Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors recently shared his all-time top five NBA players. Let’s check out his list.
The Golden State Warriors have been in the news lately due to both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant giving their top five all-time NBA players list. Let’s analyze whose list was better.
Curry’s list played it relatively safe. With the selections of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson, Curry didn’t exactly make any controversial picks. All of these players are undisputed all-time greats and rightfully deserve their spots.
In contrast, Durant decided to take things to a new level. KD rattled off his list containing Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson and Hakeem Olajuwon. Four of the five picks on this list are solid, but the addition of Bryant has many fans confused.
Bryant, who is a five-time NBA champion, is certainly a legendary player. However, it is very difficult to argue that Kobe is better than LeBron James all-time. This is easily the biggest flaw in Durant’s list.
When asked to further elaborate on his pickings, Durant explained that he believes Kobe is without a doubt the second most skilled player to ever play. As for the exclusion of James, Durant said he wants to wait until James has retired before analyzing his career.
This tactic from Durant makes sense. Why should we rank a player before his full story has been told? I don’t think James could do anything to discredit his previous accomplishments but he definitely has more to offer to his legacy.
If we are comparing the two lists, I think Curry has the more reasonable list. At the end of the day, it is all opinion based. Who had the better list in your opinion? Would you choose any different players to be added to the list?