It's very easy to distinguish between NBA players that are just cashing paychecks and those who would still be playing just as hard if they had a below average American salary.

You know exactly where Kevin Durant fits into that mix. He's a gym rat who eats, sleeps and drinks hoops and in all likelihood has a closer band with his basketball than Tom Hanks did with Wilson.

Look no further than what happened last night in Orlando at the first Summer League. Durant, who seems to show up for every NBA related activity, watched as his now Oklahoma City [somethings] played their first game with rookie point guard Russell Westbrook. It killed him not to be out there playing, so Tuesday KD (who arrived late) laced up his sneakers and led the team to victory.

Usually, NBA Summer League are reserved for recently drafted rookies, work-in-progress second and third year players or NBDL types desperately trying to get an NBA contract. It's unheard of for a guy of Durant's caliber playing summer hoops. For comparisons sake, the Bulls' Tyrus Thomas looks like he's been sent to detention while playing in Chicago's first two games in Orlando.

"For me, it's about the love of the game," said Durant after hitting 7 of 10 shots, 6 of 7 free throws and both of his tries from 3-point range. "Everybody knows I want to play. [Monday] kind of bothered me a little bit by watching, and I just wanted to get out there and play."

The only thing Kevin may love more than basketball is winning, and naturally that's what the OKC Durant's did yesterday, their first organized victory respresenting their new residence. Thanks to guys like him, it's easier to forget disasters like Stephon Marbury, Ron Artest and the like.

In other NBA Orlando Summer League action...

Here's why you don't put too much stock in these games. One night after taking the league by storm and upstaging Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley shot 1-for-13 and looked entirely out of place. Basically, he looked like a rookie playing in a scrimmage. Go figure.

As for Chicago's Rose, he looked better and more comfortable leading his new team. That's all that really need to be gathered. Also a bonus that Tyrus Thomas is capable of playing well against borderline NBA talent. Not bad for a 4th overall pick.