Durant on Dbook

[Superbone]

OTOH, you can read this about how Booker is "premium mediocre":

https://fansided.com/2017/09/01/premium-mediocre-nba-players/

 

[SirStefan32]

Hey. Isn't it cool Durant thinks so much of Booker? He even likes Booker's jawing. Which I think is fascinating.

I am not surprised. Wade said something similar, and Kobe appears to be a huge Booker fan. I like it, though I do wish Book would do more defending and less talking on the floor.

 

[elindholm]

I can see both sides of the argument. Respect for the background of language/society is important to know and respect, but civilization and language are also evolving things.

There are many variations of english or any language around the world that changes over time.

I cant stand ebonics but slang is okay in context and certain settings.

I really think it wouldn't be an issue if Durant weren't such an outrageous phony.

 

[NashDishesDimes]

I am not surprised. Wade said something similar, and Kobe appears to be a huge Booker fan. I like it, though I do wish Book would do more defending and less talking on the floor.

I agree, would like to see better D but again, there are very few guys that successfully play well on both sides of the floor. But i think he has that killer instinct that "it" factor a lot of greats do, in which case he will eventually take pride in defense as those guys dont like to get beat...hes young

 

[Superbone]

Ha ha. AZCentral cleaned up Durant's quote:

“I love Devin Booker, man. He loves the game, and he’s like a dog. He’ll talk s--t. He’ll rough you up. He’ll get up into you. You better watch out for that boy, because he is nice. He’s next. I’m telling you.”

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...oker-lebron-james-kevin-durant-nba/626459001/

 

[Hoop Head]

Wasn't going to start a new thread for this but thought it was worth mentioning. David Aldridge was asked who would he rather have, Wiggins or Booker for the next 10 years, and he asked a number of NBA GM's that same question and Booker was chosen by the majority of NBA GM's.

But, it’s a good question. They are similar in how they are viewed by most around the league -- offense-dominant players who can play either the two or three, but who also have to improve at the other end of the floor before they can be considered all-league talents. So, to try and answer your question, I polled a dozen GMs around the league, none of whom are in Minnesota or Phoenix, obviously. Most that responded weaseled out and said both or either, but of those with a preference, Booker won decisively.

Said one GM: “Booker... not even close. Better scorer -- game means more to him -- stylistically fits today's game better -- can be a #1 option.”

Said another: “Booker. Never been convinced of Andrew's desire to compete. Hesitant to trust after he dropped Bill (Duffy, Wiggins’s former agent) in the manner/timing he did.”

And, a third: “Booker. More driven & passionate on a consistent basis.”

Wiggins did have some support from one GM: “Close call. Probably Wiggins because he can play and defend multiple positions.”

http://www.nba.com/article/2017/09/25/morning-tip-mailbag-sept-25-2017

 

[SirStefan32]

I am not surprised. Wiggins has athleticism on Booker and nothing else. Booker is an incredibly smart player, and I think a lot of people forget just how young he is. It is very rare for a kid that young to be that good. He can score in so many different ways. I would take Booker over Wigging any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

As the matter of fact, if I think of players under the 24-25 year mark, I can only think of two that I MAY think about choosing over Booker- Antetokounmpo and KAT. Davis and Porzingis are the next on the list, and I am fairly sure I'd take Booker over those guys easily. I like Antetokounmpo's versatility- he is an outstanding defender and a good scorer. KAT does a lot of things very well. It would be a tough choice for sure, but Booker vs. Wiggins is not tough at all.

 

[Hoop Head]

I'd take Towns or Davis over Booker but not Antetokounmpo, Porzingis would be one I'd really have to think on but I think I'd stick with Booker. Porzingis has had some injury troubles and also isn't an alpha sort of player. The Greek Freak is a really good player without any big holes in his game but there isn't much that stands out as excellent either. I'm not sure he can carry the scoring load for a team consistently.

With Towns and Davis though it comes down to how you can't teach size. They're both great players, with KAT being the better offensive player but Davis is a better defensive player. Davis should be playing Center but the Pelicans added Cousins which keeps him at PF. That deal still doesn't make much sense. It was good they added one of the best Centers in the league but they didn't really need a Center and his fit with Davis is questionable. If it was 2007 that team would be scary but the game has changed and playing 2 bigs like them together isn't the way to beat other contenders in the West.