Kevin Durant Named Rookie of the Year

[erpowers]

How do duers feel about Kevin Durant being named Rookie of the Year in the NBA? There are a number of people including, I guess, Charles Barkely (Barkely had argued against Durant and for Al Horford earlier in the year) and for sure the coach of Al Horford. Horford's coach said he (Horford) should have either shared the award or won it outright. Those making the arugment for Durant say Durant averaged 20 points per game. Those arguing for Horford or against Durant say Durant scored 20 points per game, but had a horrible shooting percentage. Those supporting Durant counter by saying even if his (Durant's) shooting percentage was bad, just the fact that he scored 20 points per game was enough for him to deserve Rookie of the Year. My thinking right now is if Durant scored 20 points per game with a poor shooting percentage and his team missed the playoffs Durant might be part of the reason his team missed the playoffs. Also, if Horford scored less points, but had a better shooting percentage he may have helped his team get to the playoffs. So, what do duers think about the Rookie of the Year situation? Are you happy with Durant being named Rookie of the Year?

[THUNDER HANDS]

1. Durant is just a taller version of Rashard Lewis

people won't give a crap about him in 5 years.

Al Horford, however, is the next great young bigman in the NBA. If the draft were going to be held again, Horford would be the No. 1 pick.

[Mojambo]

3. Rashard Lewis doesn't have anywhere near Durant's ball handling skills

Kevin Durant can create his own shot and get to the rim. Rashard Lewis can't.

He'll be a taller, better version of Tracy McGrady, imo.

[BlooInBloo]

5. I take it you're not familiar with either Lewis' rookie stats nor this year's.

[Mojambo]

2. Horford's surroundings were far more conducive to success

The fact that a 19 year old Durant played as well, and consistently, as he did with all the shit that's going on up here and ZERO on court support is nothing short of amazing.

He deserved the award.

[BlooInBloo]

4. 2 facts suffice: (1) (Hawks - Horford) are better than (Sonics - Durant)...

... and (2) Durant had a better season.

That's the reason it was a landslide vote. C'mon - 10 ppg? In 31 minutes? That's not rookie of the year no matter how you slice it.