**Kevin Durant’s Isolation Mastery Earns High Praise from Kendrick Perkins**
In a bold assertion that has sparked conversations across the basketball landscape, Kendrick Perkins of ESPN has declared that Kevin Durant’s isolation scoring ranks as the second-best skill in the NBA today. Perkins, who spent years as Durant’s teammate, brings a unique perspective to the table, having witnessed the forward’s remarkable abilities firsthand.
**The Legacy of Isolation Scoring in Houston**
The Houston Rockets have long been synonymous with isolation basketball, a style epitomized by former star James Harden. During his tenure, Harden dazzled fans and confounded defenders, often drawing the attention of multiple opponents. His uncanny ability to navigate through aggressive defensive schemes made him a nightmare for teams, with as many as four defenders often collapsing on him at half-court. That level of threat was unparalleled, establishing Harden as potentially the greatest isolation scorer the league has ever seen.
However, since Harden’s trade request in 2021, the Rockets have struggled to replicate that offensive potency. Enter Kevin Durant, a player who not only matches but perhaps surpasses that historical skill set. The Rockets have faced Durant multiple times in the playoffs, dating back to his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess.
**Durant’s Dominance Against Elite Defenders**
Even when matched against top-tier defenders like Trevor Ariza and PJ Tucker, Durant found ways to dominate. Notably, he has cited Tucker as one of his toughest opponents, yet their battles showcased Durant’s resilience and skill.
During the 2018 Western Conference Finals, Durant was a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 30.4 points per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. His efficiency continued in the subsequent postseason, where he raised his scoring average to 33.2 points against the Rockets, with shooting splits of 45.8% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc. His ability to effortlessly navigate defenses and find his shot has made him one of the game’s elite scorers.
**Kendrick Perkins’ Insight on Durant’s Skill Set**
Perkins’ accolades for Durant are not simply rooted in statistics. His firsthand knowledge of Durant’s work ethic and skill set provides a depth to his praise. In a recent commentary, Perkins highlighted Durant’s unique ability to score in isolation situations. He noted, “Durantula. KD. Cause of his ability, Mr. 50-40-90, to be able to create and get buckets out of the isolation at seven-foot. I don’t care if you talk about he’s 6’11, the man is seven-foot.”
This acknowledgment of Durant’s size and skill underscores the challenges defenders face when trying to contest his shots. His height allows him to shoot over almost any opponent, a distinct advantage that not only enhances his scoring but also complicates defensive game plans.
**The Rockets’ Aspirations and Durant’s Role**
As the Rockets continue to refine their roster, they seek a player who can consistently create scoring opportunities, much like Durant does. While Jalen Green, the promising young guard, shows flashes of brilliance, he has yet to achieve the same level of reliability in isolation scenarios.
Durant’s proven track record in high-pressure situations, combined with his incredible scoring ability, makes his isolation prowess a valuable asset for any team. As Perkins emphasizes, the impact of such a skill cannot be overstated, particularly as the Rockets look to build a competitive future.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, Kevin Durant’s isolation scoring stands as a testament to his unmatched talent and the respect he commands from former players and analysts alike.