As the upcoming NBA season approaches, around 20 players drafted in 2010 or earlier will remain active, including seven veterans entering their 18th or later seasons. Among this distinguished group are LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, Mike Conley, Al Horford, and the former Supersonics teammates Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, who will reunite on the Houston Rockets. Demonstrating remarkable durability, LeBron and Durant continue to lead the league in scoring, with James holding the top all-time spot and Durant ranking eighth, holding the potential to surpass legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Dirk Nowitzki, and possibly Michael Jordan this season.
Durant’s Picks for the Small Forward Hall of Fame
Heading into what could be his final NBA chapter in Houston at age 36, Kevin Durant remains a premier scorer but recently gained attention more for his opinions than points. When asked by Chris Henderson to name his personal Mount Rushmore of small forwards—including himself—Durant immediately chose LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Larry Bird. Though this selection omits notable figures like Scottie Pippen, Durant’s close friendship and rivalry with LeBron make the latter’s inclusion unquestionable.
The Cases for Kawhi Leonard and Larry Bird in Durant’s Elite Group
Kawhi Leonard’s place on Durant’s list reflects his status as one of the best two-way players of the modern era. Over 39 matchups, Durant leads their head-to-head 22-17, including a 13-9 playoff advantage, yet Kawhi’s 2019 NBA Finals victory over Durant’s injured Warriors remains a defining moment. Durant respects Kawhi’s defensive excellence, as evidenced by his two Defensive Player of the Year awards, a rare accomplishment among small forwards shared only with Ron Artest and Dennis Rodman.
Larry Bird, meanwhile, represents a legendary figure with three NBA titles, three MVP awards, and two Finals MVP honors, matching the accolades of both Durant and Leonard. Now with Houston, Durant’s new team, Bird looks poised to contribute to a contending squad after a challenging stint with the Suns, where despite his strong individual efforts, the team managed only one playoff series win in three seasons and failed to reach the play-in tournament last year. This context adds a compelling layer to Durant’s Mount Rushmore, mixing historical greatness with present-day resilience.
Implications for Durant’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Durant appears committed to pursuing a third NBA championship, aiming to join elite company alongside Larry Bird, Dwyane Wade, and James Worthy. His curated list blends contemporary rivals, defensive stalwarts, and all-time greats, highlighting a balanced view of basketball excellence. As Durant enters what could be the twilight of his career, his perspective on the small forward position underscores his deep respect for defense, scoring skill, and leadership, providing fans a meaningful glimpse into how one of the game’s greatest views history and competition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?
A. Kevin Durant has participated in nine games where he scored over 50 points.