Kevin Durant is undeniably one of the greatest scorers in NBA history—career averages of 27+ points on elite efficiency, multiple scoring titles, and a skill set that’s made him unguardable at 6’11”. Yet, the narrative often places LeBron James and Stephen Curry ahead in “game-changing” impact: LeBron popularized positionless basketball with his all-around dominance as a ball-handler, while Curry revolutionized the 3-point era, making long-range shooting the league’s primary weapon.
Austin Rivers and Kevin Durant
But as former NBA player Austin Rivers pointed out, Durant’s influence is just as profound—and perhaps underrated:
“The amount of players Kevin Durant has gotten drafted is comedy because everyone is looking for the next version of him… KD has gotten 100,000 guys drafted because people thought in their delusional minds they were getting another KD. He’s a one-of-one type of player.”
Rivers is spot on. Durant’s archetype—the tall, skilled wing who can shoot, dribble, and score from anywhere—has flooded recent drafts with “unicorn” prospects:
Victor Wembanyama (2023 No. 1): 7’4″ with guard-like handles and 3-point range—often compared to a “taller KD.”Alex Sarr & Zaccharie Risacher (2024 top 2): Long, slim French forwards with perimeter skills.Cooper Flagg (2025 No. 1): 6’9″ two-way wing projected as an elite scorer/defender.
Even earlier picks like Chet Holmgren or Bol Bol fit the mold. Teams chase the “next KD” because he proved a 7-footer can dominate like a guard—making positionless, skilled bigs the new blueprint.
Comparing the “Game-Changers”
LeBron: Shifted power to versatile, ball-dominant forwards (the “point forward” era).Curry: Exploded the 3-point revolution—teams now live/die by volume threes.Durant: Normalized the tall shooter archetype. Pre-KD, bigs were post players; post-KD, drafts prioritize length + skill over traditional size roles.
Durant’s mid-range mastery and unblockable jumper (thanks to height/release) made “unstoppable scoring” the goal for tall prospects. He’s the reason “unicorn” became a draft buzzword.
Why KD Might Not Get Full Credit
No single “revolution” moment like Curry’s 3s or LeBron’s versatility.Ring-chasing narrative (Golden State move) overshadowed individual impact.Efficiency often taken for granted—he’s “just too good” without flashy volume.
Even if Durant wins a third ring (possible in Houston), the “changed the game” label might stick more to LeBron/Curry. But Rivers is right: KD’s blueprint has reshaped rosters and drafts more than people admit.
Durant fans: He’s not just a scorer—he’s the reason half the league’s young stars look like him. Legacy secured.
What do you think—does KD deserve equal “game-changer” status?