KD's Silent Climb: More Efficient Than Ever, And It's Not Close

Vincent Goodwill dropped a little truth bomb this week, pointing out that Kevin Durant has actually become *more* efficient since tearing his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals. And you know what? He’s absolutely right. Everyone remembers the 2017-18 Warriors KD, the guy who shot 51.6% from the field and 41.9% from three, averaging 26.4 points a night en route to his second ring. That was peak Warriors. But peak *Durant* efficiency? That’s happening now.

Look at the numbers. Since returning to the court in the 2020-21 season with Brooklyn, Durant has posted true shooting percentages of 66.6%, 67.7%, 67.6%, and 63.8% in his four seasons with the Nets and Suns. Go back to his Golden State years: 65.1% and 62.6%. Even his last OKC season, 2015-16, was 63.4%. The man is literally scoring more points on fewer shots, or at least with better shot selection. He just passed Michael Jordan for 14th on the all-time scoring list, hitting 27,423 points, and he did it with a quiet, almost understated effectiveness that’s become his post-injury hallmark.

Thing is, the narrative around Durant often gets stuck on the move to Golden State, then the Achilles, then the constant team-hopping. People forget the pure, unadulterated bucket-getting. He’s averaging 27.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season for the Suns, shooting 53.0% from the floor and 42.4% from deep. That's a 35-year-old coming off a catastrophic injury putting up numbers that rival his prime. His mid-range game is still surgical, and he’s getting to the line more often, too. He’s attempting 6.4 free throws per game, up from 5.4 in his last Warriors season. That’s smart, veteran basketball.

Real talk: Durant’s improved efficiency is a testament to his obsessive craft, not some lucky break. He trimmed the fat from his game. The dribble drives into traffic that occasionally plagued him earlier in his career are fewer. Now it’s catch-and-shoot, isolation pull-ups, and getting to his spots with minimal fuss. He’s become a master of leverage, using his length and high release point to get clean looks over almost anyone. There's a reason he dropped 35 points against the Nuggets in a tough 128-118 loss back in December, showcasing that effortless scoring even against a top contender.

And honestly, I think it’s a little disrespectful how often his name gets dragged through the mud. You don’t fluke your way past MJ on the scoring list, especially not by becoming *better* at putting the ball in the hoop after a career-altering injury. This version of Durant, the post-Achilles sniper, is arguably the most polished and efficient scorer the league has seen. He’s not as explosive, sure, you won’t see the same highlight reel dunks, but the points are still piling up, and they're coming easier.

My prediction? Even without another ring, Kevin Durant will finish his career comfortably in the top 10 all-time scorers, possibly even top 5, and his efficiency will remain remarkably high. He'll be the quiet assassin who just kept getting buckets, better than ever.