In a recent episode of the Ticket & The Truth podcast, NBA legends Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett engaged in a candid discussion about Kevin Durant’s place in the league and the expectations placed upon him compared to LeBron James.
“With me, with Kevin Durant, I put him, you know, at one point, the best player in the league over LeBron when he was in Golden State. And so my expectations of him is a little higher.”
Pierce began by expressing his belief that Durant, at one point, was the best player in the league during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, and consequently, his expectations for Durant’s performance remain high.
“But what we don’t do, I don’t think we hold him a little accountable or at the same type of level like we do Bron.”
“Like when Bron ain’t playing well or his team is not playing well, we jump on them. We jump on the Lakers. But we never do that with Kevin Durant or Luka Doncic or some of these other guys.”
However, Pierce also noted a disparity in how Durant is held accountable compared to LeBron James. He highlighted how criticism tends to be directed at James and the Los Angeles Lakers when they underperform, while Durant and other top players like Luka Doncic are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny.
“If we expect these guys to be at this level in all-time greats, you know, a team that’s led by KD has championship aspirations.” (23:40)
Pierce emphasized that a team led by Durant should have championship aspirations, yet there seems to be less scrutiny when they falter, as seen with the Phoenix Suns and their current standings in the Western Conference.
Garnett chimed in to defend Durant, acknowledging his consistent statistical output and arguing that Durant is indeed doing his part for his team. Durant’s impressive season statistics, averaging 28.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 52.6% from the field and 42.0% from 3-point range, attest to his stellar performance on the court.
Despite Durant’s individual excellence, Pierce maintained that expectations for him should be higher, especially given his talent and the caliber of players surrounding him.
The conversation shifted to the Phoenix Suns, a team that was expected to contend for a championship with the trio of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Durant. However, injuries have disrupted their ability to play together consistently, casting doubt on their potential. The Suns currently hold the 7th seed in the Western Conference with a record of 39-28, a position that falls short of the championship aspirations many had for the team.
Throughout the discussion, both Pierce and Garnett marveled at Durant’s consistency and durability, particularly as he continues to perform at a high level despite his age. Pierce even speculated that Durant could have joined LeBron James in the elite 40,000 points club if not for injuries derailing his progress.
In essence, Pierce’s admission and Garnett’s defense underscore the nuanced evaluation of Durant’s performance and the challenges faced by star-studded teams like the Nets and the Suns in realizing their championship aspirations amidst injury setbacks and roster adjustments.
Kevin Durant Will Soon Pass Shaquille O’Neal In The All-Time Scoring List
Kevin Durant’s remarkable journey up the NBA’s all-time scoring list is set to reach another milestone as he inches closer to surpassing Shaquille O’Neal for the eighth spot. Needing just 20 points in Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Durant is poised to make history once again.
Durant’s ascent up the scoring ranks has been nothing short of impressive. Starting the 2022-23 season ranked 21st all-time, he steadily surpassed basketball legends like Alex English, Vince Carter, and Tim Duncan to reach 13th place by the end of the season. In his first full season with the Phoenix Suns, Durant continued his climb, surpassing Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes, and others to secure the ninth spot.
What sets Durant apart as a scorer is his consistency and versatility. Since his rookie season, where he averaged 20.3 points and won Rookie of the Year, Durant has been a scoring machine, winning four scoring titles along the way. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Durant’s scoring prowess has remained consistent, returning close to peak levels in recent seasons.
Durant’s scoring arsenal is as diverse as it is potent. With over 9,800 field goals made, nearly 2,000 three-pointers, and over 6,900 free throws, he excels in every aspect of scoring. Unlike some specialists, Durant’s ability to score from all areas of the court makes him a nightmare for defenders. Whether it’s driving to the basket, pulling up from midrange, or draining threes, Durant’s versatility keeps opponents guessing and defenders on their heels.
As Durant continues his climb up the scoring ranks, his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history is solidified. With his unparalleled ability to score from anywhere on the court, Durant’s impact on the game will be remembered for generations to come.
