During the NBA offseason, Kevin Durant sparked debate with a bold statement about the evolving role of guards. Speaking alongside LeBron James and Steve Nash on the Mind the Game podcast, the two-time NBA champion argued that guards under 6’2” may no longer be ideal starters, citing changes in pick-and-roll strategies that have shifted how offenses and defenses operate.
Kendrick Perkins Pushes Back Against Durant’s Comments
Not everyone agreed with Durant’s perspective, notably Celtics legend Kendrick Perkins, who expressed his disagreement on The Road Trippin’ podcast. Perkins criticized Durant’s commentary, pointing out inconsistencies in his argument and challenging the notion that smaller guards are less effective in today’s game.
Well, it was drunken contradiction and all over the place in that clip because he brought up Luguentz Dort is 6-foot-6 or 6-foot-7,
said Perkins, referencing Durant’s conversation with LeBron and Nash. Later, Durant was corrected that Dort is actually 6’4,” a fact that somewhat supported Durant’s point but did not convince Perkins.
Examples of Small Guards Making Significant Impacts
Perkins highlighted notable smaller guards who have excelled despite their height. He named Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, standing at 6’2”, and Fred VanVleet of the Houston Rockets, at 6’0”, as examples of players who have demonstrated strong offensive skills and overall effectiveness on the court.
He brought them up, but at the same time, he was seeing guys like T.J. McConnell, and if the Pacers won (the NBA Finals), we could have possibly been talking about him being a finals MVP,
Perkins stated emphatically. McConnell’s impressive performance, especially in Game 7 of the Finals, showed that smaller players can indeed be game-changers despite prevailing narratives.
The Bigger Players Face Their Own Challenges, Perkins Points Out
Perkins also argued that larger players encounter significant defensive pressure, refuting Durant’s implication that small guards are uniquely disadvantaged. He cited examples like Luka Doncic and Karl-Anthony Towns, who despite their size, often face aggressive targeting by opponents.
Little guards aren’t the only people that get picked on,
Perkins noted.
We watched get Luka searched out every time down. We watched Karl Anthony-Towns, who is nowhere near 6-foot and is actually 7-foot-1, get picked on.
History and Evolution Shape the Ongoing Debate
The tension between Durant and Perkins stems in part from their past interactions during their time together on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both players bring different perspectives shaped by their experiences. Durant’s view is informed by his deep understanding of modern basketball strategy, but Perkins emphasizes the exceptions that challenge generalizations.
The game today demands players to be versatile and multi-dimensional to compete with other elite athletes. While size can provide an advantage for guards, the success of smaller players like Brunson, VanVleet, and McConnell suggests that skill and adaptability remain crucial factors.
Small Guards Remain Vital Despite Changing NBA Trends
Kevin Durant’s “Kevin Durant small guards debate” highlights evolving basketball trends but does not definitively exclude smaller guards from being effective starters. The NBA’s evolution from the gritty styles of the ’80s and ’90s to today’s highly skilled, fast-paced play requires constant adaptation from all players regardless of height.
Ultimately, the impact of small guards continues to challenge traditional thinking, underscoring that players’ abilities and roles evolve alongside the game itself. This debate is likely to persist as new talents emerge and basketball strategies keep developing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?
A. Kevin Durant has scored 50 or more points in nine different games.