Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets star renowned for his scoring ability, is growing tired of the ongoing debates about where he ranks among the greatest scorers in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA history. While many fans consider him one of the top scorers ever, Durant rejects the “best scorer ever” label, arguing that it reduces the full scope of his impact on the game. At 36 years old and entering his 18th NBA season, Durant is focused on proving his true greatness beyond just point totals.
Durant’s Reasoning Behind Disputing the Scorer Debate
The NBA community enjoys ranking players, but Durant found himself embroiled in a heated Twitter exchange after a fan dismissed his claim as the greatest scorer. The fan tweeted,
Greatest scorer ever my a**. Yall like efficiency more than what’s needed to win,
prompting Durant to respond firmly. He wrote,
30k points on low fga. Ima coaches dream. Dime dropper, I mastered scoring at 24 years old man. Give it a rest, I don’t care about being the best scorer ever. You are diminishing my all time greatness callin me that.
This reply illustrates how Durant views his own achievements—not merely by raw scoring numbers but through efficiency and team play conducted over many years.
Statistical Evidence Supporting Durant’s Perspective
On the all-time NBA scoring list, Durant currently ranks eighth with 30,571 points, surpassing Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan, Carmelo Anthony, and Shaquille O’Neal. What sets Durant apart is his remarkable shooting efficiency. He has maintained a career field goal percentage of 50.2%, an exceptional figure for a player of his size and style who often takes difficult, contested shots.
Unlike many prolific scorers who accumulate points by volume shooting, Durant combines high efficiency with consistent production. His ability to contribute without needing a high volume of attempts is one reason why he describes himself as a coach’s ideal player, emphasizing smart scoring rather than just volume.
Durant’s Future and Place Among NBA Legends
At 6’11” and still highly effective, Durant is expected to climb further up the scoring charts, potentially surpassing legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Dirk Nowitzki, and Michael Jordan in the near future. His continued scoring prowess, however, has not silenced all critics, who question his legacy due to his lack of championships with the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder despite surrounding himself with top-tier talent.
Additionally, Durant’s moves between multiple teams—including starting his tenure with the Rockets as his fifth franchise—have sparked debate about whether he can be a long-term cornerstone capable of leading a team to sustained success.
Durant’s Legacy Beyond Scoring and What’s Next
Despite lingering questions about championship success, Durant’s productivity over nearly two decades remains undeniable. He has proven himself as one of the most consistent and efficient scorers in NBA history. Now with the Houston Rockets, Durant is chasing his third NBA title, a goal that could quiet critics who recognize his scoring ability but doubt his overall impact on winning.
As the Rockets embark on this new chapter with Durant as a key figure, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if he can translate his remarkable scoring skill into further team achievements, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.