Yes he is. While watching hi last night I could not think of a player he could be compared to. I was thinking T-Mac in his prime but he does a little more and does it better. One of a kind IMO Going to be fun to see him, Lebron, and Anthony over the years.
You know, i have tried to compare Durant to players, and the only one i can compare him too is Dirk. Both are tall, and can shoot from anywhere on the court, Durant is more solid on defense under the basket, and Durant is alot quicker off the dribble.
Would say Durant, Lebron and Wade, more so than Anthony. And we can't forget Kobes. He has many great years left in him. I think Anthony has limited upside although can be fun to watch, much in the same way Novitski is fun to watch. I love me some Durant.
I didn't consider Wade and Kobe since they are not new to the league. Injuries are pilling up at the middle-end of their careers especially with Wade's more serious nagging injuries. Paul and D. Will could be in that list as well.
Melo will be 26 and Wade 28 at the start of the next NBA season. Not enough of a difference for me to leave him out. I do agree Wade's longterm success is in question with the way he sacrifices his body. I hope they get him a true point guard so he can stop taking all the pounding he does.
But thats his style and it will limit his game if the ball isnt in his hands, he doesnt come of screens well neither shoots well in that situation. But you are totally right, it will limit his career.