Isiah Thomas credits Kevin Durant for influencing Victor Wembanyama’s playing style: “What Kevin Durant has done, the next generation of big men, they’ll all be compared to him”
Kevin Durant has been one of the top superstars in the game of basketball. NBA legend Isiah Thomas believes that Durant's ability has given guidance to the next generation of talent.
From the moment Durant, the second pick in the 2007 NBA draft, entered the league, he showed that the game was changing. At 6-foot-10 with the quickness and mobility of a guard, Durant looked to be a new wave of athlete. But the talented forward was the complete package on the court.
Durant has been a dominant force on both sides of the ball. A lengthy forward who can handle the ball like a point guard, Durant has turned into one of the all-time greats. It's impacted how the game is played today. Players are now coming into the league with more versatility, regardless of their size.
Appearing on the "Know Mercy" podcast with Stephen A. Smith, Thomas praised Durant for what he's done for basketball. Thomas said that even international phenom Victor Wembanyama has molded his game after Durant.
"What Kevin Durant has done, the next generation of players, the next generation of big men, they will all be compared to him," Thomas said. "And you can see the influence and impact that he's had on the game. When you look at the kid, Victor, who's coming in from France, you know, plays a style of play, has an imagination that big men never had. So, Kevin Durant has left his mark on the game in a major, major way."
Kevin Durant getting the Brooklyn Nets back on track
The Brooklyn Nets opened up their 2022-23 season by losing five of their first six games. The team then fired coach Steve Nash. Shortly after that, guard Kyrie Irving was suspended for five games.
It looked as if things were spiraling out of control for the Nets. But that's when superstar Kevin Durant rose to the occasion. Since Irving's suspension, the Nets (5-7) have won three of their last four games.
Every angle of Kevin Durant's FILTHY crossover! https://t.co/OiPJUmN5ro
What's more, the team has a favorable upcoming schedule.
Durant has continued to play at a superstar level, averaging 30.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
Brooklyn named Jacque Vaughn as its full-time head coach on Wednesday morning. That night, the Nets took on the New York Knicks, coming away with a 112-85 blowout win. Durant went on to put forth one of his best performances of the season, finishing with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists on 10-of-19 shooting.
It still looks as if the 14-year NBA veteran has plenty of juice left in the tank. With Durant playing at this level, he may just continue to leave his impact on future generations of players.