NBA legend Kevin Durant is still playing at a high level today for the Houston Rockets. The 37-year-old is putting up All-Star numbers to continue his incredible career, with averages of 24.6 points and 4.8 rebounds from the field. Durant has been respected as arguably the greatest scorer to ever play in the NBA. The longevity helped KD become a universally praised top 15-to-20 ranked player historically.
However, Durant is not considered part of the GOAT debate for the top NBA player ever. Houston’s star player gave his own answer to Kay Adams about his personal pick for the GOAT. Adams asked Durant about a dream player for him to interview, and he named Michael Jordan before declaring him the greatest of all time.
“Michael Jordan – He has so much aura, and he can say anything, and it just sounds perfect,” said Durant. “What players does he watch? What does he think about the style of play compared to the style of play in his era? The difference in sports medicine back then and compared to what we do, how we do it today.”
Why Durant Named Jordan The GOAT
Durant continued talking about Jordan and why he’s so fascinated by the iconic figure’s career. Many of today’s active players often select LeBron James as the GOAT since they got to play against him in important games, but KD felt the opposite.
Durant had his own rationale for all that Jordan represents making him the best to ever play professional basketball:
“I could go on and on. I mean, that’s the GOAT, man. That’s just the perfect basketball player, perfect businessman. Like, he just taught everybody how to be great on the court and also how to maximize what you do off the floor too. He was perfect, man.”
The business side is something that Durant names and often goes over the heads of many fans. Jordan was the first NBA player to turn his exciting play and star power into a juggernaut business beyond the league. Nike’s shoes became a cultural phenomenon in the fashion world still relevant decades later today.
Why Jordan Still Has Respect Today
Many NBA greats will struggle to remain relevant after they retire due to the league always having new stars. Beloved icons like Julius Erving, George Gervin, and Dominique Wilkins often get overlooked in today’s conversations unless one is talking about a specific team’s all-time best players.
Jordan ensured that no era will ever lose his relevance since he cemented himself as the undisputed greatest of all time when he retired. James, Durant, Stephen Curry, and Nikola Jokic have all entered the top 20 all-time picture, with some much higher, but no one has been able to universally pass Jordan for the top spot.
Durant and other players to follow his career accolades show respect to MJ constantly whenever they get the chance to praise him. The top stars today having more of a business presence sees them still studying Jordan’s moves. Durant listing Jordan as the GOAT is not surprising for a basketball savant like KD.
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