Well lets see, he was the first freshman to win the NCAA Player of the year, was the #2 pick in the draft, and rookie of the year.
College success does not necessarily beget nba success. Best example of this is Glenn Robinson. Was "Big Dog" a very, very good NBA player? Sure. Was he a superstar? Nope. But the man was a flat out stud in college. A sure thing. And a very good rookie.
I think Durant's going to be very good, but I don't think he has the upside many people pinned on him when he was dominating in college. I don't see the skillsets to dominate the wing, and I don't see him having the frame to ever defend the 4. I felt his best pro position was the NBA 4. I thought that's where he'd have the most effect offensively. But that's an impossibility at this point.
Derek, you are a very smart guy, but Thaddeus Young will be a better player??? All I will say is that Mr. Young has to improve a hell of a lot, just to get to the same level as Durant, let a lone be better than him. We shall see.
One could argue he's already very close.
Offensively, their overall contribution is close. Durant's scoring 5 ppg more (21.2 vs 16.2), albeit at 8% less fg% (44.6% vs 52.9%). Obviously, they have different roles. If Thad was asked to be the top option, his efficiency would probably drop, but he would probably average a few more ppg as well.
Young actually has a higher PER right now than Durant (18.0 vs 16.9). Young has a more diversified offensive game. If you watch Young, his outside shot has improved greatly. His 3 pt shot is probably the best on the Sixers, which is probably similar to being called the tallest midget, but the progression he's made since entering the league is simply startling. Besides shooting 39% on 3's this year, and actually making more per game than Durant (1.2 vs 0.6), Young's midrange jumper is phenomenal. He's hitting 45% of his shots between 17' and the 3 pt line. By comparison, Durant only hits 37% of his shots in this range.
Young is so much better at scoring around the hoop it's not even funny. This was the one area last year that was undeniable with Young. He has great, great touch around the rim, and very good body control. This is simply something Durant doesn't have.
Right now, I would say Young has a better midrange game, post up game and is a better finisher around the hoop. Once Young's 3 pt shot becomes consistent, and his handles improve (both of which, from the quick learning curve I've seen out of Young are a matter of when, not if), I think he has as much offensive potential as Durant. He's already the best offensive player on the Sixers IMO.
And defensively it's not even close. There's a reason right now Young's PER differential is +4.6, whereas Durant's is -0.6. Young's a very good defender, whereas Durant is average at best.
The argument about who's the better player at this stage when taking into account efficiency and defense, is very close. We'll see down the road when they're developed and in different situations with regards to their teammates who is the better overall player.
