Kevin Durant News

[princefielder28]

According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal Kevin Durant's decision will hinge quite a bit on his parents advice. His mother works for the postal service and his father is a police officer at the Library of Congress.

"I'm not worried about that (the NBA)," Durant said. "I love playing in college. I know I'm having fun in college. I'm not sure I would have fun in the NBA."

[Big Mike]

he should leave because their are teams that have the potential to excel if they draft him cause other pieces are in place. For example the Bucks, Bobcats, and Boston.

i would leave based on what teams could possibly draft me and i would be bias of the cities as well. I wouldnt pull a Steve Francis against the Grizzlies but still.

Also Texas doesnt have any HIGH CLASS recruits for next year so Texas wont really improve that much,

[ccB]

he should leave because their are teams that have the potential to excel if they draft him cause other pieces are in place. For example the Bucks, Bobcats, and Boston.

i would leave based on what teams could possibly draft me and i would be bias of the cities as well. I wouldnt pull a Steve Francis against the Grizzlies but still.

Also Texas doesnt have any HIGH CLASS recruits for next year so Texas wont really improve that much,

They will have Durant and Augustin both with a year of experience under them. They would be better. Would be a bad decision for Durant though.

[Eaglez.Fan]

He should stay, then hopefully others will follow him and the college basketball could turn into the college football type of thing. And so coaches can develop players without worrying that they'll leave before they should. It would be amazing.

[ccB]

He should stay so he can have a career ending injury and his pro career and all the millions of millions of dollars are thrown out the window. He should also stay so he can go from a lock at 1-2 and move down to a 5-10 pick ala Joakim Noah.

[jetsfan3]

You only get 4 years of College, and 17 of NBA. He should stay for his Sophmore year at least and maybe Junior year. After that he should leave.

[josh07039]

They will have Durant and Augustin both with a year of experience under them. They would be better. Would be a bad decision for Durant though.They don't really need high class recruits, they need depth which is what the are getting.

[reigle9]

He should stay so he can have a career ending injury and his pro career and all the millions of millions of dollars are thrown out the window. He should also stay so he can go from a lock at 1-2 and move down to a 5-10 pick ala Joakim Noah.
Neither argument is valid.

It sounds like his family could afford the insurance policy he could take out based on being the #1 or #2 pick in the Draft.

Comparing Durant to Noah is like comparing me to my 13 year old cousin. Last years Draft was weak and there was no clear cut #1 pick. Durant would be the #1 pick if he stayed and it wouldn't even be close.

It wouldn't make sense to stay because of Draft status, but he should stay if he wants.

[princefielder28]

Neither argument is valid.

It sounds like his family could afford the insurance policy he could take out based on being the #1 or #2 pick in the Draft.

Comparing Durant to Noah is like comparing me to my 13 year old cousin. Last years Draft was weak and there was no clear cut #1 pick. Durant would be the #1 pick if he stayed and it wouldn't even be close.

It wouldn't make sense to stay because of Draft status, but he should stay if he wants.

If enjoys college and wants to stay there and in the end he gets a college education, he will have everything he needs once he leaves school: the title of the first overall pick in the draft with big money and he'll have a college education.

[Big Mike]

basically he should just, "follow his heart" as they say

[MP123]

It's rather obvious that he should leave. When you have an opportunity, take advantage of it. He has the opportunity to be the #1-2 overall selection, so he needs to leave.

[RaiderNation]

he needs to stay for 1 or 2 years and get bigger before he goes to the nba. needs to get like lebron. 6'8 240 but durant is 6'10 220. if he adds 10 15 pounds he will be even that better

[duckseason]

Durant is 6-10? He looks closer to 6-8 or maybe 6-9.

[Big Mike]

yea he's 6-10 and 220lbs

[Eaglez.Fan]

He should stay so he can have a career ending injury and his pro career and all the millions of millions of dollars are thrown out the window. He should also stay so he can go from a lock at 1-2 and move down to a 5-10 pick ala Joakim Noah.

Honestly though, how many times does that happen. . .

[Vince Lombardi]

he needs to stay for 1 or 2 years and get bigger before he goes to the nba. needs to get like lebron. 6'8 240 but durant is 6'10 220. if he adds 10 15 pounds he will be even that better

The NBA has the best basketball coaches and trainers in world, he can develop there and get paid at the same time. People have to remember that as much as some of these guys love the game it's also a career for them and they have to make the correct business decisions. The career of a pro athlete is extremely short compared to the span of most peoples careers. When you're basically considered "washed up" by the age of 35 you need to start getting paid as soon as possible.

[duckseason]

The NBA has the best basketball coaches and trainers in world, he can develop there and get paid at the same time. People have to remember that as much as some of these guys love the game it's also a career for them and they have to make the correct business decisions. The career of a pro athlete is extremely short compared to the span of most peoples careers. When you're basically considered "washed up" by the age of 35 you need to start getting paid as soon as possible.
Couldn't have said it better myself. If you're guaranteed to be a top pick, it's pretty foolish to stay in school to "develop" when you could be getting paid millions upon millions to do the exact same thing but in better conditions. If you think about it, he's actually hindering his development if he stays.

[A-Dub4President]

Neither argument is valid.

It sounds like his family could afford the insurance policy he could take out based on being the #1 or #2 pick in the Draft.

Comparing Durant to Noah is like comparing me to my 13 year old cousin. Last years Draft was weak and there was no clear cut #1 pick. Durant would be the #1 pick if he stayed and it wouldn't even be close.

It wouldn't make sense to stay because of Draft status, but he should stay if he wants.

He should definitely leave if Oden doesn't come out so that he can be the number one pick. I could see him staying if Oden comes out, but even then he'll still probably come out.

[Scotty D]

He'll come back after Texas loses to USC.

[princefielder28]

He'll come back Texas loses to USC.

I think so too.

[ny10804]

He should stay another year, improve his game, and put some weight on his rail thin body.

[princefielder28]

He should stay another year, improve his game, and put some weight on his rail thin body.

He could use a little muscle or he'll get murdered in the NBA

[andyjo672]

He could use a little muscle or he'll get murdered in the NBA

Like Keven Garnett gets murdered?? With his athleticism his bulk isn't as much of an issue as if he relied more on a physical style of play.

[princefielder28]

Like Keven Garnett gets murdered?? With his athleticism his bulk isn't as much of an issue as if he relied more on a physical style of play.

Garnett has put on muscle though; he's alot bigger than he use to be

[SeanTaylorRIP]

As he's a SF to be honest he only needs 5-10 pounds people talk about him needing to gain 20+ pounds but he isn't the next Garnett he isn't a PF so his weight right now while it could stand to improve in terms of posting smaller forwards it isn't much of an issue.

[snuff]

He will stay because Austin owns every city....

[soybean]

He should definitely leave if Oden doesn't come out so that he can be the number one pick. I could see him staying if Oden comes out, but even then he'll still probably come out.

i don't think it's that important in basketball than it is football.

[thetedginnshow]

Having an "NBA ready" body should have nothing to do with his decision. All he should be considered with is honing his skills and whether or not he thinks he's ready to make the leap. And, if he's that unselfish, he could want to go for a National Championship with the Longhorns.

But as for Oden, unless he explodes against a couple top ranked teams in this tournament, I'm almost 100% positive that he'll be coming back.

[LonghornsLegend]

i said even before this weekend, him staying or going depended on how Texas ended up doing....if we lost to UNC maybe he leaves, but with this loss, i REALLY see him coming back...the kid loves to play basketball, and always wanted to at Texas...i dont think he really wanted it to be over after one year, its alot he has to accomplish...


big 12 championship
maybe a ring?


but its not like he's done everything he wanted to do, and everyone's situation is different, stop comparing him to noah...if oden stays, he will be the #1 pick when he comes out regardless of when he leaves....did staying in school hinder tim duncan? he was just more polished when he came into the NBA, which is what both players will gain....durant will add some lbs to his wiry frame, and work on his overall game....those freak injuries are just what they are, freak...they happen every so often, i dont think they worry too much about that in this decision...you were offered a scholarship to play for free, the NBA isnt going anywhere...if your a top draft choice, your only helping yourself by staying, trust....

[WildDude]

he could have "unfinished bussiness" and if he came back next year he'd have almost 2000 pts in only 2 years which is unheard of but Jakim Noah woulda been the #1 pick last year and he passed that up for a top 10 slot this year? thats kinda weird dont ya think maybe if oden stays in college durant will leave but if oden dosent then durant could stay cause he wont be #1 wit oden around besides that he could be #1 any given year cause his only real competition for the future are the likes of micheal beasley, derrick rose, oj mayo, and tyreke evans for the year after

[pierce2walker]

What does Durant have to gain by coming back? At WORST he is the #2 pick this year. So if he is that set on being the #1 pick I guess he can come back with the risks that involve. There are chances that he could decrease his stock...things such as having a down year, getting injured, or having another high school phenom come along and jump him for the top player...Durant honestly cannot gain that much at this point...his stock is as high as it can be, take the money when it is there

[Bengals1690]

he should stay. He is a stick and will get knocked around in the NBA. He will be the number #2 pick if he comes out. Oden has better size and physical tools. He is a great rebounder and scorer, and defender. Durant can take a game over with his scoring but his defense is still lackluster. He will be the number two pick if they bothcome out. That being said, i belive that they BOTH should stay at least one more year, they are not ready to make and impact against NBA competition.

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

I haven't seen him play, but at 6'10", does he have the quickness to keep up with other small forwards on the perimeter? If he doesn't, he'll need to gain weight and become a PF, but if he can, then he just needs to get stronger, not necessarily larger and can stay at SF.

[princefielder28]

I haven't seen him play, but at 6'10", does he have the quickness to keep up with other small forwards on the perimeter? If he doesn't, he'll need to gain weight and become a PF, but if he can, then he just needs to get stronger, not necessarily larger and can stay at SF.

He's got everything you need except for the frame

[GiantRutgersFan]

Yea idk. he is really skinny.


One thing you guys are also overlooking is that he is probably having a blast at college. The article said his parents are regular joes so its not like they are poor. I am sure his parents throw Durant a lot of cash every month (knowing that he is gonna be in the NBA and return the money). Plus he can take out the 5 million in insurance money so either way he's set for life, even if he gets injured.

So realistically, what does he have to do? go to class for a couple hours a day, go to the gym for an hour or 2, and thats it. besides that he can just chill out. And besides that, theres loads of benefits. think of the ladies for instance



I wouldnt particularly want to move to a new city where I didnt know anyone.

[cunningham06]

Yea idk. he is really skinny.


One thing you guys are also overlooking is that he is probably having a blast at college. The article said his parents are regular joes so its not like they are poor. I am sure his parents throw Durant a lot of cash every month (knowing that he is gonna be in the NBA and return the money). Plus he can take out the 5 million in insurance money so either way he's set for life, even if he gets injured.

So realistically, what does he have to do? go to class for a couple hours a day, go to the gym for an hour or 2, and thats it. besides that he can just chill out. And besides that, theres loads of benefits. think of the ladies for instance



I wouldnt particularly want to move to a new city where I didnt know anyone.

You don't think Durant will have women wherever he goes? Especially if he gets a multimillion dollar contract? When you are a star like Durant getting ladies is not that hard.

[princefielder28]

You don't think Durant will have women wherever he goes? Especially if he gets a multimillion dollar contract? When you are a star like Durant getting ladies is not that hard.

Women gravitate towards money, some do but not all of them. :)

[GiantRutgersFan]

You don't think Durant will have women wherever he goes? Especially if he gets a multimillion dollar contract? When you are a star like Durant getting ladies is not that hard.

yea im sure he would, but he wont have the friends to brag about it too. lol


You dont think being a 20 year old guy on a team of guys like 25-40 would be kind of wierd?


Idk man. People make it out like he should definitly go pro. I see the advantages of that, but if it was me, it wouldnt be a no brainer at all and I would think long and hard about it

[princefielder28]

yea im sure he would, but he wont have the friends to brag about it too. lol


You dont think being a 20 year old guy on a team of guys like 25-40 would be kind of wierd?


Idk man. People make it out like he should definitly go pro. I see the advantages of that, but if it was me, it wouldnt be a no brainer at all and I would think long and hard about it

It would be a no brainer yet you would think long and hard; I don't get it!

[duckseason]

It would be a no brainer yet you would think long and hard; I don't get it!
He said it wouldn't be a no-brainer

[LonghornsLegend]

What does Durant have to gain by coming back?

a college education? but heck, i guess being a black athlete he doesnt need to take that serious huh?


he also has a big 12 championship, and a NCAA championship, which is alot to him....thing is, the NBA isnt going anywhere, yea maybe noah woulda been the #1 pick, and he also could of followed up by having a horrible year, and a bust from here on out, or he could get drafted #8, still get millions of dollars, and be a more polished NBA player....


everyone wants to rush things, let him develop properly in college, he needs to bulk up, thats about it, he wont average 12 rebs in the NBA with his frame like he does in college, but garnett is considered skinny for a PF as well, so its crazy to say he cannot play SF

[Moses]

a college education? but heck, i guess being a black athlete he doesnt need to take that serious huh?


he also has a big 12 championship, and a NCAA championship, which is alot to him....thing is, the NBA isnt going anywhere, yea maybe noah woulda been the #1 pick, and he also could of followed up by having a horrible year, and a bust from here on out, or he could get drafted #8, still get millions of dollars, and be a more polished NBA player....


everyone wants to rush things, let him develop properly in college, he needs to bulk up, thats about it, he wont average 12 rebs in the NBA with his frame like he does in college, but garnett is considered skinny for a PF as well, so its crazy to say he cannot play SF

The NBA is going to pass by a lot faster than a college education will. Anytime you step on the court you risk sustaining a career-ending injury.

Durant can get his college education while he plays in the NBA or even after if he wants. Lots of players do this. That said, he should decide what he wants to do based on where he would have more fun. If he wants to play another few years in college because he loves the atmosphere, go ahead. If he wants a new challenge and lifestyle, give the NBA a shot.

[Beautiful Mind]

The easy answer would be that the faster you get to the NBA, (if all goes well) the faster you play out your rookie contract and the faster you get signed to your huge extension. Durant can either get his extension (along with already millions in advertising) by the time he's 24 or stay in college and get it when he's 27-28. If I was Durant, I'd go. Just like people say the NBA isn't going anywhere, neither is a college education.

[LonghornsLegend]

but once again, how many players can you name that stayed in school longer, and it ended up hurting them in the end...


by means of career ending injury, money, etc? and even if you can come up with a few names, do you really think it sizes up to the number of players that rushed coming out and it didnt work?

last i checked it only helped tim duncan, and id be willing to go out on a limb and say he would of never become the player he is now if he left after his freshman year, he stayed 3 more, and he didnt hurt him at all....


how many times does a player come back and actually get hurt? its always brought up, but i cant think of any instances it happened....your wrong about college education always being there...you cannot go back and have your college life/years again, and to SOME people that does matter or mean something...i dont know whats in his head, but its ridiculous to say he has nothing to gain by staying...

some people do fall down some draft spots, but you honestly cannot tell me noah and durant are the same type of talents, especially with durant being so young and raw...he will be a top 2 pick regardless of when he comes out, its HIGHLY unlikely he gets injured coming back to play, how often can anyone say that they see that happening

[Moses]

From a financial standpoint, it makes no sense to stay. Even in terms of developing his talent, it doesn't make much sense to stay. He's going to go to a terrible team in the NBA and he'll get plenty of playing time. Plus, he'll have some of the best coaches in the world training him and he'll live basketball 24/7.

I'm not saying he should leave. I'm saying that if he wants to enter the NBA now, it would definitely not be a bad decision. If he wants to play some more in college because he's enjoying his time there, why not?

[TH3]

Money he could make during his entire life with a college education<<<<First NBA contract(3 years)<<<<<<<<<<<<<2nd NBA Contract(7 years) (if he pans out and now he is 30 and his last big contract could net him even more

[lurkin012]

he shood enter the draft becuz he alredy is one of the best players ever and onse he gets to the nba he will be the best!

[jkpigskin]

sure he says that now, but once the agents and scouts get to his head, he will change his mind

[princefielder28]

sure he says that now, but once the agents and scouts get to his head, he will change his mind

I don't know, I think he's a pretty independent kid that'll make his own decision.

[MP123]

He's not gonna get better by playing inferior competition.

[princefielder28]

He's not gonna get better by playing inferior competition.

But by staying college he can develop a frame that'll hold up in the NBA

[LonghornsLegend]

Money he could make during his entire life with a college education<<<<First NBA contract(3 years)<<<<<<<<<<<<<2nd NBA Contract(7 years) (if he pans out and now he is 30 and his last big contract could net him even more

not everyrone sees dollar signs and runs, regardless of what everyone thinksk who makes under 50k a year...if your bound to be a millionaire, its going to happen....


im still waiting for someone to name me a player who stayed in college, and it hurt him more then helped him out....its not like he's lebron james, he's a very talented kid who can still work on his game...just because he dominated this year does not mean he is ready or will be great in the NBA...

everyone gets so excited, and acts like because you have one good yr you better sign those checks or your lifes over, otherwise you wont amount to anything....

[throwback54milkman]

let's not forget, I don't think Durant would be the first pick in this draft, although he is more talented than Oden, ODen is in higher demand. So i think he should do the opposite of what Oden decides.

[Homicide]

I hate to say it, but I see him staying one more year for Texas. He was a beast this year for them. With a year under his belt, imagine what he could do! This will also help the NBA teams because he will be more developed. He wont have to sit on the bench for a few years until he adjusts. If he stays and keeps playing his skills will increase and he will be able to make the jump to the NBA way smoother.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I hate to say it, but I see him staying one more year for Texas. He was a beast this year for them. With a year under his belt, imagine what he could do! This will also help the NBA teams because he will be more developed. He wont have to sit on the bench for a few years until he adjusts. If he stays and keeps playing his skills will increase and he will be able to make the jump to the NBA way smoother.

Thing is Durant won't improve much staying another year in college plus NBA weight training programs are so much better than college and he can focus everything on NBA. If for some unknown reason he stays it is for personal reasons, he could step in right now and score 15+ ppg in the NBA, everyone wants to make something out of his weight but he isn't a PF he is a SF just like Tayshaun Prince.

[ccB]

Thing is Durant won't improve much staying another year in college plus NBA weight training programs are so much better than college and he can focus everything on NBA. If for some unknown reason he stays it is for personal reasons, he could step in right now and score 15+ ppg in the NBA, everyone wants to make something out of his weight but he isn't a PF he is a SF just like Tayshaun Prince.

I think people complain about his weight because he was touted as a PF. Thats why I hate these Dirk comparisons. Durant wont be a true NBA PF. Maybe if he lands somewhere that runs a fast break offense but other wise he is a SF. Just because a guy is 6'10 does not make them a PF(Rashard Lewis for example). It would be too hard for Durant to put on 40 lbs of muscle and play the NBA 4 position.

[princefielder28]

I think people complain about his weight because he was touted as a PF. Thats why I hate these Dirk comparisons. Durant wont be a true NBA PF. Maybe if he lands somewhere that runs a fast break offense but other wise he is a SF. Just because a guy is 6'10 does not make them a PF(Rashard Lewis for example). It would be too hard for Durant to put on 40 lbs of muscle and play the NBA 4 position.


He'll be a T-Mac type player

[ccB]

He'll be a T-Mac type player

Eh Im a little bit iffy on that comparison also but I think that is closer than the Dirk comparison. I think hes going to end up being what Rashard Lewis should have been. A big SF who can hit 3's go inside and grab 7+ boards a game. I think people are expecting too much out of Durant. But hes not going to be the best player in the league. I mean he probably wont ever be the best SF in the league as long as guys like Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Josh Smith etc are all in the league.

[Flyboy]

He'll be a T-Mac type player

No. Try Dirk with more athleticism.

[princefielder28]

No. Try Dirk with more athleticism.

How can you compare him to dirk? If necassary Dirk can battle and post up, Durant doesn't have the body to be a post player.

[ccB]

How can you compare him to dirk? If necassary Dirk can battle and post up, Durant doesn't have the body to be a post player.

People think because he can do that in college that will transition into the NBA, which it will not. In the NBA where 90% of the guys in the post are bigger than him, he will have a much more difficult time especially defensively.

[princefielder28]

People think because he can do that in college that will transition into the NBA, which it will not. In the NBA where 90% of the guys in the post are bigger than him, he will have a much more difficult time especially defensively.

Ok, that's what I thought :)

[portermvp84]

You guys think he will go number one or do you think Oden will?

[thetedginnshow]

He won't be close to T-Mac, but not like Dirk either. Closer to Dirk than T-Mac. And Rashard could post up even early on his career when he was a little smaller, and Durant could as well. It won't exactly be like Dirk, but that doesn't mean he won't be able to do it. He won't get nearly as many rebounds, steals, or blocks as he does now, though. If he ended up becoming a 20/10 guy, it'd actually be a pleasant surprise.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Durant has the offensive skill set to average 20 points his rookie year, no one gives him enough credit for what he can do on offense it is defense where he will struggle with stronger or quicker players.

[Ho0k Em']

People think because he can do that in college that will transition into the NBA, which it will not. In the NBA where 90% of the guys in the post are bigger than him, he will have a much more difficult time especially defensively.

But his arms are so freakishly long even if he does get pushed around a bit in the post he still has the that turn around.

[ccB]

You guys think he will go number one or do you think Oden will?

Really depends who picks first. If I had to pick a guy I'd take Oden just because great young C's dont come around as often as SF's

[MP123]

But by staying college he can develop a frame that'll hold up in the NBA

He's not gonna get much bigger. He's got a similar body to Chris Bosh. And also, what's gonna happen if he gets injured next year and can never play again?

[sweetness34]

What don't you people understand about Durant not playing PF at the next level? He doesn't need to get bigger right away because he'll be playing SF. He's not going to post up much, if at all. He's going to be a scorer from the outside who can also take it to the hoop.

Durant should come out this year. He's dominanted the college ranks and he's NBA ready RIGHT NOW. I don't see how he can get better next season unless he makes the jump.

His frame is fine for the position he's going to play next year in the NBA.

[LonghornsLegend]

He's not gonna get much bigger. He's got a similar body to Chris Bosh. And also, what's gonna happen if he gets injured next year and can never play again?

once again i ask...how often have you EVER heard about that happening to a player, returned for another year in school and was injured and never played again?


so its cool to bring it up as a reason to leave, but thats like saying he could get hit by a bus tommorrow, the chances of that happening are slim and a freak accident, i dont think he's too worried about that....


and he will struggle some on the boards, but his scoring game is incredibly ahead of where it should be, he can easily average 18 points a game, but i think its crazy for whoever said he wont be as good as josh smith, thats ludicrous....


and just like they said about garnett, he's probably STILL considered skinny for a PF, but he has heart and long arms, durant will be beastly, but i think its ignorant to say he will not get better by staying another year

[A-Dub4President]

You guys think he will go number one or do you think Oden will?

Oden. I can't think of any team that has a chance in the lottery that would take Durant over Oden.

[NickBam]

Oden. I can't think of any team that has a chance in the lottery that would take Durant over Oden.

I think the Celtics would take Durant over Oden.

[Ho0k Em']

I think the Celtics would take Durant over Oden.

I don't think they would they have G-Green and Pierce who can both play the 2 or the 3. Perkins has shown much of anything from an offensive standpoint so far. Pierce has a few good years in him.

Telfair/Rondo/West
Green/Allan Ray/Tony Allan
Pierce/ Wally Z
Jefferson/Gomes
Oden/Perkins

Thats a pretty bright future. They probably do need a future SF, but that's not an immediate problem.

[A-Dub4President]

I think the Celtics would take Durant over Oden.

As Hook 'Em already said, with Oden they could move Al Jefferson (a player who is going to be a future all-star) to his more natural position of PF. They already have enough swingmen, they need better interior D and a true center (like most teams). With Oden, they'll be instant favorites to compete with Toronto in the Atlantic.

[FlutiesDropKick]

i just saw it on ESPN, this thread got fined $15,000 for mentioning Kevin Durant