Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has seen the impact a generational player like Kevin Durant has had in the league, since coming up as a one-and-done product and making his mark in the NBA as an oversized forward with all-around guard skills.
“I think he changed the way young bigs have looked at the game,” Kerr said of Durant, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes. “Before, bigs, 6-foot-10, 6-foot-11 guys — KD can call himself 6-foot-9 or whatever he is — coaches would plunk them down on the block. Go score on the block, run the floor, set screens. So all of a sudden, here comes this guy, KD, who is probably inspired by Dirk, and yet took what Dirk did to a new level with his ball-handling and athleticism.”
Durant had by far the most diverse skill set when he first entered the league in 2007, initially listed as a shooting guard after being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick by the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics, later growing into his body and garnering the necessary strength to play at the small forward position.
The Texas product first showed signs of concern due to his slight frame and poor report card in the weight room, but his ball-handling skills, smooth jumper, and innate one-on-one ability were undeniable — making him one of the league's premier talents from the onset.
“But the fact that you can now have 6-foot-11 guys playing point guard and shooting threes, I think KD was groundbreaking, and now you see Giannis and you see Anthony Davis and you see Karl-Anthony Towns. KD, that's where he made a mark changing the league,” added Kerr.
Eleven years later, Durant is still one of the league's most dynamic players and has evolved his repertoire into being flat out unstoppable when he has it all going on the court.