Ron Adams first saw in Kevin Durant the makings of an elite passer a decade ago. During Oklahoma City’s informal workouts, Adams — then a Thunder assistant coach — was often in awe of Durant’s uncanny ability to read defenses, draw opponents toward him and feed the open man.
Few outside of those sessions were aware Durant had such skills, however, because Oklahoma City’s isolation-heavy offense called for him to look for his own shot. In a Warriors system that relies on ball movement, Durant — one of the NBA’s most unselfish superstars — has showed that his offensive arsenal extends far beyond his fadeaway jumper, low-post moves and highlight-worthy dunks.