The debate over who is the greatest player of all time is a never-ending saga. When it comes to basketball legends, names like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant often dominate conversations. Their unmatched work ethics and countless accolades have solidified their status as the greatest names in the sport.
However, a former teammate of Denver Nuggets‘ Nikola Jokic has thrown a surprising twist into the mix by challenging this notion and bringing a new name. Kevin Durant, also known as the ‘Slim Reaper’ for his slender frame and deadly scoring ability, has been a dominant force in the NBA for over a decade. His unique blend of size, skill, and scoring has made him one of the most unguardable players in the league. But is he the best pure hooper of all time?
Kevin Durant gets the GOAT vote from an NBA pro
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While Durant has made a name for himself amongst the game’s greatest, the majority consider him a notch below the likes of Jordan and Bryant. Yet, a particular skill of Durant’s is widely acclaimed, which is his scoring ability.
So does that make Durant a consideration for the best hooper of all time??NBA player Will Barton certainly thinks so.
Barton, who played alongside Nikola Jokic, shared his admiration for Durant’s natural talent and ability to dominate the game effortlessly. In his own words, he said, ?Kevin Durant might be the best pure hooper of all-time. Just get out of bed, no systems, we picking players and just hoop? It?s over with.?
“Kevin Durant might be the best pure hooper of all-time. Just get out of bed, no systems, we picking players and just hoop? It’s over with”
– Will Barton on what makes KD so special.
🎙️ FULL POD: https://t.co/eDrD79eccY pic.twitter.com/WVZ7qY8VvP
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) July 15, 2023
This claim has sparked a debate among basketball fans, as it challenges the widely held belief that players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, among others, reign supreme in the greatness debate.
Barton’s sparked reactions from fans, with some agreeing with his assessment and others staunchly defending the legacies of other greats.
A mixed bag of opinions from fans
Among the majority, one fan pointed out Jordan’s MVP status and his unstoppable force since his rookie year, even without a system or help.
MJ still was MVP & a straight unstoppable force since his rc year with no system,no help,no nothing! Only thing KD has on Mj was height / defensively MJ was also elite tho!!
— Jo (@JoCote3030) July 16, 2023
Another fan opinionated that Durant is not on the same level as Kobe and MJ.
Nah hes nice but he just aint on that kobe, mj level
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) July 15, 2023
Yet another fan questioned what MJ could do that KD couldn’t, hoop-wise.
what can mj do that kd can’t hoop wise
— … (@jshxhxbdjdh) July 15, 2023
However, some fans were more critical.
"Pure hooper" kevin durant showed us what "pure hooping" is when he shit the bed against golden state and the Celtics.
— Zibili (@Zibilid) July 15, 2023
Another fan questioned the obsession with the “pure hooper” terminology for NBA players, arguing that the league is about teams playing for championships, not individual prowess.
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I don’t know what this obsession with “pure hooper” is for NBA players. This isn’t the park it’s the NBA with teams playing for championships.
— Darnell Gilet (@DarnellGilet) July 16, 2023
The debate over who is the best pure hooper of all time is subjective and likely to continue for years to come.
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Barton sees KD as someone who can simply step onto the court and dominate without needing anything else. As the regular season is approaching, it gives a new chance to assess again on the debate of who is the greatest.
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