Kevin Durant and Larry Bird Nearly the Same Player? You May Be Surprised

Summer vacation is a time for playing and resting, whether you are a second grade kid, or a million dollar athlete. For Kevin Durant, the NBA's best player, and a once in a generation talent, this summer was all about work, and the drive to be the best.

As the off season began, Kevin Durant, one of the most frequent NBA Twitter users, tweeted a few areas of his game he wanted to improve this summer.

"Ball-handling, jump shots, different types of shots, pick and rolls, post-ups, and getting in the weight room, everything," Durant tweeted. How many NBA players are going to forgo nearly an entire summer vacation on a nice sandy beach and work out in a hot gym all summer? Almost none, but for Kevin Durant, it's not even a question.

When I think of the perfect player, I think Larry Bird. The ultimate "all-around" guy, Bird was the last perfect player we have had in this league. Man people tell me Michael Jordan was a perfect player, and while he was undoubtedly one of the finest ever, he had some flaws certain all-timers have not had.

These flaws are not necessarily skill based, but mentally driven. There was no greater competitor than Larry Bird, not to say Jordan was not competitive, he very much was, but Bird's competitiveness defined the NBA's golden era of the 1980's with his rivalry against Laker great Magic Johnson. Bird also got the absolute most out of his teammates, while still maintaining great stats of his own. What I mean by this is Bird simply did not allow his teammates more freedom because Bird was double teamed, he actually made them better players. 

Larry's tireless work ethic, hustle, and willingness to fight 100% even with an injury that would sideline most guys a week, was contagious.His teammates always had to be on top of their game, they had to rise to Bird's level. The proof in this is the level of teamwork the Celtics teams of the 1980's exhibited. Each game was a nightly clinic on how to properly and effectively play the game of basketball. Exquisite passing, excellent shooting, cohesive team defenses, and a great level of hustle, made these Celtics teams among the best ever.

Kevin Durant during the 2010-2011 NBA season will become the perfect player. His amazing work ethic is contagious to his teammates, and no superstar works harder than Kevin Durant. While Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade have been living the good life in Miami this summer, Durant has been in the gym working on his game. When Team USA had to assemble a roster for this summer's FIBA World Championships, none of the 3 stars in Miami bothered to play. Durant looked at the tournament the way he looks at any NBA game, with the desire to win and be the best. Well, after an undefeated run culminating with the gold medal, Kevin showed the world just how good he has become, earning the tournament's MVP, and leading USA in scoring.

The skill set Durant has is similar to Larry Bird's. This sounds strange at first, but let's quickly breakdown a few areas, and you'll be surprised of how much alike the two are. In terms of shooting, it is clear Bird is one of the best ever. The first great three point shooter, Larry was also almost automatic from the free throw line. Durant has excellent three point range, and has shot at 88% from the line for his career. 

Rebounding, another strong suit of Larry's game, Durant also excels in. Bird knew he couldn't jump as high as many, and Kevin is by no means the strongest big man, so they both get excellent position to rebound effectively. Boxing out and anticipating where the ball will travel after hitting the rim is a sign of a player using his physical inabilities to make him work harder, something Charles Barkley did to make himself one of the best rebounders ever with a small forward's height.

While running on the fast break, Durant becomes completely unguardable. He is so fast and quick, and his long strides let him get to the rim easily. Bird was deadly on the fast break too, and not because of his speed, but because his passing was the best ever for a forward, and his ability to pull up for a killer three or mid range jump shot made him unstoppable. Durant, much like Bird, can take it to the basket on the break, or pull up for an uncontested shot.

The work ethic of Larry Bird, is unmatched in the history of basketball. As a rookie, and as veteran, Bird would dive on the floor and jump into the stands for loose balls. Bird has admitted he made himself a great player, with hours and hours of practice, often playing against his older brother, and getting beaten by him every time. Durant has proven he has a work ethic just as effective as Bird. Durant practices every aspect of his repertoire. Ball handling was the first area listed in his off season tweet on skills to improve. How many 6'10" guys want to improve ball handling? Hardly any, but even though Durant is a very tall player, if he practices his ball handling, he knows it will just add to the skills he brings to his team. Most players in the off season focus on one or two aspects of their game, either something they need to work on, or a skill they want to add to make them a better player.

Kevin Durant will win NBA titles, MVP awards, and high praise from basketball critics. He will accomplish these with a humble, respectful attitude. Kevin represents everything right about sports, and is a perfect role model for everyone. He is proving you can be successful, and ultra competitive without being an arrogant, attention hogging superstar like Lebron James. 

As a summer league coach this past summer, I taught my players, middle school aged boys, to play like Kevin Durant, but more importantly, act like Durant. Respect the opponents, and your teammates, and give all you have every possession.

Kevin Durant's quote, the one he lives by, "Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard," is the perfect description of Kevin's play, but it could also be used to describe the play of Larry Bird.