National Basketball Association

Kevin Durant shooting more is a good thing

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

An aggressive Kevin Durant is exactly what the Golden State Warriors need this season.

When a player joins a new team, they might try to be a bit passive to start. That means not necessarily taking a ton of shots and deferring to those that have been with the team longer and understand the system. For the Golden State Warriors, things are going to be interesting with Kevin Durant out on the court.

On Thursday, Durant told reporters that Draymond Green told him he needs to be more aggressive on the court. That implies that he needs to take more shots in a lineup that’s full of them.

Kevin Durant: "I shot a lot today and Draymond told me I wasn't aggressive enough. That's great for me." pic.twitter.com/IbltkcrEKK

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 29, 2016

When the Warriors signed Durant, there were plenty of people with concerns over whether or not he would take away shots from others on the floor and how they would all work with each other. However, that shouldn’t be a concern at all.

Green’s advice to Durant comes at the perfect time and it’s to get him in a mindset of if he has the ball, shoot the ball. It’s a bit different from playing with someone like Russell Westbrook, but the Warriors take shots without regrets. Stephen Curry shoots from the other end of the floor and everyone on down shoots what they like.

When Durant can get that concept down, the transition should be flawless. If he’s comfortable, then he needs to be aggressive and ball-dominant. The theory that there’s only one ball and therefore the team will struggle is an illogical one. Find the ball, take your shot and score. It’s the Warriors way and soon will be Durant’s way.