A few days following the conclusion of the Kevin Durant trade saga, the Houston Rockets star ignited a heated discussion. With Durant’s tenure at the Phoenix Suns now behind him, fans are eager to see what the Slim Reaper will bring to the Rockets next season. While many expect Durant to be the team’s primary elite scorer as usual, a fresh debate has emerged around his social media presence.
At 36 years old, Durant boasts two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP titles, one regular-season MVP, and numerous other honors. Despite these achievements, his legacy is often questioned due to his stint with the Golden State Warriors. Even though Durant left the Warriors in 2019, fans still use that period to critique him, with some labeling him a “con man.” The current debate focused on which NBA players wouldn’t make the starting lineup among Durant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, to which some fans responded by calling Durant a con man.
Durant fired back on social media, tweeting, “None of them can protect me. How about that?” This bold statement reflects his confidence but also sparked questions if he was disrespecting the legends mentioned. Durant later clarified that his comment wasn’t about downplaying those stars but rather pointing out the unrealistic nature of the debate graphics used by fans. He agreed that the imagery wasn’t fair, saying, “The very truth is that we need the National Guard to protect those brothers, but Rem talks about my s___ real quick fam.”
In summary, Durant’s response was less about elevating himself above other NBA legends and more about fans undervaluing his talent.
Fan Take: This exchange highlights the ongoing debate about NBA greatness and how social media keeps these conversations alive and engaging for fans. Durant’s willingness to confront critics head-on adds drama that keeps basketball passionate and relevant, inspiring fresh discussions on legacy and greatness in the sport.