Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has stirred up controversy with his Michael Jordan statement.
There’s no doubt that Kevin Durant is one of the most gifted scorers to ever play in the NBA. But at the same time, KD has a habit of stirring up controversy through his blunt takes.
The Slim Reaper did so once again when he threw shade at Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan on LeBron James‘ Mind the Game podcast.
Durant subtly called out MJ’s first retirement stint when he briefly played baseball in the Arizona Fall League. Evidently, the Houston Rockets star’s comments weren’t received well by NBA fans.
Kevin Durant doubles down on Michael Jordan criticism, but calls him the GOAT
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Dropping unfiltered takes on everything related to the NBA seems to be Durant’s favorite way to pass time during the offseason.
Coming back to his take on Mike’s retirement in 1993, the 2x NBA champion doubled down on them on X.
“MJ retired 3 times. It’s okay to call that out, my brother, I got $1 million worth of MJ shoes in my house hahaha. It’s okay, he retired 3 times and still the GOAT,” Durant responded to being labeled a ‘puppet.’
He then clarified his stance on James, who has already played 22 years in the NBA.
“I’m going to applaud that just like I’m going to applaud playing 22 years at an ELITE level. I like basketball, though, you love individuals more,” KD added.
Jordan is viewed as the GOAT in the eyes of most and even when Durant called out the Bulls legend’s three retirements, he didn’t take a shot at what he achieved in the league.
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Even though Durant steered away from making a comment on MJ’s legacy, the 6x NBA champ’s former teammate, Ron Harper, took offense to the Rockets star’s statement.
As a result, Harper dropped a short, but sharp response on X: “I’m gonna start a real show of b_______ … If he stops 3 times he won more than you all!”
Harper exploded at the Slim Reaper for taking a shot at Jordan and brought ring counts to the debate.
But once again, it’s key to understand that Durant never criticized Jordan for anything but his three retirements.
Now, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 36-year-old goes off at Harper with an interesting response to the unwarranted call out.