Kevin Durant is making waves in his first season with the Houston Rockets, and it’s not just because of his scoring prowess. Recently, Durant surpassed Dirk Nowitzki on the all-time scoring list, edging closer to Michael Jordan's legendary numbers-just 68 points away, to be precise. As KD nears this milestone, he took a moment to reflect on Jordan's impact on the game.
In a candid chat with The Ringer, Durant didn't hold back his admiration for the Chicago Bulls icon. He suggested that if it weren't for Jordan's retirements and injuries, MJ could have easily joined LeBron James in the elusive 40,000-point club.
"He could’ve played past 40, too," Durant noted, emphasizing that Jordan missed about four to five years of play. "You give him 300 more games of 30 points a night.
That’s not an exaggeration. That’s what he averaged-30!"
Despite some past tension with former NBA player Ron Harper over comments about Jordan’s retirements, KD remains steadfast in his respect for MJ. Durant sees Jordan as the ultimate benchmark of greatness, a player whose influence transcends generations. Jordan's style and dominance on the court have long served as a blueprint for Durant’s own game.
Durant’s remarks naturally sparked a flurry of reactions from NBA fans online, with opinions flying in all directions. Many fans backed Durant’s perspective, agreeing that Jordan’s longevity was the only barrier to reaching 40,000 points. Others argued that Jordan’s legacy isn’t just about numbers; his championship rings and undefeated finals streak speak volumes.
The age-old debate over who holds the title of the greatest-Jordan or LeBron-continues to captivate fans. Durant’s recent comments have only added fuel to this ongoing conversation. While some fans rally behind KD’s insights, others use it as another angle to critique the Rockets star.
In the end, Durant’s journey with the Rockets and his reflections on basketball legends like Jordan are keeping the NBA community buzzing. As he closes in on yet another milestone, one thing is clear: KD’s respect for the game’s history is as strong as his drive to make his own mark on it.