Golden State head coach Steve Kerr gives huge props to Kevin Durant, calling the Nets’ superstar a more gifted player than Michael Jordan.
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Ever since Kevin Durant set foot in the league, he instantly became one of the best players in the league. 12 seasons later, KD is one of the most prolific scorers to ever grace the NBA, putting himself amongst the likes of all-time greats like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.
Despite suffering a horrific Achilles injury, because of which he was sidelined the entire 2019-2020 season, he played on an MVP-level this campaign.
The 6-foot-10 forward put an incredible 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game on 53/45/88 shooting splits, while leading a star-studded Brooklyn team to the second-best record in the East.
However, it was in the playoffs where the Slim Reaper stood out the most. With his fellow All-Stars Kyrie and Harden being sidelined for the majority of the conference semis, Durantula dominated one of the top defensive teams.
Despite getting knocked out of the playoffs, the 2014 MVP torched Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks and put up a jaw-dropping 37.4 points, 12 rebounds and 5.8 assists in the 7-game series.
Also Read: Bill Simmons controversially calls Nets star a top-10 player of all time
Kevin Durant receives huge compliments from Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr
Following his absolutely incredible playoffs performance, several NBA legends, coaches and players lauded the 2-time champ. However, KD’s former coach, Steve Kerr could arguably have one of the biggest compliments for the 11-time All-Star. The Golden State Warriors head coach said:
“He (KD) gave us three amazing years. It was a wonderful relationship. I know people want to focus on the end when maybe it didn’t finish so well with the injury and his departure, but everything about Kevin and his involvement in the Olympics and coaching him again, it all excites me.”
“He just showed he’s the most talented basketball player on earth, if not of all time. Honestly. He’s just so gifted. I loved coaching him, and I’m looking forward to doing so again.”
As soon as Kerr said this, it raised a few questions. The interviewer, Raj Mathai reminded Steve of his own former teammate. The 3-time champion coach went on to double his praises for KD:
“I think he’s more gifted, I really do,” Kerr said. “That’s saying something, but Kevin is a different … entirely different breed. He’s 6-11 with guard skills, unlimited 3-point range, passing, shot-blocking — his shot-blocking at the rim, it’s just stunning. Watching him this year was really, really gratifying to see.”
Also Read: Kevin Durant tips Bucks’ MVP to lead them all the way to the 2021 NBA championship
Steve Kerr is not wrong at all. Very few players have been able to recover from such a frightful injury, let alone play on the same high level as they played before they got injured.
Even though Kevin Durant’s 2020-2021 campaign has come to an end, knowing the fierce competitor he is, we know for a fact he will come back in the next season with all guns blazing.
