Did Warriors tenure hurt Kevin Durant’s legacy?
Kevin Durant believes he isn’t in the conversation for the “Greatest Player of All Time” due to his tenure with the Golden State Warriors. Durant’s decision to head to the Bay Area in 2016 created a juggernaut that was seen as arguably the most talented team in NBA history.
As such, some NBA fans and media members have discredited Durant’s two championships with Golden State, citing his inability to win rings elsewhere throughout his career. During a recent interview with AZ Central, Durant was asked why he isn’t in the conversation for being the GOAT.
“Because I went to the Warriors,” Durant said. “Why shouldn’t I be in that? That’s the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?”
Durant, 35, is a 13-time All-Star. He will likely be selected to the 2024 All-Star team, too. He is a former MVP, a two-time Finals MVP and a six-time All-NBA first-team honoree. He also was an All-NBA second-team honoree four times. He has averaged the coveted 50/40/90 stat line on two occasions during his career.
The accolades and the championships with the Warriors should be enough for Durant to be in the conversation as one of the greatest players ever to lace them up. If Durant can help lead the Phoenix Suns to a championship, the narrative surrounding him will likely change.
However, when Durant calls time on his career, he will undoubtedly be viewed in a different light and will most likely enter the GOAT discussions based on what has been a stellar career.
