Kevin Durant has proven to be one of the greatest NBA players. He is a former MVP, two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, and the list goes on. His early days in the league were during Kobe Bryant’s era. The Mamba was on track to win his fourth and fifth ring when KD was still quite young. Many thought of him as the next Kobe Bryant. Nobody had ever seen such a skillset from a 7-footer. He handled the ball like a guard, had a great shot, and dominated the mid-range. However, the most anticipated battle took place when KD and the Thunder took on the Lakers in the second round in 2012.

Durant and company swiftly went past Bryant’s Lakers in five games. At this point, it was pretty obvious who the next face of the league would be alongside the beast in South Beach. Years later, Durant has reached a similar stage where younger players in the league, who once looked up to him, are matching him shot for shot. Anthony Edwards and the Wolves swept KD’s Suns, and the Slim Reaper had nothing but respect for the 23-year-old.

Recently, at the Team USA camp in Las Vegas, Durant weighed in on how he didn’t exactly take the crown from Bryant while referring to the fact ANT is up next. “You know, the stuff that I’ve acquired since bringing in this league, like you could just match it. And I think ANT’s going to be one of those players that’s going to match it. Like instead of saying I took something from Kobe, what can I take from the greats? Like that already accomplished anything. So, it’s more so just like wanting to be on that level that they were on, and ANT is a student of the game and he’s a sponge.”, said Durant.

KD never paid much attention to whom he was being compared with. He just kept getting better every single season, showing how much of a talented scorer he was. Though next in line is Anthony Edwards. The youngster will be taking control of the next generation as the fan favorites are approaching their retirement.

Kevin Durant’s student is set to take over

Edwards established himself as one of the best players in the league at an early age. He led the Wolves to the Conference Finals while also being the best player in the West Conference. The youngster is just getting started and learning from his idol. It is safe to say that Edwards is a future MVP and champion. Meanwhile, the student will play alongside his idol in Paris which will be a sight to behold.

KD and Edwards will share the court alongside Curry, James, Booker, and other All-Stars. It will be interesting to see the 23-year-old redeem himself following last year’s unfortunate loss in the World Cup. What are your thoughts on ANT? Do you think he will surpass Kevin Durant in terms of accomplishments? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this exclusive video by EssentiallySports.