Larry Bird vs Kevin Durant | player comparison #8

Larry Bird and Kevin Durant are two of the most accomplished players in NBA history. While they played in different eras and have different play styles, they share undeniable talent and a fierce competitive spirit. In this blog post, we'll compare Bird and Durant's careers, types of play, and impact on the game of basketball. In this post, we will compare and contrast Bird and Durant in five categories: scoring, defence, playmaking/IQ, impact on the game, and accolades.

Scoring

Larry Bird was a prolific scorer, averaging 24.3 points per game over his 13-year career. He was a versatile shooter, with the ability to score from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim. Bird's scoring ability was not only due to his shooting touch but also his basketball IQ and his ability to get open in key moments. He was a master at using screens and creating space for himself to take advantage of any defensive lapses.

Kevin Durant is one of the most lethal scorers in NBA history. He has averaged 27.0 points per game throughout his career and has won four scoring titles. Durant's scoring ability is largely due to his versatility and his ability to score from almost anywhere on the court. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders, with his height and shooting ability allowing him to shoot over almost anyone. Durant's scoring ability has also been helped by his incredible footwork and ball-handling skills.

Although Bird is a great scorer, Kevin Durant is arguably the best and that’s why KD takes this category.

Defence

Larry Bird was an underrated defender, averaging 1.7 steals per game over his career. He was also an excellent rebounder, averaging 10.0 rebounds per game. Bird's defense was not flashy but he was able to use his basketball IQ to anticipate where the ball would go and make the right plays. He was also a master at boxing out and getting into position to grab rebounds.

Kevin Durant has been a solid defender throughout his career. He has averaged 1.1 blocks and 7.1 rebounds per game. Durant's length and athleticism make him a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team four times. Durant's defence is largely due to his ability to use his length and athleticism to disrupt opposing offences. He is also an excellent help defender, often rotating to contest shots and protect the rim.

This one was really close as neither of those players’ specialty is defence but I have to go with Bird due to his superior defensive IQ

Playmaking/IQ

Larry Bird was not only a scorer but also a fantastic playmaker. He averaged 6.3 assists per game throughout his career and had a remarkable basketball IQ. Bird was known for his ability to make his teammates better and his clutch playmaking in crucial moments. He was also a master at using fakes and pump fakes to create space for himself and his teammates.

Kevin Durant is also an excellent playmaker. He averages 4.3 assists per game and has the ability to create for himself and his teammates. Durant's decision-making and ability to read the game are also among his strengths. He is a master at creating space for himself to get off a shot and also has an excellent sense of timing, often finding open teammates with perfectly placed passes.

Both of these players are really good at getting themselves and their teammates open but Larry Bird again edges out KD due to his IQ.

Impact on the game

Larry Bird is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He helped to popularize the three-point shot and was a fierce competitor who led the Boston Celtics to three NBA Championships. Bird's impact on the game can still be felt today, with many players citing him as an influence on their game. He was also a master at reading the game and making the right plays in crucial moments, often willing his team to victory with clutch shots and game-changing plays.

Kevin Durant has revolutionized the game with his unique combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability. He is a modern-day scoring machine who has won two NBA Championships and has been named NBA Finals MVP twice. Durant's impact on the game is undeniable, as he has changed the way that many teams approach their offensive strategies. His combination of shooting, ball-handling, and size make him a matchup nightmare for any defender.

KD takes this category.

Accolades

Larry Bird was a 12-time All-Star, three-time NBA Champion, and a three-time NBA MVP. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team nine times and the All-Defensive Second Team three times. Bird's impact on the game is reflected in his numerous accolades, and he is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Kevin Durant has won two NBA Championships, been named NBA Finals MVP twice, and has been named league MVP once. He has also been named to the All-NBA First Team six times and has won four scoring titles. Durant's accolades speak to his incredible talent and his impact on the game.

Bird simply has achieved more and has more awards.

The Verdict

It is difficult to compare two players who played in different eras, under different rules and styles of play. However, based on our comparison of these categories, Kevin Bird comes out on top, winning three categories to KD's two. However, both players have made a significant impact on the game and will always be remembered as two of the greatest players to have ever played in the NBA.