Q&A with former OU and NBA star Stacey King
By MIKE BALDWIN, Staff Writer, mbaldwin@opubco.com
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Published: October 25, 2009
> The former OU star, now an analyst for the Bulls, answered questions on the Thunder:
→Will Kevin Durant become one of the top players in the league this season? He’s definitely in the top 10 players right now and has a chance to be very good, maybe in the elite five in another year or so if he continues to improve. He’s a match-up problem. When he was at Texas I thought he’d be a big-time scorer, which he’s proven to be. →Where does Durant need to improve to reach the next level? He needs to get better on the defensive end. That will come. With his experience playing against Team USA (in 2008), going against Kobe Bryant and LeBron (James), it gave him a chance to see how the superstar players carry themselves. He’s a kid who likes to work. You can tell he enjoys playing and will work on his game. Once he turns that corner defensively, he has a chance to become an elite player. →What are your thoughts on the Thunder’s roster? They have good young talent. But they’re so young. People are going to have to be patient. It’s the same situation as Portland was in. They’ve stockpiled so much young talent that expectations are going to be high, but they’re still learning how to play the game. →What’s the key to taking the next step? When you see how the league is structured, it’s teams with veteran superstars that go deep into the playoffs. Look how LeBron has elevated the Cavaliers. You take LeBron off that team and they’re average. They’d have problems just making it to the second round. LeBron and Kobe make everyone around them better. Kevin Durant isn’t at that stage, yet, but he’s getting closer. →What is the key to Durant being a leader at age 21? Guys like (Michael) Jordan, Kobe, LeBron and Dwyane Wade, what puts them on a different level, is they hold themselves and their teammates accountable. You have to get the respect of your teammates. You have to bring it every night. It’s not just about scoring. It’s doing other things. It’s about playing when you’re hurt. He’s not there, yet, but give him time. By Mike Baldwin
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