Kevin Durant is easily one of the best players the NBA has seen and the way he is taking the Brooklyn Nets ahead in the playoffs right now shows his potential.
But would you believe it if someone told you he was exceptional even before entering the NBA? You probably would.
Here's how his greatness outshined even LeBron James.
The NBA was very different in 2007 to what it is today. But at the same time, a slim lanky Ford out of the University of Texas was setting college basketball on fire. NBA didn't want a tall shifty perimeter player but when they did, KD showed up and made everyone rethink what was possible.
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KD's skillset had the NBA not only scrambling to acquire him in the draft but also had the league reevaluating what were looking for in a player. A ball handler, ultra-elite scorer on all three levels, and led the conference in rebounds and blocks. He also became the first freshman to win the NCAA college basketball player of the year.
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For just a few weeks, Team USA coaches decided to let KD play with some of the NBA's greats or soon-to-be legends. At the time, LeBron was already a three-time All-Star and 37 ppg with the finals appearance under his belt.
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It was a dream come true for KD to play against one of the best talents in the NBA preparing to compete in the FIBA world championship, let alone come off the bench. In a game where Durant was happy just to suit up, he stole the show as an overwhelming offensive weapon.
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He scored 24 points in just 25 minutes and 18 of those came in the second half alone. All of this was while being guarded by LeBron James, Tayshaun Prince, and Shane Battier. Three players that made all-defensive teams next season.
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If anyone wasn't sold on Durant after his historic season in college, they were all in after this game. Scoring from the low post, jump hooks, mid-range, and three-pointers, KD was doing all of this while sharing the ball with Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony.
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