Who's more talented, Kevin Durant or Michael Jordan?

[LoneyROY7]

A 7-footer that can pull-up from 30 with a handle, quickness, and athleticism...

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/SkinnyAngelicHedgehog-size_restricted.gif

or

A 6'6 uber-athletic guard that was a monster finisher and an assassin from mid-range?

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/c9/60/9ac9604020ae9d218553c777f1ddc59b.gif

This is purely based on basketball talent, not any of that intangible sh*t. It's very close, but KD's skillset at his size gives him the slight edge over MJ for me.

[SATAN]

:sleeping

[FKAri]

KD didn't have "battles" against a Safeway employee. I'll leave it at that.

[Axe]

Of course, the obvious answer here would be the one who played in the modern era, right?

[Monta Ellis MVP]

Kevin Durant has a bitch brain. Jordan has a properly functioning one. I’m going with Mike. I’m almost done rewatching the Last Dance documentary. It has been great.

[LoneyROY7]

Kevin Durant has a bitch brain. Jordan has a properly functioning one. I’m going with Mike. I’m almost done rewatching the Last Dance documentary. It has been great.

Monta, I believe you're trying to pass off an "alpha/beta" position under the guise of seeming basketball intelligence. While crafty, I'm going to have to disqualify this statement as an intangible and not basketball talent.

[Cyrus334]

KD, just by being a 7 foot shooting machine that the NBA has never seen before.

[Monta Ellis MVP]

Monta, I believe you're trying to pass off an "alpha/beta" position under the guise of seeming basketball intelligence. While crafty, I'm going to have to disqualify this statement as an intangible and not basketball talent.

Ok. I pick KD then.

[Axe]

I'm a bit surprised to learn that kd is actually 6'10 already?

Before, he used to be 6'8 only.

[Bronbron23]

A 7-footer that can pull-up from 30 with a handle, quickness, and athleticism...

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/SkinnyAngelicHedgehog-size_restricted.gif

or

A 6'6 uber-athletic guard that was a monster finisher and an assassin from mid-range?

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/c9/60/9ac9604020ae9d218553c777f1ddc59b.gif

This is purely based on basketball talent, not any of that intangible sh*t. It's very close, but KD's skillset at his size gives him the slight edge over MJ for me.

Its mj.

Kd is a better 3 point shooter but after that mj is as good or better at literally everything. Mid range is a wash but mj is a better finisher and post player. Hes a better passer and altbough the overall rebounds favour kd mj is a better offensive rebound so thats basically a wash also. On the otherside of the ball mj is much more talented also

I dont see any argument for kd. Yeah hes taller and longer than mj but mj's hops, strength and quickness more than make up for that

[LoneyROY7]

Its mj.

Kd is a better 3 point shooter but after that mj is as good or better at literally everything. Mid range is a wash but mj is a better finisher and post player. Hes a better passer and altbough the overall rebounds favour kd mj is a better offensive rebound so thats basically a wash also. On the otherside of the ball mj is much more talented also

I dont see any argument for kd. Yeah hes taller and longer than mj but mj's hops, strength and quickness more than make up for that

You seem to be neglecting that KD's talent spectrum is functioning at a near 7-foot height and 7'5 wingspan. We've seen players at MJ's comparable height and weight do similar (while not as great) exploits. We have never seen a basketball player at KD's size do what he's doing and has done.

However, considering your prior post history, I've not surprised you would have such a linear take.

[Bronbron23]

You seem to be neglecting that KD's talent spectrum is functioning at a near 7-foot height and 7'5 wingspan. We've seen players at MJ's comparable height and weight do similar (while not as great) exploits. We have never seen a basketball player at KD's size do what he's doing and has done.

However, considering your prior post history, I've not surprised you would have such a linear take.

nah i took his height and length into consideration. Its crazy what he can do at his height. Mj has the speed, strength athleticism and skill advantage though. If im underestimating kd's length then your underestimating mj athleticism. Im not talking second 3 peat mj im talking pre baseball mj. He was insanely quick. He could get his head at rim off one or 2. He was dunking on fowards and centers off of jump stops. He also did stuff that we've never seen before. Plus kds main advantage of his length matched with his speed for his size is that he can pull up over almost anyone. Mj didn't have his length but he had a much higher vertical on his jumper which made his pull up just as unstoppable.

[Turbo Slayer]

Mj literally beats KD in most advanced stats. That is highly impressive considering that KD is taller than MJ and still doesnt beat MJ.

[Rico2016]

Is this for real? Plop KD on an island with John Starks and watch him drop 50 a night.

[LoneyROY7]

nah i took his height and length into consideration. Its crazy what he can do at his height. Mj has the speed, strength athleticism and skill advantage though. If im underestimating kd's length then your underestimating mj athleticism. Im not talking second 3 peat mj im talking pre baseball mj. He was insanely quick. He could get his head at rim off one or 2. He was dunking on fowards and centers off of jump stops. He also did stuff that we've never seen before. Plus kds main advantage of his length matched with his speed for his size is that he can pull up over almost anyone. Mj didn't have his length but he had a much higher vertical on his jumper which made his pull up just as unstoppable.

Lmao at trying to compare speed, athleticism, and skill 1-for-1 of a 6'6 player versus a 7'ft player. It doesn't work that way.

What KD does at his size is more impressive from a basketball talent perspective than what MJ does at his size. As stated in the OP.

[Rico2016]

Lmao at trying to compare speed, athleticism, and skill 1-for-1 of a 6'6 player versus a 7'ft player. It doesn't work that way.

What KD does at his size is more impressive from a basketball talent perspective than what MJ does at his size. As stated in the OP.

Bingo

[Overdrive]

Is this for real? Plop KD on an island with John Starks and watch him drop 50 a night.

KD was severely bothered by Tony Allen and Chris Paul.

[GimmeThat]

wouldn't mind seeing Kevin Durant trying to perfect the double clutch move

[iamgine]

A 7-footer that can pull-up from 30 with a handle, quickness, and athleticism...


Shooting and handle seems more about work/skill and less about talent.

[Lebron23]

Michael Jordan

[Uncle Drew]

Ability and talent are not the same.

[fourkicks44]

KD didn't have "battles" against a Safeway employee. I'll leave it at that.

Sure he has had plenty.

They were just all on twitter.

[Manny98]

KD was severely bothered by Tony Allen and Chris Paul.
What's your point?

[FultzNationRISE]

You seem to be neglecting that KD's talent spectrum is functioning at a near 7-foot height and 7'5 wingspan. We've seen players at MJ's comparable height and weight do similar (while not as great) exploits. We have never seen a basketball player at KD's size do what he's doing and has done.

However, considering your prior post history, I've not surprised you would have such a linear take.

Height is not a talent.

KD’s only talent is 3 point shooting. And it’s not like he’s the best of all time at it.

The fact his height creates huge mismatches is very useful and important. But it isnt a talent.

[j3lademaster]

Shooting and handle seems more about work/skill and less about talent.no it’s talent also. Imagine if DeAndre Jordan and Steph Curry both have never played basketball before, after a month of jump shooting training who will have the better j? Sure it’s something you can work on, moreso than size and athleticism, but make no mistake there is talent involved.

[Axe]

Height is not a talent.

KD’s only talent is 3 point shooting. And it’s not like he’s the best of all time at it.

The fact his height creates huge mismatches is very useful and important. But it isnt a talent.
In fact, it's not a talent.

Rather, it is a natural gift from the almighty of the heavens above.

[j3lademaster]

In fact, it's not a talent.

Rather, it is a natural gift from the almighty of the heavens above.calm down, Kevin Spacey. No need to get all ‘Beautiful Mind’ on us. Can we not derail the thread with dumb semantics? Everyone knows when it comes to bball when talent or aptitude gets mentioned it has to do with size, speed, hops and strength along with how quickly one can develop the necessary skills (dribbling, shooting etc).

[j3lademaster]

To answer op, I do put a lot consideration on height.

Top 2 all time are Shaq and Wilt. Then I have:

Lebron 6’8” 250, tmac 6’9 or 6’10, KD ~6’11, MJ at 6’6 and Giannis at 6’11”.

Mj has that insane stamina and lbs for lbs strength along with quickness and that leaping ability... but 6’11 with7’5 wingspan... man KD is a longer center in today’s league. Then he has perimeter skills that would make him all star caliber if he were 6’7”. KD wins this discussion.

[Axe]

calm down, Kevin Spacey. No need to get all ‘Beautiful Mind’ on us. Can we not derail the thread with dumb semantics? Everyone knows when it comes to bball when talent or aptitude gets mentioned it has to do with size, speed, hops and strength along with how quickly one can develop the necessary skills (dribbling, shooting etc).
Shut up, you idiot.

I wasn't talking to you and i was referring to KD's height when i said that. It's true that having it is not a talent at all.

[j3lademaster]

Shut up, you idiot.

I wasn't talking to you and i was referring to KD's height when i said that. It's true that having it is not a talent at all.i mean, you do realize ‘talent’ and ‘natural gift’ mean the same exact thing right?

[Axe]

i mean, you do realize ‘talent’ and ‘natural gift’ mean the same exact thing right?
Lol what

What world do you actually live in

[Run DLC]

Kevin Durant is the GOAT

[LeCola]

Jordan is more skilled, Durant is more talented.

[RogueBorg]

Is this for real? Plop KD on an island with John Starks and watch him drop 50 a night.

John Starks wasn't the small forward genius, 6'10 Charles Smith was but thanks for participating.

[Uncle Drew]

Durant is perhaps the most talented player ever sans Shaq. He had the tools to be the greatest of all time. He has insane length yet moves like a guard, he can shoot with anyone and can pull up from anywhere, he is a good athlete, he is able to defend the perimeter and the interior due to said length, he has great skills. All that said, he's just a waste of time. Mentally he is way too fragile. Shaq flat out didn't care for a long period in his career, Durant doesn't have that ''excuse'' either.

[Turbo Slayer]

Durant is perhaps the most talented player ever sans Shaq. He had the tools to be the greatest of all time. He has insane length yet moves like a guard, he can shoot with anyone and can pull up from anywhere, he is a good athlete, he is able to defend the perimeter and the interior due to said length, he has great skills. All that said, he's just a waste of time. Mentally he is way too fragile. Shaq flat out didn't care for a long period in his career, Durant doesn't have that ''excuse'' either. He's a waste of time because KD got in the way of LeBron possibly winning 2 more?

Nah.

[Uncle Drew]

He's a waste of time because KD got in the way of LeBron possibly winning 2 more?

Nah.
Get lost child, the adults are talking.

[Turbo Slayer]

Get lost child, the adults are talking. Age and years put in isn't a indicator for respect. It's how hard you work and quality. So far you possess none of that.

No one respects your 12,000 posts or your post count or your time put in.

Get lost.

[Overdrive]

What's your point?

Figure that out yorself.

[Wally450]

KD may be one of the most talented players to ever touch a basketball. Shame he's got the mental toughness of a 7 year old girl.

[FKAri]

calm down, Kevin Spacey. No need to get all ‘Beautiful Mind’ on us. Can we not derail the thread with dumb semantics? Everyone knows when it comes to bball when talent or aptitude gets mentioned it has to do with size, speed, hops and strength along with how quickly one can develop the necessary skills (dribbling, shooting etc).

Kevin Spacey in A Beautiful Mind?


Lol what

What world do you actually live in
He's kinda right.


To answer op, I do put a lot consideration on height.

Top 2 all time are Shaq and Wilt. Then I have:

Lebron 6’8” 250, tmac 6’9 or 6’10, KD ~6’11, MJ at 6’6 and Giannis at 6’11”.

Mj has that insane stamina and lbs for lbs strength along with quickness and that leaping ability... but 6’11 with7’5 wingspan... man KD is a longer center in today’s league. Then he has perimeter skills that would make him all star caliber if he were 6’7”. KD wins this discussion.

There's more to it then that. Like I'd say Carmelo Anthony was more talented than Jonathan Bender. There's a natural component to playing the game and scoring that go beyond the physical measurables.

[BigShotBob]

MJ easily

[Overdrive]

Kevin Spacey in A Beautiful Mind?


He's kinda right.



There's more to it then that. Like I'd say Carmelo Anthony was more talented than Jonathan Bender. There's a natural component to playing the game and scoring that go beyond the physical measurables.

Muscle memory and "feel for the game". Some guys could not shoot a ball for 10 years and shoot like nothing happened the moment they pick one up, others don't shoot for 3 weeks and they're done.

Feel for the game is something maybe non tangible, but I mean awareness of your surroundings which is definately a trait some humans possess and some don't.

[ImKobe]

KD. He has elite shooting ability and guard handles at nearly 7 ft tall...We've seen players close to MJ in athletic & skill ability at around his size (Kobe, Vince, T-Mac), how many players have we seen as talented at 6-11 as KD is? It obviously doesn't mean that Durant's a better player, nor would I ever pick him over Jordan to start a franchise or win a single game.

[Bronbron23]

Lmao at trying to compare speed, athleticism, and skill 1-for-1 of a 6'6 player versus a 7'ft player. It doesn't work that way.

What KD does at his size is more impressive from a basketball talent perspective than what MJ does at his size. As stated in the OP.

I dont think you guys know what talented means. It basically means having a natural ability at something. Maybe impressive would be a better word for what your trying to say because mj is absolutely more "talented". Hes faster, stronger, more athletic, smarter, more instinctive and overall more skilled. These traits are all what makes mj more 'talented" than kd.

Its definitely more impressive though for kd to be able to what he does at his height because hes not far off from mj's talent which mixed with his height makes it more impressive.

[dbugz]

MJ > KD > libron

[Bronbron23]

Is this for real? Plop KD on an island with John Starks and watch him drop 50 a night.

Theres only a 3 inch difference between mj and starks. The majority of people who gaurd kd are 3 inches or more shorter than him and kd only has 6 50 point games in his career and i doubt he gets anymore. Wtf are you talking about?

[Im so nba'd out]

MJ is the better passer and defender

MJ can score on anyone...KD can only score on someone he has a size advantage on or a speed advantage (which is everyone but giannis and ben simmons)

he probably struggles vs both of them


You put someone quicker + taller on kd i dont like him to score over 15 points consistently.MJ scored easily during his wizard years when he almost never had an advantage with height or speed


MJ wins by a landslide

[BigShotBob]

KD doesn't finish at the rim nearly as well or as consistently as a 7 fter should. Imagine if MJ was 7ft

[FultzNationRISE]

Theres only a 3 inch difference between mj and starks. The majority of people who gaurd kd are 3 inches or more shorter than him and kd only has 6 50 point games in his career and i doubt he gets anymore. Wtf are you talking about?


Rumor has it there are multiple three inch differences between those two.

And one of them doesnt favor MJ.

[light]

KD doesn't finish at the rim nearly as well or as consistently as a 7 fter should. Imagine if MJ was 7ft

KD shoots 73% at the rim for his career. That's like Shaq. Jordan didn't get anywhere near those percentages at the rim.

So Durant's FG% at the rim and his 3PT% are both far superior to MJ's.

[FKAri]

KD. He has elite shooting ability and guard handles at nearly 7 ft tall...We've seen players close to MJ in athletic & skill ability at around his size (Kobe, Vince, T-Mac), how many players have we seen as talented at 6-11 as KD is? It obviously doesn't mean that Durant's a better player, nor would I ever pick him over Jordan to start a franchise or win a single game.

KD may be a more rare talent. That's another discussion. I just don't think he's a better talent than MJ.

[dankok8]

MJ for sure. Faster runner, quicker laterally, higher vertical, more explosive, better game IQ, better instincts, better endurance, better mentality. Only thing KD has on him is shooting.

[BigShotBob]

KD shoots 73% at the rim for his career. That's like Shaq. Jordan didn't get anywhere near those percentages at the rim.

So Durant's FG% at the rim and his 3PT% are both far superior to MJ's.

Dumb. His attempts are pedestrian compared to those two, which means in the half-court he can't finish at the rim at will nearly like the other two can.

Try again.

[Bronbron23]

Rumor has it there are multiple three inch differences between those two.

And one of them doesnt favor MJ.

Thats just weird dude. What are u 12?

[Bronbron23]

KD shoots 73% at the rim for his career. That's like Shaq. Jordan didn't get anywhere near those percentages at the rim.

So Durant's FG% at the rim and his 3PT% are both far superior to MJ's.

stats stats stats. This is a clear example of stats aint shit because mj is clearly the better finisher.

[Axe]

He's kinda right.
Really?

How very sure are you?