Only five players in NBA history have shot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line. Could Kevin Durant be the sixth?
Kevin Durant could soon become the sixth.
In just his fourth season, Durant looks to be on the cusp of joining the 50-40-90 club. It's a society of shooting efficiency so great that its five members are either already in the Hall of Fame or likely headed there someday.
The numbers stand for field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage and free-throw percentage. Since the NBA instituted the 3-pointer for the 1979-80 season, Larry Bird, Mark Price, Reggie Miller, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki are the only players to compile the percentages in each category while meeting the league's requirements to qualify. Bird accomplished the feat twice. Nash has recorded those numbers four times, including each of the past three seasons.
With Durant, it seems to not be a question of if he'll join the club, but when.
Last season, at just 21, Durant made 47.6 percent of his shots from the field, 36.5 percent of his 3-pointers and 90 percent of his foul shots. Two seasons ago, Durant hit 42.2 percent of his 3-pointers.
And by all accounts, this will be Durant's biggest year yet.
The Thunder's star forward has quickly become more knowledgeable about the game. In each of his previous three seasons, Durant has added a new wrinkle to his offensive repertoire to make him a more complete scorer. Last year, Durant boosted his free-throw attempts from 7.1 per game to a league-leading 10.2 per game.
Now, after a summer of bulking up and experiencing his first bout with a more physical international game, Durant could return as an even better finisher at the rim and in the paint.
Durant also has shown more awareness when it comes to hoisting 3-pointers. Rather than settle for long-range shots, Durant now looks to beat his man off the dribble more often and work his way to the rim for more high-percentage shots or earn a trip to the foul line.
But duplicating the free-throw percentage might ultimately prove to be the most difficult challenge. Durant made just 21-28 foul shots in six preseason games, good for 75 percent.
History says, however, that whenever it is that Durant does add his name to the exclusive 50-40-90 club it will be nothing but good for the Thunder.
