“My focus is on trying to win this gold,” Kevin Durant uttered those words to Brian Windhorst’s post-Team USA-Brazil game as he became the all-time Olympic scoring leader [Men’s or Women’s basketball]. He surpassed Lisa Leslie, record with a career total of 494 points. His 11-point streak against Brazil marked this significant milestone, adding to his three Olympic gold medals and several other accolades. He should be on the GOAT debate, right? Well, not quite there yet. 

And Durant is aware of this exclusion, and he’s not happy. In an interview with Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, the Phoenix Suns‘ star admitted his move to the Warriors is the primary reason behind this. Fans obviously didn’t like Durant taking the easy route to be a champion with the Golden State, ditching the Oklahoma City Thunder in the pursuit. That’s also the same year after the 2015-16 Conference Finals, where OKC and Dubs clashed, with the latter moving ahead in the tournament. No doubt the intangibles are also the point of discussion during the GOAT debate that might not fit with the Slim Reaper for the fans. 

But the former NBA champion, Richard Jefferson, does not think the same for the Suns star’s Team USA portfolio at the Olympics. “Obviously the championships like people have feelings about those championships. He was that dude we played against them. I would say his dominance for Team USA is the most unblemished or undisputed legacy that he has.”

This is understandable since coming off the calf injury in this Olympics campaign. Kevin Durant busted the scene with his three-pointers against Serbia. However, it was not just the present resume that the former ex-NBA champ talked about. He delved deep into the unwavering commitment from the Suns forward!

Ex-NBA Champs puts proof why Kevin Durant’s Olympic resume is “most unblemished”!

Kevin Durant is having a great time at the Olympics this year. He has set himself in the position to be the best men’s Team USA player in history. Apart from the all-time leading scorer record, Durant is leading the points per game [19 points], field goals [164], 3-pointers from the arc [84], and free throws [82] in the USA Basketball Olympics’ stat chart. And it is not just the offensive end that Durant is dominating; he has been active equally on the backcourt, leading Team USA with his 130 rebounds as well.

Coming to the intangibles, during the Tokyo Olympics, Durant was coming off an Achilles injury. Yet he helmed the victory juggernaut of Team USA, winning them their third gold consecutively. Lauding the impeccable dedication of the Suns’ star, Jefferson added in KD’s praise, “They don’t win Tokyo without Kevin Durant. … He winning his fourth gold medal and being the all-time leading scorer and being dominant throughout at the peak of International basketball… Kevin Durant is dominating.”

Even at the age of 35 years, Durant is still explosive on the floor. In the last game itself, he racked up 11 points and 4 rebounds. So there is no doubt that the Suns forward won’t leave any stone unturned to win Team USA another Olympic gold medal. What are your thoughts on KD not being part of the GOAT debate? Let us know your views in the comment section.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.