Fans are thoroughly enjoying the rousing basketball action at the Paris Olympics. It’s a product that differs from the traditional NBA format with its difference in rules, but the aim remains the same. It’s about producing entertaining basketball. However, recently, fans sided with the FIBA regulations, asking the NBA to make certain changes. Kevin Durant, a performer who has thrived in either setting wasn’t content with such opinions.

The Slim Reaper confronted these fans, asking for an explanation. The viewers asked for more set plays, better teamwork, and the need for a system. It’s an evident trait of FIBA rules. However, from the lens of a basketball expert, Kevin Durant would much rather continue to embrace “random basketball” where talent paves the way for success. But is that truly feasible over having set plays? NBA legend Isiah Thomas feels so, but only under a vital assumption.

“When a team plays with “Perfect Randomness,” the offense will always have the advantage because of the required critical thinking skills the connectivity of movement, and knowing your teammates,” the Bad Boy wrote on X.

The stand came in the midst of Durant’s ugly feud with former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson which seems to be taking a turn for the worse. Recently, Durant addressed several comments around the issue and even drilled a fan for doubting his focus.

But going back to Thomas, it stresses having the best of both worlds. Kevin Durant argued there be motions and plays, but they arising from intellectual thinking rather than a pre-decided playbook like in football. Thomas points out how the Slim Reaper’s visions are effective, but only by adapting the teamwork model of FIBA.

Without having instinctual knowledge of teammates, their preferences and fully immersing oneself within the roster, it’s impossible for ‘random’ to be a play that augments everyone’s abilities on the floor. It is only through having complete information about your teammates that such spontaneous plays can work.

It’s one of the reasons Team USA failed to capture gold in 2004. They had every elite talisman from the NBA, without the exception of a few big names. But even then, they could only afford to win a bronze medal since the team lacked togetherness and chemistry. Since then, priority has been given to teamwork and synergy rather than reliance on talent.

Kevin Durant is getting the chance to connect with Stephen Curry and others

Apart from clashing with fans, there was another trait that stood out from Kevin Durant’s first game with Team USA. Dawn Staley, a revered basketball coach noted how she has never seen a happier Durant than when he has the USA jersey on. He downplayed the comment, but there might be some truth to it.

The Olympic experience not only allows the best of the NBA to play together, but it also presents the opportunity for them to build a bond outside the business of the league. In the short time they have spent on Team USA, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry seem to have rekindled their relationship since KD left the Warriors. And the Slim Reaper is hoping to share such a dynamic with every one of the famed stars on the Team USA roster.

“We definitely, definitely, definitely did talk about some good times that we had together. [Curry is] Just an incredible human being. [I’m] Getting to spend some time with him on a deeper level. I’m looking forward to getting to know these dudes on a deeper level already,” Durant told Andscape.

The mutual respect and admiration players on Team USA share for one another is an instrumental reason behind their ability to co-exist. None of it is possible without sacrifices, and they are willing to make it. Like KD, the most decorated US Olympic scorer agreed to come off the bench against Serbia. Such fluidity and acceptance go a long way in a cut-throat tournament. Team USA and Durant will hope they can continue growing together and clinch the fifth straight gold medal for the nation.