In a recent discussion that’s sure to stir up NBA fans, Isiah Thomas made waves by suggesting that the Chicago Bulls could have still secured six championships if Kevin Durant had replaced Michael Jordan. This bold claim didn’t sit well with many, including NBA analyst Max Kellerman, who addressed it on his "Game Over" podcast.
Kellerman offered a nuanced take, saying, “They wouldn’t have six, but they would have a handful. I don’t think they have as many.”
He pointed out that Durant, as a player, would have faced different expectations in the 1980s. “If you’re seven feet tall, they’re going to ask you to do different things then than they let you do now,” he explained.
Kellerman also highlighted how the evolution of the game affects player roles, particularly with the rise of the three-point shot post-Steph Curry era. “No one’s going to let you shoot from three as much as they do now,” he noted, suggesting Durant’s game would have adapted differently.
The conversation touched on the synergy of the Bulls’ legendary lineup. Kellerman acknowledged that pairing a great player like Durant with Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Phil Jackson, and later Dennis Rodman would lead to championships, but not necessarily six.
This debate ties into a broader discussion about the concept of the GOAT in basketball. Jordan himself has expressed skepticism about the idea, stating, “There’s no such thing as a GOAT, not to me. We’re all built from the ones before us.”
Durant’s career stats-27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists per game-speak volumes about his talent, yet Kellerman and others argue that the era and team dynamics play crucial roles in championship success. Durant’s two titles with the Golden State Warriors came under unique circumstances, with an all-star supporting cast.
Even Durant might concede that matching Jordan’s six championships is a tall order. He has previously lauded Jordan as the quintessential basketball player, acknowledging the Bulls icon’s monumental impact on the game.
Jordan’s legacy, punctuated by six titles, six Finals MVPs, and numerous accolades, sets a high bar. His achievements during the Bulls’ dominant runs in the early and late '90s remain a benchmark in NBA history, underscoring why he’s held in such high esteem by players like Durant.