Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant recently became a hot topic in the GOAT conversation. According to the superstar, his move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 often becomes the point of criticism. But Durant wants people to know his capabilities and wants to be recognized as one of the greats of the game.
The superstar has won many accolades, medals and records over the years in his NBA career. He is a two-time champion and a two-time finals MVP and has been a consistent All-Star since his third year. However, even with all of this, fans opt to leave him out of the GOAT conversation.
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony had tons of battles against Durant in the NBA. Melo has played with Durant in the national team and knows how great the Phoenix Suns superstar is.
“I hate that s***. Like, I hate the GOAT talk,” Anthony said. “He (Durant) will arguably be the most pure scorer that this league has ever seen.
“How you not gonna say he’s in the conversation with the GOAT? What is the criteria to being the GOAT? Is it six rings? If that’s the case, then… Michael Jordan is not the GOAT. Bill Russell is.”
Even ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith has been critical of the stars of the NBA. Kevin Durant is one of the players whom Smith has criticised multiple times. However, Smith shared his thoughts on Durant being in the GOAT conversation.
“I think you’re one of the greatest ever,” Smith said. “It doesn’t just involve your athleticism, your basketball skills. It also includes leadership.
“That’s how LeBron (James) got Cleveland in the Finals in 2007. That’s how he got to nine straight NBA Finals. … That is why you’re not in the conversation,” he opined.
Many people have questioned Durant’s leadership skills. It is a big factor in judging a superstar and therefore Durant sometimes gets neglected. With the OKC Thunder, he reached the NBA finals only once which they lost against the Miami Heat. Since his stay at the Warriors, he has not guided his teams to the NBA Championship.
However, many people are there who consider him one of the greatest-ever scorers in the NBA. But probably Durant guiding the Suns to the Championship will change the narrative among the NBA fraternity.
