Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, has made a bold statement by placing himself above all other basketball greats in his personal player rankings. The 15-time All-Star recently shared this view amid ongoing debates about the greatest players in NBA history, firmly asserting his superiority over legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.
Durant’s Changing Views on NBA Legends
Durant’s opinions on the greatest players have evolved over time. A few years ago, during an interview on the Knuckle Heads podcast, he listed his top five players as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Magic Johnson. Notably, LeBron James did not make that list at the time. However, in a more recent conversation on the podcast Mind The Game, featuring LeBron James and Steve Nash, Durant placed LeBron above both Jordan and Kobe, reflecting a shift in his perspective.
Backlash and Durant’s Defiant Response
Durant faced criticism for a comment he made during the Mind The Game podcast, where he joked about Jordan’s decision to step away from basketball to play baseball during his prime. Critics later pointed to Durant’s earlier rankings on Knuckle Heads as evidence that he contradicted his previous statements. In response, Durant addressed the criticism directly on social media, unapologetically stating that all the legends, including Shaq, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Hakeem, and Magic, rank below him in his current personal standings.
All of em below me in my personal rankings. I wouldn’t have said that a few years ago, we grow and evolve as humans. It’s just a kids game right? Why so serious ?
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5)
Confidence as a Defining Trait
Durant’s response illustrates his refusal to back down from his claims about his place in NBA history. Known for his confidence both on and off the court, Durant has previously made remarks that reflect his self-assurance, like telling fellow player Jalen Suggs, “I’m God Rook” after a foul call. This mindset aligns with the intensity and seriousness with which he approaches his career and legacy.
What Sets Durant Apart on the Court
Durant’s unique combination of physical attributes and basketball skills makes him a difficult matchup for any opponent. Standing nearly seven feet tall with the ball-handling ability of a guard, he seamlessly blends size, skill, and scoring ability, allowing him to score from virtually anywhere on the court. This rare combination has helped him establish a reputation as one of the most versatile and efficient scorers in NBA history.
Durant’s Lasting Impact on Basketball
As Durant’s career progresses, his status as a master of the game remains undisputed. His confidence in his own greatness gives insight into how he views his legacy compared to the NBA’s all-time legends. Whether fans agree with his rankings or not, Durant’s skills and accomplishments continue to command respect and attention every time he steps on the court.