small forward on the team.

I'm not so sure. He's about the same three point shooter as is Barnes. He shoots better from the field, that is true but the point still holds, if he joins the Warriors, he should be the third option in your offense. Is he going to see enough looks to be able to produce significantly more? I am not so sure. If he doesn't accept his role, it may work in just the opposite.

And what I'm saying is your whole premise operates on the assumption that guys like Curry and Thompson would refuse to give up shots to a guy like Durant. I think it's completely unsubstantiated and unfounded. For one, Curry and Thompson have not shown any evidence of being selfish players. Secondly, there is recent example of such collaboration when Lebron and Chris Bosh joined Wade in Miami; all of there per-game shot attempts went down.

Not exactly. My premise is that GS Offense works of the 3 ball. Curry and Thompson are much better three point shooters. If you give up more shots, then you are basically giving them up to a guy who isn't as good a three point shooter as either Curry or Thompson. How is that a good thing? He's going to shoot a worse percentage and more of your Offense will be 2 pt buckets. In order to keep even, you would have to score more points, get more touches. This is not hard. It's simple math. Miami and LeBron, Bosh and Wade are not the same thing. Your talking about an Offense in Miami that scored points differently. GS does it from the three point line. They make you go small in order to defend the 3. If your offense changes, that then exposes GS their size. It makes them more vulnerable because size then becomes more of an issue. Apples and Oranges with Miami and GS.

See above. Your premise can only operate on an assumption ("Curry really would rather shoot it [...]") that is completely unfounded.

You keep telling yourself that.

I don't agree at all.

Having three proficient scorers hypothetically sharing 60 shots per game (or whatever arbitrary number) will always be preferable to having just two guys sharing the same number of shots. If you're seriously questioning how a guy as capable as Durant is over a guy like Barnes, I can't lead you to the water. Durant is a much more capable scorer inside the perimeter than either Curry or Thompson.

Only if all the shooters shoot a like percentage and in GS' case, only if they all shoot a like percentage from the 3 point line. I do agree that Durant is a much better inside scorer but is that really what you want to do? That goes away from the strength of your Offense and it also allows the opposition to go big. They can match up with bigger players and it also forces GS to defend bigger players. Durant is not a great defender so is that really a plus? I'm not so sure.

Again....your assumption. Why would you assume KD would have to fill Barnes role? Adding KD would allow the Dubs to have a more balanced scoring offense.

If it's not Barnes' role he fills, then who's? That would mean that he becomes what in the Offense? It's exactly Barnes' role he would be filling.

Why do you assume "taking shots out of their hands" breaks the offense. Are asserting KD is not a capable scorer? If anything, KD betters the offense when shots aren't available to Curry or Klay.

He's not as good a shooter from range as either Curry or Thompson. That's not even a question. That's just the fact of the matter. Yes, he's better inside but, as I explained earlier, going to more of a traditional Offense might not be a good thing for GS. You create opportunities for Durant to score inside and you, by definition, take away opportunities for three point shots.

After all this, it still comes down to Durant accepting a role in the GS Offense as the 3rd option. If he does that, it can work. If he doesn't, it might hurt more then help.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

What is it with you? I never said Curry would have to make a higher percentage of shots. I said Durant would have to make a higher percentage of 3s. Read man.

Lol, and what is it with you thinking Durant's worth can be solely tied to 3-pointers? Think man.

The fact you keep hanging your hat on comparable 3-point shooting pct. with Barnes makes me wonder if you really understand basketball. KD brings so much more added value in terms of length, scoring inside the perimeter, free throw shooting, shooting percentage, et cetera, than Harrison Barnes.

Yes, for what it would cost, would he be that much of an upgrade to what you had last year? That's what I'm asking.

Harrison Barnes is about to get a maxed out contract worth over $20+M per season. Durant will get a contract that well likely net him an extra $5-7M above that per season.

YES, he's worth it.

Stats don't tell that story. Look at the percentage of Offense that goes through Curry and Thompson. It's those two and then nobody else really close.

And despite saying that you still fail to realize why the brunt of the scoring goes through them. They shoot because they're good at it AND because they have to.

I'm not so sure. He's about the same three point shooter as is Barnes. He shoots better from the field, that is true but the point still holds, if he joins the Warriors, he should be the third option in your offense. Is he going to see enough looks to be able to produce significantly more? I am not so sure. If he doesn't accept his role, it may work in just the opposite.

This "3rd option" bit is way too oversimplified, as if Curry is passed the ball, looks for his shot, then passes it to Klay, who looks for his shot, then passes it begrudgingly to Durant. Now, you'll say "that's not what I'm saying," but it's EXACTLY what you're arguing.

I'm leaving work, so I'll get to your other comments later...

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Lol, and what is it with you thinking Durant's worth can be solely tied to 3-pointers? Think man.

The fact you keep hanging your hat on comparable 3-point shooting pct. with Barnes makes me wonder if you really understand basketball. KD brings so much more added value in terms of length, scoring inside the perimeter, free throw shooting, shooting percentage, et cetera, than Harrison Barnes.

Do me a favor, go back and start reading my posts again. You clearly don't get it. I never once said that Durant's only value was the three. I said that GS' Offense was predicated on the three point shot. Do you deny that? You suggest that I don't know basketball, OK. How does GS' Offense work? You tell me, then go back and read what I wrote. Then have an intelligent conversation about the subject matter, rather then wasting my time and anybody else's time who might have stuck around to read this waste of space discussion. Everything you are trying to make an argument out of has already been discussed. Go back and read it.

If you want to say that Durant is a better interior player, OK. I agree with that and I said that at the outset. If you want to say that he has more length, OK. That's true but what does that really mean? GS is, by far, one of the best shooting teams in the League. If you were playing an Offense designed around interior shooting, that might mean a lot more but you don't. You are a jump shooting team and unless you are going to change that, which may not work to your advantage, he's going to get fewer rebounding opportunities. Durant is a better free throw shooter but again, unless you are changing your offense, how often is he going to go to the line? Jump shooters don't get fouled nearly as much as interior post players or slashers. Unless you are changing your Offense, how often will he actually be able to take advantage of this? His shooting percentage is based on a lot more inside play. Shots closer to the rim. His percentage for traditional shooting is better but if he's taking fewer inside shots, will his shooting percentage stay higher? Look at his 3 pt shooting percentage and I think you can figure out that it's likely it will not. Look at your own team. Look at how they work and what they do. GS is, by far, the highest 3 pt shooting % team in the NBA. They are the best 3 pt shooting team in the NBA. They also lead the league in 2pt shooting percentage. What does that tell you? They were a bucket away from repeating as NBA champs and what you are suggesting is that the best Offense in the NBA change it's scheme? Now tell me who doesn't understand the game cause if this is what you are suggesting, there is no doubt who doesn't get it. It would be stupid in the extreme to completely change what obviously works so well, only to facilitate a player who should be your third option. However, if this is what you want, it's cool. You do you Boo Boo.

Harrison Barnes is about to get a maxed out contract worth over $20+M per season. Durant will get a contract that well likely net him an extra $5-7M above that per season.

I don't know that Barnes is going to get paid that. He's a RFA so basically, GS can match whatever but will a team offer him a max contract? I don't know if that's written in stone at all.

You don't know what Durant is going to get paid but he is who everybody wants so it's not going to be cheap. You also figure that GS can't offer a 5th year and, you have Curry coming up on a contract as well, I believe. Curry is going to cost a lot of money to keep. You are currently paying him 12 mil a year to be the player he is and that ends in 2017. You sign Durant to a Max deal and what does that mean a year from now when you have to get Curry inked?

YES, he's worth it.

He better be because he could mean signing Curry in 2017.

And despite saying that you still fail to realize why the brunt of the scoring goes through them. They shoot because they're good at it AND because they have to.

I feel like when you can't defend a position, you try and turn it around and act as if this was what you were trying to say all along. Yes, they are good, which is why I have been telling you over and over that they are the 1 and 2 options in the GS Offense and that GS would be stupid to change that. Which is why I have been telling you that the only way this works is if Durant is the 3rd option. Which is why I've been telling you that team assists don't indicate scoring balance or intimate more shots in the GS Offense for Durant.

I have asked you over and over if you understand why that is and you have not really answered me. You simply maintain that GS shares the ball and that will produce shots for him. How will this happen?

This "3rd option" bit is way too oversimplified, as if Curry is passed the ball, looks for his shot, then passes it to Klay, who looks for his shot, then passes it begrudgingly to Durant. Now, you'll say "that's not what I'm saying," but it's EXACTLY what you're arguing.

Actually, that's exactly what I'm saying and that's pretty much how it works in their Offense. They are a perimeter team and the key to that Offense is spacing. They spot up shooters and swing the ball or kick it out. Their ability to make a high percentage of 3 pt shots, creates pressure on the Defense to get to the shooters before they can get off a good look. It's all about how quickly you can get the ball to the jump shooter and how quickly you can close out on the jump shooter defensively. This is why the 1st and 2nd Offensive options on GS are so much more successful then option 3 and so on. This is also why the team assist point doesn't tell the whole story. GS' Offense is really very, very simple. It's not complicated, it's not hard to figure out and it's not really all that hard to defense, if you can disrupt the jump shooter. So no, I am saying exactly that. It's not always option 1 passes to option 2 but it is that way a lot and the first good look takes the shot. That's always, more times then not, going to be one of the first two options in that Offense. That's also why it's so important to be able to shoot the 3 at a high percentage. GS looks to try and pump down the three ball off the fast break, off TOs and in their half court. That's what they do. That's how they protect themselves defensively. They don't have the roster to defend a team that pounds the ball down low. They do it by shooting a very high percentage and force you into covering the three because you can't trade 2 pts for 3 pts. This forces teams to go small and this is how they insulate themselves from getting abused physically.

I'm leaving work, so I'll get to your other comments later...

If you understand basketball, as you say, then you really should understand just how important it is to be able to shoot the three effectively for GS. You understand that Durant being the 2nd option and basically creating more shots for him could easily have a detrimental effect on GS' Offense. You understand that you cap numbers are probably not very realistic, in terms of what you might be able to sign Durant for. I mean, if he really is more interested in winning a championship and not making as much money, then he should really sign with Boston. Durant in Boston is going to beat anybody IMO. If he is interested in leaving OKC at all, which honestly, I have not heard him say. OKC can pay the most money and they were a bucket away from playing in the championship. Really, if not for the suspensions, they probably beat GS. I am not at all sure Durant leaves OKC. He could but I don't know that he will.