Thursday, January 31, 2008

Is Michael Beasley better than Kevin Durant?

After Kevin Durant rampaged through the Big 12 as a freshman, most people (myself included) assumed that we probably wouldn't be seeing anything like that again for a while. But it is possible that we are seeing something even better just one year later? Is Michael Beasley better than Kevin Durant was?

Looking at the sheer numbers, it's a tough call. Durant averaged 25.8 PPG and 11.1 RPG last year as a freshman, numbers that were difficult for me to comprehend. Well, though he still has a ways to go before this season is over, Beasley has nearly identical numbers - 25.3 PPG and 12.4 RPG.

Looking more closely, one thing jumps out at me - Beasley is a much more efficient scorer. Kevin Durant could score in basically every way imaginable, but the percentages give the edge to Beasley. Durant shot 47.2% from the field, 40.4% from the 3-point line, and 81.6% from the FT line. Michael Beasley is shooting 56.2% from the field, 43.5% from downtown, and 74% from the stripe. Edge goes to Durant at the FT line, but there's a large edge for Beasley in the other areas.

Next, I think Beasley is a better rebounder than Durant. The numbers say things are close... Beasley averages about 1.3 more rebounds per game than Durant did last year. However, I think Durant relied a lot more on his wingspan and athleticism to grab rebounds, which isn't really treating him so well at the next level. On the contrary, Beasley has incredible instincts, quickness, and positioning when rebounding. I think this will cause him to be a better rebounder at the next level than Durant.

Defensively, I give the edge to Durant. The freakish wingspan that helped him be such a good rebounder also helps him defensively. He is able to get in the passing lane, and block more shots. Beasley is a solid defender with his athleticism, but I think Durant has more potential in that area.

All in all, it's great to be able to see such talented players, both of whom put (and are putting) up absurd numbers in the Big 12 as freshmen. Who will be better in the long run? I'm not sure. But looking at the numbers and looking at their games, I think Michael Beasley has been the superior college player so far. Let's see if he can lead Kansas St. further than the Longhorns got last March.

Your thoughts? Who is better?

11 comments:

Kevin Hayward said...

Interesting question; it's crazy to think that someone better than Durant could come along just one season later. You can compare college players, but the NBA is the ultimate litmus test, so we'll see how Beasley fares next season.

Anonymous said...

Durant was,and will remain a better college player, but Beasely's rebounding and efficiency edge will make him a better player on the next level.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget to mention the fact that they played on the same AAU team in high school - now thats a freaky coincidence...

confused_questions said...

Kevin Durant is probably better but he should have stayed in college basketball. He very well may become a superstar in the NBA, but he could have developed further along if he was still with the Texas Longhorns today. Michael Beasley should not be so quick to jump to the NBA.

Stefan Ming said...

beasley is better thus far. beasley is a betteer shooter, better scorer as you said and a better rebounder. i think he'll be a better NBA player than Durant as well. It will be interesting to see how far he can lead KSU in the tourney. If I had to guess now I would say 2nd round loss, just like Durant and his Longhorns last season.

Anonymous said...

It's unfair to make this decision at this point. Beasley hasn't finished his first season yet. When the season ends then I think we can state our cases with more validity.

Thus far Beasley is putting up incredible stats, and his team is starting to gel. K-State was really bad earlier in the season, but they are young. Texas last year was young too, but not as young as K.State.

I thought Durant was great but a gunner. Still is somewhat in the NBA. As for Beasley, he gets most of his points on putbacks and often gets double and triple teamed. He seems more physical than Durant and is much more stronger. They're two different players though. I think Beasley's game will be more NBA ready. He's got that prototypical frame and game.

In general I have to go with Beasley in terms of comparing their stats to this point in their college careers. If Beasley can finish strong then I'm sure you can say he's better.

Anonymous said...

No question about it! Beasley is a better player and prospect. People fail to realize that Beasley is constantly doubt and tripple teamed, something that was unfamiliar 70 percent of the time to Kevin Durant!!! Beasley is more efficent, plays with in a team concept, and utilizes every aspect of his ability. He score 33 points vs Iowa State in 22 minutes!!! He could have gone for 50 if he didn't sit the bench half the game! Beasley is incredible, Durant was good as well though.

Anonymous said...

I think that Durant was good. No Durant was great. Beasley is better though. He single handedly led Kansas State over Kansas. He shoots 54% from the field. He is big enough to play against anybody. Durant is getting shoved around a lot in the NBA. Beasley wont, he'll do the shoving.

Anonymous said...

well first of all, kansas state starts two seniors, a junior and 2 freshman most of the time. Texas started 4 freshmen, and a sophomore. so the guy that said texas wasnt as young as kansas st. needs to do more research. then theres the fact that michael is only one of two players that constantly contributes to the score kevin durant had 2-3 other guys scoring double digits most of the time, and a better team over all then kansas st does this year. so for him to average almost 26 a game is alot more impressive than michael averaging 26. 3rd of all michael is alot bigger weight wise and stronger than durant, so he should be getting 5 more rebounds than durant atleast. To me they are both amazing players, but durant has more upside than beasley. Michael is probably as good as hes gonna be at any level, he'll just become more smart, and a little more efficient. If durant puts on some weight and muscle he'll be alot better than michael. oh and btw michaels percentage at the 3 point like is more like 39 not 43. :)

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