[rileymcshea3Participant]

 Could he take MJs crown as greatest player of all time?

I mean look at it KD might win his first ring at 23 years old , and MJ won his last at 35,and I dont think there will be a much better team then the Thunder for the next 12 years if they can keep there core 4 together.So Im really thinking outside the box here but lets say Durant wins for 13 years straight kinda Bill Russel when he had 11.Michael Jordan carreer average was 30.1 ppg ,6.2 rpg,and 5.3 apg.As for Kevin Durant I think his carreer averaged will look something along the lines of what he averaged this year with about 28.5 ppg,3.5 apg,and 7.6 rpg.So with those numbers and rings I think he has to be the greatest player of all time despite how could his team is.

[jrollParticipant]

He is very good and could go down as one of the best but didn’t we say this about James a while back and he’s still searching for his first ring. The NBA and free agency will not allow for a run a championships like that ever again. Also whos to say Westbrook and Harden don’t want to be the man at some point. Plus were basing this off a shorten season that had injuries and alot of new faces in new places and until 5 games ago we didn’t think they could beat the spurs. So NO odds are so stacked against it thats it’s not possible.

[joshsm12Participant]

You just said answered it with the stats…. Jordan has 1.6 more ppg 1.8 more apg and just 1.4 less rpg…… also 1 more spg and .4 less bpg…. overall; counting titles, defensive teams and all….. its easily Jordan

[omphalosParticipant]

Yes. It COULD be Durant, he certainly has the talent and physical characteristics to truly dominate his era and challenge Jordan. From a career accomplishments standpoint, winning three straight scoring titles by the age of 23 is very impressive, and if he wins a Finals MVP en route to the title all the better.

However, while he’s off to a great start, it just depends on whether he can harness that talent and maintain the drive to win. I’m not sure if he’s got the mean streak MJ had to push him to stay aggressive every minute he’s on the court, but he’s certainly has the opportunity to be the challenger.

One thing Durant has that MJ didn’t is a rival in Lebron who plays the same position and at least equally talented, plus only four years older. MJ had to play against some all-time greats, but once he came into his own there wasn’t really anybody who could match him from an individual standpoint in the NBA, let alone at his position.

Being younger plays to Durant’s advantage, he’ll be at a disadvantage against Lebron in terms of experience and maturity, and if he can consistently beat him in the hunt for rings for the next 4-5 years while Lebron is still in his prime, he’d be making a strong case for GOAT.

If he loses Harden and possibly Ibaka and keeps winning with just Russ, that’ll be another point in his favour. Kobe’s chance at surpassing Jordan faded after Shaq left because he ceased to be a contender without his team around him.

Before I get pelted with negs, I just want you to take a second to read what I’ve said carefully, because I’m not saying this WILL happen, or that Durant WILL be the GOAT, just that based on what he’s accomplished so far, and the position he’s in at such a young age, Durant COULD have a better career than Jordan and go down as the GOAT. Not saying it is likely, but it could happen.

[ghettosermonParticipant]

 One thing I see in KD that MJ had is that insane focus. KD doesn’t let any situation flustert him and in fourth quarters is in kill mode. He’s got a ton of work to do to even be mentioned in the same category as MJ but a title this year would certainly help. If he wins the title this year it’s incredible to look at how much he’s already accomplished at the age of 23, 3 time NBA scoring champ, 3 time all NBA 1st team, 3 time allstar, allstar game MVP, and even two time HORSE champion, lmao. Internationall he has a World Championship Gold and set the record of most points in a FIBA World championship game with 38. This summer he’ll likely get his first Olympic gold as well. And don’t forget that he had a record setting freshman season at Texas as well. KD is so likable and focused on basketball it’s incredible to think about how much he’ll accomplish over the next 7 years, and even after that he’ll still only be 30. Crazy to think about. And it’s most definitely interesting as he will have a rival his whole career in LeBron. 

[mosdefParticipant]

no.

Lets not get carried away. It was one game in the first time Durant has had a chance in a championship.

Jordan was the best at everthing.  winner. dunker. defender. when he came back he was a great shooter.

Durant plays average defense where Jordan was pure shut down. And then there were times were Durant would just not call for the ball when Westbrook started chucking and the coach even said that in the game. He had to tell Durant to try and take over the game.

[mosdefParticipant]

I wouldnt say Jordan didnt have a rival. He didnt have someone of his level but cuz MJ was just so great. When Jordan retired for two years it gave a chance to showcase Olajuwon. Jordan played against some of the alltime greats as evident by the Dream Team it was just that Jordan beat everyone else. You dont have a rival if you defeat him everytime. Durant has a 1 on 1 rival cuz they both played the same position but the overall talent against LeBron goes more to Jordan

[joecheck88Participant]

 I know it is early but I don’t know how you can flat out say no. Open up your minds a bit. The original post was a little too hypothetical and the Thunder still need 3 more wins for 1 ring. But if you look at the pace Durant is heading it can get real close. In the WCF, Durant avg about 28 8 and 5. His passing isn’t on Lebrons level but he is a capable passer. Defensively he has made strides. He is still 23. Lebron wasn’t the defender he is today at 23. Durant has 3 scoring titles already. All NBA teams. An all star MVP I believe. Durant could be in the discussion As GOAT. Yes, A LOT has to happen but the man is well on his way. Plus, he doesn’t rely on his athleticism like a Lebron or Wade. Durant will age like Dirk and Kobe. He will still always be almost 7 feet tall with a high release point and feathery touch. So his scoring will be there until he retires. It’s not far fetched to say Durant could one day surpass Jordan. Jordan can’t be the best ever forever, can he?

[mosdefParticipant]

yes. Jordan will forever be the Greatest of all time cuz Jordan was a lockdown defender. Durant isnt. LeBron vs Durant could be a poormans Magic vs Bird but neither are Jordan level

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I’m not a fan of comparing players across generations.  You can only truly get honest comparisons of players who can face one another.

The game is different nowadays.  Zone defense rules allow teams to help aggressively in the post, so post players can’t dominate like they did in the ’90s.  Teams are even better at using the 3 point shot nowadays.  

Jordan’s dominance over his peers may never be equaled, but that isn’t a slight on Durant or LeBron.  They play in a different game, against different players.  

If you stuck the Wilt Chamberlain of his years in Philly in a time machine and brought him to today, he couldn’t play in the NBA, but that doesn’t mean he was any worse of a player.  He was dominant for his era.  

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

Playing Devil’s Advocate: Jordan was a very good defender early, but was he really elite until the Bad Boys pushed him up a level?  I’d argue no – his defense didn’t reach elite until 88-89.  I don’t see it as very likely that KD can catch MJ, but if he works enough at his game and fills all the holes, it’s possible. 

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