Kevin Durant: Oklahoma City Thunder's Pot of Gold
The Summer of 2010 has been absolutely ridiculous for big name free-agents.
The noise made by LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Amare, Boozer, and company seemed like it would never stop.
Now the clouds have settled and the dust has cleared.
While there are still a lot of question marks about how new teams will incorporate new faces, the face of Oklahoma City's franchise remains the same.
Kevin Durant quietly signed a five year, 86 million dollar contract extension. Just what he wanted. The Thunder made sure they kept their emerging superstar happy.
Last season Durant and company had the champion Lakers against the wall in Game Six but where a Gasol tip-in away from forcing a Game 7.
That probably still bothers Kevin a little bit, but it won't once the 2010 NBA Season begins. After what Durant did this season one can only watch in amazement at what he has planned for an encore performance.
Durant will be 22 at the end of September and has so much potential. He finished second in the MVP voting this past season to LeBron James. Not to mention he scored thirty or more points an astounding 48 times.
He scored 30 or more points in seven consecutive games twice last season. Don't forget that streak he was chasing of most consecutive 25 point games in a row. It ended at an incredible 29 games that lasted from December 22 to February 23.
Durant is an absolute scoring machine. He won the scoring title averaging 30.5 points per game. He also averaged 7.6 rebounds per game and shot an outstanding 90% from the free throw line.
Drafted second overall after Greg Oden, Durant has become a fan-favorite not only for Thunder fans, but the entire NBA. People see how he plays and his game just blows the minds of basketball fans.
He's only played three seasons, but I honestly believe he will end his career with more NBA Championship Rings than LeBron James does.
His motto is "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard." This shows that Durant is committed to the Thunder and believes in the team that their management has put together to win.
He isn't about gaining attention or attracting the media. Durant will let his play on the court get all the attention he needs.
Number 35 has been a star in the making ever since he flourished under Rick Barnes coaching at Texas in 2006-2007.
There's just some skills that can't be taught and Durant, as a swingman who stands at 6'9 with a 7'4 wingspan, is blessed with many different talents on the basketball court.
Only look for Durant and his Thunder teammates to get better with more experience. This team will be competing for championships, and it's now only a matter of time.
Kevin Durant's performance in this year's postseason is another reason why the Thunder are going to be a force in the NBA for years to come.
The Big three in Miami better beware: no team is scared of what they have brought together in South Beach.
At the end of the day, it is about going out on the floor and winning basketball games.
Kevin Durant is a gold mine for the Thunder because his talent on the floor only makes those around him better.
2010-2011 should be a great year for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
