Kevin Durant: FMVP Legend

The root of Kevin Durant's 'Reaper' nickname is his unique body-and-skill combination. At 2.11m with a wingspan over 2.25m, he has guard-like dribbling, shooting touch, and first step—this 'mismatch talent' is extremely rare in NBA history.

His signature is the 'cannon pull-up.' Because the release point is so high and the long arms fully extended, defenders even in his face can hardly block; and Durant can rise and shoot right after the dribble, with rhythm changes that defeat opponents' reads. Whether facing a small guard or a big, he scores his way: pull-up over the small, footwork and change-of-pace drive on the big.

Beyond offense, Durant's defense is underestimated. The long arms make him a capable help defender and shot-blocker, with multiple clutch blocks in his career. His switch elasticity is large, guarding from the one to the four—exactly the rarest 'multi-position defense' in modern basketball.

The 'Reaper' nickname comes from his cold-bloodedness in the second half, especially the clutch. When the score is tight, Durant often kills the suspense with a seemingly easy yet unstoppable jumper—expressionless, clean motion, precise like the Reaper harvesting. This trait makes him the ultimate weapon every coach dreams of.

Related Reading

• Kevin Durant: Most Valuable and Legacy— One MVP, and a Coordinate of an Era
• Kevin Durant: Hard Work and Role Model— From a Fragile Boy to the "Reaper"
• 2017 NBA Finals MVP: Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
• 2018 NBA Finals MVP: Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
• The Birth of a Juggernaut: A Deep Dive Into the 2017 Championship