When the Phoenix Suns traded for Kevin Durant, they had the big picture in mind.
The 13-time NBA All-Star left the Brooklyn Nets as one of the best midrange shooters in the league… arguably ever. This just bolstered the Suns, who already possess Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
Durant’s midrange jumper game got a shoutout from former NBA player JJ Redick. He also dropped an insane stat about KD.
“Over the last 25 seasons, 1700 different times that a player has taken at least 250 mid-range jumpers in a season — there’s been three times that a player has shot over 55 percent,” Redick said on The Old Man and the Three podcast. “Can you guess the player?”
For the last three seasons, it’s been KD.
“He’s the greatest midrange shooter ever,” Redick added.
Durant’s 62.2 % field goal percentage on two-pointers this season is his career-best, and with the way his body is, he’s able to make those types of shots look like layups. He’s also doing it with tight coverage in most scenarios which will add a thorn in the side of defenses.
He’s making 57.1 % of midrange shots with the second-best percentage of the 54 who have taken at least 100 shots from midrange.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=soGGctNENRU
Now that he’s in Phoenix, the game plan won’t change. He’s already shown off his signature shot which was the reason for this article, and was said to look ready.
Durant’s move to the Suns was completed on Thursday which sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and additional draft compensation to the Nets.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.