Kevin Durant debates adopting FIBA rules in the NBA, advocating for a balance between set plays and instinctive basketball.
Kevin Durant engaged in a lively debate with fans on X (formerly Twitter) about the potential adoption of FIBA rules in the NBA. It all began when a fan named Tyler Relph suggested that the NBA should adopt more FIBA rules to enhance the game’s strategic depth. Durant, never one to shy away from interaction, questioned the specifics of Relph’s suggestion, leading to a detailed exchange.
Tyler Relph: “Please @NBA adopt more @FIBA rules and let us see the best really think the game and play the game like it’s meant to be played.”
Kevin Durant: “I swear yall just be yappin. What rules u wanna see man?”
Tyler Relph: “I want to see the 3 seconds back and that’s it…. you disagree? More movement less ISO / Quicker Decisions – keep 3s the same as NBA – Can’t knock off the rim.(that’s dumb)”
Kevin Durant: “If u want to eliminate defensive 3 seconds then the games will be slower.”
Tyler Relph: “I don’t disagree with that (i’m 40 so i’m late 90s basketball lo) … but more schemes & quicker decisions offensively not as much holding NBA is fine man lol it’s the best product in the world with the best players PERIOD – would love to see it … i’m watching yall do it now.”
Kevin Durant: “The beauty of basketball is not callin all them sets but playing off instincts and lettin the talent dictate the game..gettin out in transition, driving and kicking, playing random basketball. U want a trick play every possession like it’s football. That’s not why our game is beautiful.”
Relph specified that he wanted to see the defensive three-second rule abolished to promote more movement and quicker decisions, while keeping other elements like the three-point line and rim protection as they are. Durant countered by saying that eliminating the defensive three-second rule would actually slow the game down, a perspective that aligns with his preference for a faster, more instinctive style of play.
Durant emphasized the beauty of basketball as playing off instincts rather than strict set plays, allowing talent to dictate the flow of the game. This point sparked further responses from fans, some supporting the idea of adopting FIBA rules and others defending the current NBA style.
Eazy Baby: “FIBA rules are def better lmao.”
Kevin Durant: “Explain why. I hate when yall just make blanket statements like this with no talkin points”
One fan, Eazy Baby, claimed that FIBA rules were better, prompting Durant to ask for a detailed explanation rather than a blanket statement. Another fan pointed out that FIBA refs don’t tolerate flopping and foul baiting as much as NBA refs do.
Woke Hypocrite: “They basically won’t the flops and foul baiting moves out the fiba refs look at yall like yall dumb in the face when players try it.”
Kevin Durant: “I been playing FIBA for 15 years and I’ve seen some of the nastiest flops you’ll ever see lol baiting the refs to make a call is a universal thing, not just a NBA thing. Yall hate the way Americans play ball, just say that.”
Durant responded that flopping is a universal issue in basketball, not exclusive to the NBA, and accused the fan of having a bias against American basketball.
The debate continued with fans discussing the balance between structured play and spontaneous actions on the court.
Psycho Nets Fan: “That works when your team is stacked 1-5. It does ‘t work when you need to get the best out of every player on the floor in different aspects (screens, passes, cuts) when your team has guys all playing roles, you need play calling.”
Kevin Durant: “Random basketball!! U not comprehending what I’m saying. U can RANDOMLY set a screen, RANDOMLY back cut, RANDOMLY make a pass to the open man. Focus on what I’m saying.”
Durant defended the idea of “random basketball,” where players make decisions in the moment rather than strictly following set plays. He argued that random actions like setting a screen, making a pass, or cutting to the basket can be just as effective and create a dynamic, unpredictable game.
One fan, SGA, criticized this approach, suggesting that structured play is necessary, especially for teams not stacked with talent.
SGA: “Random actions ain’t gonna work always. Professional athlete btw đ¤Śđžâď¸ if you love street ball that much just retire and hoop on your block.”
Kevin Durant: “Life is always about balance. Running a set play every time won’t work either. Balance!!!!!”
Durant acknowledged the need for balance, stating that relying solely on set plays or random actions wouldn’t work—both need to coexist for a well-rounded strategy.
Another fan, Spencer Howard, misinterpreted Durant’s point as dismissing the importance of X’s and O’s in basketball.
Spencer Howard: “He’d kick my a** in basketball plain and simple. But to act like x’s and o’s don’t belong in the sport is just wild.”
Kevin Durant: “Who said X’s and O’s don’t belong in the game??? u assumed I’m thinking this because I said play more random basketball. That’s yall problem, you think u so smart…”
Durant clarified that he never suggested eliminating structured play but advocated for a balanced approach that incorporates both set plays and spontaneous actions.
Durant’s exchanges highlight the complexity and diversity of opinions on basketball strategies and the potential impact of FIBA rules in the NBA. The discussion showcases Durant’s deep understanding of the game and his willingness to engage with fans on nuanced topics.