Why Durant compares LeBron’s 76ers to the 2017 Warriors
After the backlash sparked by his comments, Kevin Durant doubled down on social media, defending the talent of LeBron James’ Philadelphia 76ers roster
The criticism hasn’t changed Kevin Durant’s mind. After comparing the new Philadelphia 76ers to the legendary Golden State Warriors of 2017, the former Warriors star revisited the topic by responding directly to fans on Instagram.
The response was prompted by a fan who claimed that the two teams “aren’t even close”. Durant wasn’t about to let that comment slide.
Kevin Durant’s response to the fans
In his trademark straightforward style, KD explained why he still believes the 76ers are on the same level as those Warriors – at least in terms of individual talent.
They’re not even close? Haha. Joel was MVP recently. Jaylen Brown was Finals MVP. Tyrese Maxey has been an All-Star over the last three years. We all know what LeBron can do. Klay Thompson was never an MVP candidate and averaged 22 points a game. Draymond averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Steph is an MVP just like Joel was. I don’t understand how those Warriors are better on paper
Kevin Durant
With those comments, Durant reiterated that, based on individual accolades and talent alone, Philadelphia has nothing to envy about the 2017 Warriors.
Durant’s comments divide fans
KD’s response, however, only added more fuel to the debate.
Many fans pointed out that comparing only awards and statistics is overly simplistic. The 2017 Warriors were not merely a collection of star players – they were an already established team coming off a 73-win season before Durant himself joined the roster.
Then there’s the issue of age and context. In 2017, Durant was 27 years old and in the middle of his prime, while LeBron James is now preparing for his age-41 season. Joel Embiid, despite winning MVP, is also coming off several injury-plagued seasons.
A subtle shot at his former teammates?
Some fans also interpreted Durant’s comments as a subtle jab at his former teammates.
Comparing Stephen Curry to Joel Embiid simply because both won an MVP award raised eyebrows, as did the comparisons between Tyrese Maxey and Klay Thompson, or Jaylen Brown and Draymond Green.
Most likely, KD was simply comparing the rosters on paper without taking into account everything those Warriors accomplished together on the court. Even so, his response was enough to reignite a debate that will likely continue for quite some time.