Kevin Durant has had one of the most intriguing careers in NBA history. He’s one of the best NBA players ever, but he has yet to receive the recognition he believes he deserves. Durant believes he should be considered one of the greatest players of all time.
During an interview with Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Durant made a contentious statement about why he believes he is not included in the GOAT conversation: it has to do with his time with the Warriors.
“Because I went to the Warriors,” Durant explained in an exclusive interview with The Republic. “Why shouldn’t I participate in that? That is the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?
Kevin Durant has won two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, one NBA MVP, 13 NBA All-Stars, two NBA All-Star MVPs, six All-NBA First Team selections, NBA Rookie of the Year, and four NBA scoring titles. He’s done almost everything except win Defensive Player of the Year or make the All-Defensive Team. While he should not be considered the greatest of all time, Durant will not receive the respect he deserves as a result of his time with the Warriors.
Not only does Durant miss out on roses from the 2016-2019 Warriors superteam years, but so does Stephen Curry. If Curry had won his four championships without Kevin Durant, he would undoubtedly be regarded as the best point guard of all time. Those years provide ammunition for critics to attack Curry as well, with the main difference being that he has won without Durant.
Joining the Golden State Warriors appears to be the elephant in the room for Kevin Durant, one that will haunt him for the rest of his career, unless Durant eventually wins his sought ring without being a part of the Warriors. That talk will quickly cool down once that moment arrives.