Whenever fans have the NBA GOAT conversation, a few names immediately pop to mind. The debate mostly revolves around legends like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. However, Kevin Durant’s name is rarely considered in the same ranks as these legends. The 2-time Champion blamed his run with the Golden State Warriors for not being a part of the GOAT conversation.
Durant’s former teammate, Draymond Green, disregarded him in the GOAT debate and bluntly issued a challenge for him to follow in Stephen Curry’s footsteps. In his podcast, Draymond addressed what he thought about Kevin Durant not being considered one of the NBA GOATs. “You gotta do what Steph did to get to that conversation,” Draymond said.
According to the former DPOY, Durant needs to carry a team on his back and win a championship, just like Stephen Curry, to elevate his legacy. Steph did not get his dues until he helped the Warriors win the Championship in 2022 and won his first Finals MVP trophy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Draymond explains why KD isn't in the GOAT conversation yet 👀 @TheVolumeSports pic.twitter.com/DaNw2Fyy8R
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2024
Even though Draymond claimed Durant needed to do what Steph did to get in the GOAT conversation, he had high praise for his former teammate. “I think KD is one of the Greatest scorers we have ever seen,” Green said. KD is an effortless scorer and can get 30+ points on just 14 shots every night.
Draymond also shut down the fans who say Durant’s championships are not real. “Stop it. There’s no Championship that’s not real,” the 4-time Champion added. Durant played with the Warriors from 2016 to 2019 and went to the NBA Finals in all three seasons. He also led Stephen Curry and Co. to back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can Kevin Durant silence his critics this season?
Kevin Durant has not been able to win a championship since he left the Warriors in 2019. However, most of it has not been his fault. KD played great in Brooklyn after his Warriors run, but had to constantly deal with the drama surrounding James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Despite being part of the Big 3, Durant was the only superstar carrying the Nets in the playoffs. He eventually decided to leave Brooklyn and join the Phoenix Suns last season. Durant is finally playing in a system where he can make a run for his third title.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
KD is playing at an elite level this season, averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He has led the Suns to the 5th spot in the Western Conference standings with a 25-18 record. If Durant helps the Suns win their first Championship in franchise history, he will definitely have a stronger argument in the GOAT debate. That might also silence the critics who disregard his two rings with Stephen Curry.
Watch This Story: “Sh*t Happens”: Kevin Durant Shuns “Bad Luck” For Suns After Bradley Beal Shocker