PACERS INSIDER

'I like him a lot': Nets star Kevin Durant praises Pacers rookie Chris Duarte

James Boyd
Indianapolis Star

Pacers rookie Chris Duarte has already made a strong impression on superstar Kevin Durant.

The Brooklyn Nets forward, who was named to the NBA's 75th anniversary team as one of the 75 greatest players of all time, heaped praise on Duarte while appearing on an NBA League Pass broadcast Thursday as Memphis hosted the Clippers.

Durant joined three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford (a record Crawford shares with Lou Williams) and former 3-point contest champion Quentin Richardson. Crawford asked Durant, "Who's some of the young players around the league, KD, that you like besides Ja (Morant)?" After giving a nod to Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes, the second name Durant mentioned was Duarte's.

Oct 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA;  	Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) moves to the basket in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

"I like Duarte. We played them a couple weeks ago," said Durant, a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP. "He remind me of a old-school shooting guard. He's quick off the catch, can shoot the midrange (jumper) off the couple dribbles, too. He got good size. I like him. I like him a lot."

The Pacers lost at Brooklyn, 105-98, on Oct. 29. Duarte had 19 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Durant totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

Duarte started the first 14 games of his NBA career averaging 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while shooting 43.1% from the field and 40.3% on 3-pointers. The former Oregon star missed Indiana's past two games with a right shoulder injury and is questionable ahead of Friday's game at Charlotte.

Duarte is ranked sixth on NBA.com's latest rookie ladder.

Durant, the 2007-08 Rookie of the Year, is averaging 28.6 points per game. He trails only Golden State superstar Steph Curry (29.5) for the league high.

Duarte and Durant will square off again when Indiana hosts Brooklyn on Jan. 5.

Follow IndyStar Pacers beat writer James Boyd on Twitter: @RomeovilleKid. Reach him via email: jboyd1@gannett.com.