Edgar Momplaisir is a Los Angeles based television writer and comedian with credits across Paramount Plus, Fox, ABC, Netflix, and Comedy Central, and stage experience at Upright Citizens Brigade. A former executive story editor on ABC’s Blackish, he has produced on Paramount Plus, Titmouse projects like Star Trek Lower Decks and Everybody Still Hates Chris, and has developed pilots with major streamers while continuing to perform improv. Born in New York City, he follows Knicks, Yankees, and Giants basketball, baseball, and football with lifelong interest, and he often cites Kevin Durant as a model of craft and creativity. Drawing on a writer’s eye for structure and timing, Mr. Momplaisir approaches Durant’s career with attention to efficiency, adaptability, and influence across generations. That perspective informs the article below, which examines what makes the two time champion and Team USA’s leading Olympic scorer distinct in modern basketball.
What Truly Makes Kevin Durant One-of-a-Kind
Kevin Durant ranks among basketball’s modern legends and perhaps its all-time greatest players. Icons of the sport affirm his elite status. The late Kobe Bryant regarded Durant as one of his toughest opponents, admitting in an interview that he retired without finding а way to stop him. Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr named Durant the greatest men’s Olympic basketball player ever–a statement that LeBron James endorsed. But what sets Durant apart, and why does he command such respect?
Born in Maryland in 1988, Kevin Durant began playing basketball through local youth leagues with the PG Jaguars. He excelled in programs at institutions like Oak Hill Academy, known for developing elite prospects. By graduation, Durant was one of the nation’s top high school players. His college career at the University of Texas marked a breakthrough: he became the first freshman to win а consensus National Player of the Year honor. His performance also proved he was NBA-bound.
Durant’s career scoring efficiency separates him from most peers. His rare combination of size and skill creates this advantage. At nearly 7 feet tall, he shoots with а guard-level precision, handles the ball with fluidity, and can score from anywhere on the floor. This height lets him release shots over defenders without contest.
Durant has a shooting accuracy of at least 60 percent. He scores at the rim, from mid-range, and beyond the arc with а remarkable consistency. LeBron James has called Durant the most complete scorer the league has seen because of his ability to sustain these percentages over а long stretch. Durant pairs this scoring prowess with playmaking skills, creating opportunities for teammates when defenses focus on containing him.
Over the years, Kevin Durant has proved himself а versatile player. He joined the league as а tall guard in Seattle but has moved between roles with ease (wing scorer, stretch forward, or even center) when the situation demands it. His ball-handling and court vision let Durant serve as а point forward. In his best playmaking season, he averaged 5.0 assists per game. His height has made him а useful defensive presence when needed. When playing for the Phoenix Suns, he posted strong block numbers and ranked near elite defenders like Rudy Gobert and Anthony Davis.
Durant’s influence extends beyond his own performance. He has changed what scouts expect from tall prospects. Players standing 6 feet 10 and above now feel free to display guard skills – dribbling, shooting, and creating shots at all three levels. Rising talents such as Jayson Tatum and Victor Wembanyama have followed this path. Durant built а close relationship with Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, who grew up admiring him. Edwards has called Durant his “big brother” who helped guide him through his first major international competition. Durant also mentored rookies like Ryan Dunn.
Kevin Durant has shown career longevity and а consistency in performance even after major setbacks. In 2019, а torn Achilles tendon sidelined him for the entire season. Many end their careers after such setbacks, but Durant returned and regained his status among the league’s top scorers. His game adaptability contributes to his longevity, as he has evolved his style of play across nearly two decades. Durant had an MVP season in Oklahoma City and championships with Golden State, and held а leadership role in Brooklyn and Phoenix.
Various achievements place Durant among basketball elites. Over his career, he has managed 27 points average per game on 50 percent shooting–one of only two players in NBA history to average 25-plus points per game. In international competition, Durant holds the record as Team USA’s all-time leading Olympic scorer, with 518 points. He also owns the American Olympic record for three-pointers made, with 88 conversions.
About Edgar Momplaisir
Based in Los Angeles, he is a television writer, comedian, and improviser with experience at Upright Citizens Brigade. Credits include writing for Netflix’s Dear White People and ABC’s Blackish, and producing on Paramount Plus, Titmouse series such as Star Trek Lower Decks and Everybody Still Hates Chris. A 2018 Sundance New Voices Lab fellow, he has developed pilots with major platforms and continues to direct short projects. Originally from New York City, he remains an avid Knicks, Yankees, and Giants fan.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
