"Kevin Durant is more gifted than MJ" - Steve Kerr

[1987_Lakers]

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[tpols]

He is more gifted, KDs 7 feet tall and one of the best shooters ever. But MJ is far tougher physically and mentally. Like in another galaxy.

[JohnMax]

One area KD lacks talent is alpha persona. No I don't mean killer instinct but alpha persona. Even LeFraud has it despite lacking killer instinct.

He failed to kick that saboteur Westbrook off his team. Meanwhile Lebron is the one sabotaging teammates. Cost Wade FMVP and money. Cost Bosh his dignity (was constantly made fun of and called gay and soft), Cost Anthony Davis FMVP (organized a freeze out in Finals) and dignity (made fun of like Bosh and stats suppressed by ballhoggers like Harrell and Schroder so Lebron can look like best player on team).

[bizil]

In terms of scoring skillset, YES! Cause KD is an all time 50-40-90 sniper. With the great midrange game, sick handles for his size, gets to the rack, and can post up. And the fact he's a 7 footer with that type of agility sets it off. And of course KD has more positional versatility cause he's 7 foot.

When it comes to guys who come closest to being able to play AND defend all five positions at an effective level, he's one of the top 10 of all time in that regard. BEFORE his all around game (rebounding, defense, passing) came around, I wouldn't have thought that. SO in terms of being a a TRUE unicorn, u could say KD is more GIFTED! Because you have guys around MJ's size or a bit shorter (like D Wade) who are kinda similar. With KD there is NOBODY his height who does what he does! Dirk had the shot. BUT didn't have the athletic ability, handles, positional versatility, passing ability, or defense. KG and AD aren't 50-40-90 type snipers. Giannis' shooting has a lot to be desired.

BUT in terms of passing and defense, MJ is superior. INSIDE the three point line, MJ's scoring arsenal is arguably the best of all time. MJ is more of a freakish athlete than KD as well. The ONLY REASON why KD, Kobe, or Kyrie have better overall scoring skillsets than MJ is DUE to their edge handling the rock and using the three ball as a weapon. MJ STILL had great ball control handles himself. That had the shakes and all that shit.

So what I'm saying is the ONLY EDGE a KD or Kobe would have on MJ is handles and three ball shooting. MJ was just as good OR superior in LITERALLY every other skill of basketball! And once again MJ had great BALL CONTROL (which is the damn point over style) handles himself. And when it comes to the three ball, MJ came up in a different era. Didn't even have the three ball in HS or college! But I'll give it to KD... He has the best scoring arsenal of all time! The fact he's a 7'0 is the cherry on top!

[Hey Yo]

He is more gifted, KDs 7 feet tall and one of the best shooters ever. But MJ is far tougher physically and mentally. Like in another galaxy.

LOL at citing MJ's mental and physical toughness.

Your worst troll effort to date

[Bronbron23]

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Nothing to see here. Being more gifted dosn't mean more skilled or better. Plenty of less gifted players end up having better careers than their more gifted counterparts. Natural gifts are only a small percentage of the pie. Toughness, work ethic and mental play a bigger roll and mj is ahead of kd in those areas

[999Guy]

Stupid as hell and false.

Jordan had Shaq sized hands and legitimately normal human sized feet which allowed him to be insanely quick.

A 6’6” guard with actual jitterbug point guard speed and quickness.

KD is long and coordinated but he can’t just do whatever he wants out there. He has a foot speed and ball handling cap on his game.

He’s also not that smart.

Honestly Kawhi might be more gifted than KD as welll.

[Spurs m8]

He is more gifted, KDs 7 feet tall and one of the best shooters ever. But MJ is far tougher physically and mentally. Like in another galaxy.

Exactly lol

Jordan won 6 rings as the alpha.

KD has none

[Spurs m8]

Also more gifted physically.... but still not better
Cementing Jordan further. .cheers steve

[JohnFreeman]

Steve Kerr is so annoying

[Airupthere]

Huge difference in the mental and competitive aspect. KD is more gifted but not necessarily better or greater.

[bizil]

Stupid as hell and false.

Jordan had Shaq sized hands and legitimately normal human sized feet which allowed him to be insanely quick.

A 6’6” guard with actual jitterbug point guard speed and quickness.

KD is long and coordinated but he can’t just do whatever he wants out there. He has a foot speed and ball handling cap on his game.

He’s also not that smart.

Honestly Kawhi might be more gifted than KD as welll.

Good points! KD is the more GIFTED (not better) scorer. Mainly due to him being a 50-40-90 caliber sniper. And u don't see 7 footers with KD's particular brand of attributes.

But as far as an OVERALL basketball player, MJ is FOR DAMN SURE superior to KD. When it comes to freak athletic ability, MJ has the edge on KD. Inside the three point, MJ's scoring skillset is the best of all time. Defense and passing, MJ has the edge. PLUS MJ was AS VERSATILE as a 6'6 perimeter player could be. Could defend AND play PG, SG, and SF at a great level. LEGIT great at scoring, passing, rebounding, and defending his position!

[ArbitraryWater]

well whats the definition of gifted here...

how does it differ from skill


and since gifted should clearly take physique besides height into account....

[3ba11]

KD only learned how to team-hop - he never learned how to win (organic)

[Axe]

KD only learned how to team-hop - he never learned how to win (organic)
Pippen is better than both

[3ba11]

Pippen is better than both


MJ has goat talent becaue of big man hands for a guard - better talent than Lebron or any wing except maybe Kawhi or Dr. J

But Kawhi is brittle and a product of today's soft game, so he can't really compete or compare.. he's slow too and weak hops

[Thenameless]

What a joke. All Durant has on Jordan is height and a better shot. Bird had that on Jordan too. So did Nowitzki.

As great as those players are, Jordan is still more gifted than all three.

[FKAri]

He is more gifted, KDs 7 feet tall and one of the best shooters ever. But MJ is far tougher physically and mentally. Like in another galaxy.

The mental is part of MJ's gift. As was his insane quickness. MJ's the most gifted guard I've ever seen. Now if one wants to argue that a forward is just better than a guard in absolute terms and that size > quickness, that does tilt things in favor of KD. But what about MJ's far better understanding of the game and ability to playmake. His ability to slash and get to the rim in order to put pressure on a defense. etc.

Also, I'd like to see KD try to get to his spots while being hand checked and harassed. Same with Lebron or any of these tall ball handlers nowadays. It wouldn't be as easy.

[Axe]

MJ has goat talent becaue of big man hands for a guard - better talent than Lebron or any wing except maybe Kawhi or Dr. J

But Kawhi is brittle and a product of today's soft game, so he can't really compete or compare.. he's slow too and weak hops
Tell that to hbk dimwit lol

[tpols]

The mental is part of MJ's gift. As was his insane quickness. MJ's the most gifted guard I've ever seen. Now if one wants to argue that a forward is just better than a guard in absolute terms and that size > quickness, then sure. KD's more gifted than MJ.

Also, I'd like to see KD try to get to his spots while being hand checked and harassed. Same with Lebron or any of these tall ball handlers nowadays. It wouldn't be as easy.

Yup PJ Tucker was manhandling him... He's one of the present players who would struggle more in 90s era because he'd just get grabbed and harassed. And it would be hard for Durant to put the ball on the floor without getting ripped. He'd have to play like Reggie but I don't know if he's as tough as him mentally either.

[Smoke117]

KD greater than Jordan confirmed. 3ball on suicide watch.

[paksat]

Pippen is better than both

pippen is clearly the best ever according to this forum, dude averaged like 16 ppg for his career without looking.. mind boggling insane numbers

[90sgoat]

Steve Kerr was assaulted by MJ.

I understand Kerr saying this, but it isn't true, but I respect Kerr for standing up to a bully and psychopath.

MJ is still easily the GOAT, even if he was a psychopath.

[bdonovan]

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You have to take Kerr's commentary on Jordan with a grain of salt (given Jordan bullied Kerr and gave him a black eye); yes people can hold grudges.

Copy/pasting my response re: Durant. At its most severe, Durant is a Casual Fan's dream come true - esp. one fixated on individual offense, but he comes up short on what Thinking Basketball's Ben Taylor calls "Global Impact" - that is a player's impact on all aspects of the game.

--

There's a handful of players in this league who make their whole team better: Steph Curry, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kawai Leonard. Durant doesn't fall into that category. There are 4 components roughly speaking to basketball. Individual Offense, Individual Defense, Team Offense (setting screens, moving your defender out of the way of others, moving without the ball, distributing the ball), Team Defense (covering your man at all times so others don't have to switch on to him, switching effectively, etc.). Here are Durant's scores:

Individual Offense: 9
Individual Defense: 6
Team Defense: 2
Team Offense: 3

If all you do is focus on individual offense, you're tempted to assume he's the greatest player. If you spend time watching off the ball, which I do, you realize why KD doesn't win unless he joins teams that have already proven they can win. His Team Defense is one of the worst I've seen of any player, not just of the stars. He takes plays off. He puts his hands on his knees. He lets his man get open, forcing his teammate to rotate; now the Opposing Team has Durant's team on the run, desperately trying to cover. Watching the Warriors Game, this happened 1000x times. And its why GSW had a better record without Durant than with him- both during regulation and during the playoffs.

Durant conserves energy on D. 20% of Defense is Individual Defense- in those cases Durant is pretty decent. Not great, as we see other stars like Giannis exploiting him when they get that matchup. But good. However, 80% of the times, what's crucial is preventing the team from getting an open man and rotating, which happens when you leave your man on D. In the end someone other than KD's man who ultimately scores, but he's the one who broke the defense by leaving his man open, forcing rotation, and chaos with his team's D.

On team offense, Durant does not set screens. He does not move without the ball, creating diversions for his teammates to exploit. He is not a good passer- whatever people may say- I've seen him day in and day out, he is like James Harden who for the most part doesn't pass, just dumps it off if he can't score (with rare exceptions). Whatever assists he gets are from ball-dominance. Because Durant doesn't elevate his team like Jordan, Bird, Magic, Curry, or other players do, he will always be the Crowd Favorite of the Casual Fan and never a truly great player.

--

On Individual Offense, Durant may match Jordan. But in the other 3 areas (Individual D, Team D, Team Offense) he falls far behind. His global impact is simply less. Far less.

[Smoke117]

You have to take Kerr's commentary on Jordan with a grain of salt (given Jordan bullied Kerr and gave him a black eye); yes people can hold grudges.

Copy/pasting my response re: Durant. At its most severe, Durant is a Casual Fan's dream come true - esp. one fixated on individual offense, but he comes up short on what Thinking Basketball's Ben Taylor calls "Global Impact" - that is a player's impact on all aspects of the game.

--

There's a handful of players in this league who make their whole team better: Steph Curry, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kawai Leonard. Durant doesn't fall into that category. There are 4 components roughly speaking to basketball. Individual Offense, Individual Defense, Team Offense (setting screens, moving your defender out of the way of others, moving without the ball, distributing the ball), Team Defense (covering your man at all times so others don't have to switch on to him, switching effectively, etc.). Here are Durant's scores:

Individual Offense: 9
Individual Defense: 6
Team Defense: 2
Team Offense: 3

If all you do is focus on individual offense, you're tempted to assume he's the greatest player. If you spend time watching off the ball, which I do, you realize why KD doesn't win unless he joins teams that have already proven they can win. His Team Defense is one of the worst I've seen of any player, not just of the stars. He takes plays off. He puts his hands on his knees. He lets his man get open, forcing his teammate to rotate; now the Opposing Team has Durant's team on the run, desperately trying to cover. Watching the Warriors Game, this happened 1000x times. And its why GSW had a better record without Durant than with him- both during regulation and during the playoffs.

Durant conserves energy on D. 20% of Defense is Individual Defense- in those cases Durant is pretty decent. Not great, as we see other stars like Giannis exploiting him when they get that matchup. But good. However, 80% of the times, what's crucial is preventing the team from getting an open man and rotating, which happens when you leave your man on D. In the end someone other than KD's man who ultimately scores, but he's the one who broke the defense by leaving his man open, forcing rotation, and chaos with his team's D.

On team offense, Durant does not set screens. He does not move without the ball, creating diversions for his teammates to exploit. He is not a good passer- whatever people may say- I've seen him day in and day out, he is like James Harden who for the most part doesn't pass, just dumps it off if he can't score (with rare exceptions). Whatever assists he gets are from ball-dominance. Because Durant doesn't elevate his team like Jordan, Bird, Magic, Curry, or other players do, he will always be the Crowd Favorite of the Casual Fan and never a truly great player.

--

On Individual Offense, Durant may match Jordan. But in the other 3 areas (Individual D, Team D, Team Offense) he falls far behind. His global impact is simply less. Far less.

Jordan is overrated on defense. They are easily comparable there. Pippen did all the hard work.

[bdonovan]

Jordan is overrated on defense. They are easily comparable there. Pippen did all the hard work.

I'm old enough to have watched Jordan when he played. He was an absolutely exceptional defender- one of the best I've seen. 9 time first team All-Defense which not many players known for offense have gotten. When Chicago led the league in defensive efficiency, they did that in part because of not just Jordan's individual D, but his contribution on team D. He put on enough muscle after his fights with the Pistons, he could guard pretty much anyone on the court. His switching was excellent- racing to guard the open man. He ran around fought through screens, unlike Durant. He never took any plays off, leaving his teammates to guard his man - as Durant certainly does.

[Smoke117]

I'm old enough to have watched Jordan when he played. He was an absolutely exceptional defender- one of the best I've seen. 9 time first team All-Defense which not many players known for offense have gotten. When Chicago led the league in defensive efficiency, they did that in part because of not just Jordan's individual D, but his contribution on team D. He put on enough muscle after his fights with the Pistons, he could guard pretty much anyone on the court. His switching was excellent- racing to guard the open man. He ran around fought through screens, unlike Durant. He never took any plays off, leaving his teammates to guard his man - as Durant certainly does.

Reputation awards same as Kobe. There were better defensive guards that deserved the all defensive teams over him for sure during 2nd three peat. Stop being a 3ball junior.

[Walk on Water]

This is so laughable. What does ''gifted'' mean? If we're talking about determination and mental toughness, then KD is definitely not gifted. There's more to being gifted than just being tall.

[StrongLurk]

I just made a thread on this topic yesterday...seems like almost everyone involved with the NBA and it's young fans have COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN about MJ and what he was really like.

MJ is literally one of the four or five most GIFTED NBA players in history...and you could argue he is the most "gifted".

All this recent hype about KD is silly if you are going to compare him to MJ.

[Axe]

pippen is clearly the best ever according to this forum, dude averaged like 16 ppg for his career without looking.. mind boggling insane numbers
He only had to average 22ppg in his first season without mikey yet was still able to lead the bulls to 55 wins lmao.

[bizil]

The mental is part of MJ's gift. As was his insane quickness. MJ's the most gifted guard I've ever seen. Now if one wants to argue that a forward is just better than a guard in absolute terms and that size > quickness, that does tilt things in favor of KD. But what about MJ's far better understanding of the game and ability to playmake. His ability to slash and get to the rim in order to put pressure on a defense. etc.

Also, I'd like to see KD try to get to his spots while being hand checked and harassed. Same with Lebron or any of these tall ball handlers nowadays. It wouldn't be as easy.

I agree! The things Bron and KD do at their sizes is MORE UNIQUE! Because it's NOT NORMAL for guys their size to have their level of attributes and positional versatility. It was like that for Magic and Bird back in the day as well. So in THAT SENSE sure there is more of a UNICORN type of element to their game. OVER guys like MJ, Kobe, Wade, Steph, Isiah, etc. Because Bron and KD are basically POSITIONLESS types of players.

So for me the ONLY WAY KD is MORE GIFTED is in terms of pure shooting ability AND positional versatility. When u LINE IT ALL UP, MJ HANDS DOWN is the more gifted player! But when you are talking the best scoring skillsets EVER, KD, Kobe, and Kyrie would likely be my top three of all time. BUT inside the three point line, MJ has the best scoring skillset of all time!

[Phoenix]

I just made a thread on this topic yesterday...seems like almost everyone involved with the NBA and it's young fans have COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN about MJ and what he was really like.

MJ is literally one of the four or five most GIFTED NBA players in history...and you could argue he is the most "gifted".

All this recent hype about KD is silly if you are going to compare him to MJ.

It happens. By the time the 90s rolled around the people who grew up on Oscar were the ones shitting on MJ. Give it till 2040. The average 20 year old will be shitting on this era. 'It was a 3point spamfest with no defense!'

[FultzNationRISE]

Kerr’s been in a locker room with both of em. When he says ‘more gifted...’

We know what thats about.

[Stanley Kobrick]

it seems bronbron/stronglurk became triggered by this quote

[Axe]

it seems bronbron/stronglurk became triggered by this quote
:milton

[SATAN]

Weird comment.

No one moved like MJ did back in the day. Being tall and having a smooth jump shot doesn't really compare to what MJ was doing. It was obvious MJ had something that other players just didn't have. Even if he did go 1-9.

[Smoke117]

Weird comment.

No one moved like MJ did back in the day. Being tall and having a smooth jump shot doesn't really compare to what MJ was doing. It was obvious MJ had something that other players just didn't have. Even if he did go 1-9.

Of course Jordan looked like a God. Top 5 NBA athlete of all time matching up against scrubs like Craig Ehlo and Jon "the grocery bagger" Starks. Durant has had to match up against world class athletes and ballers.

[Gohan]

of course jordan looked like a god. Top 5 nba athlete of all time matching up against scrubs like craig ehlo and jon "the grocery bagger" starks. Durant has had to match up against world class athletes and ballers.

yep world class mental hospital workers in pj tucker

[CountDracula]

“You come at the king, you best not miss.”
– Omar Little

https://i.ibb.co/8z5kxyY/1-C0-D44-D0-F0-C9-493-D-B576-86-F57-B5182-EA.jpg (https://ibb.co/9wTP4xZ)

https://i.ibb.co/ZMJpprY/FAC4876-A-6-E88-43-A2-B5-D3-F9848-A1-C65-EA.jpg (https://ibb.co/DRbHHF8)

https://i.ibb.co/swSWctX/AE571-A47-13-F1-447-E-86-D3-5-A0888-DDAC4-D.gif (https://imgbb.com/)

[Spurs m8]

Still more physically gifted...but that's it

Lol this Dracula guy is hilarious.

[Shooter]

LOL at citing MJ's mental and physical toughness.

Your worst troll effort to date

+1

Since when is it mentally tough to quit three times in eight years :lol

Mj still holds the record for most retires/quits in a career :roll:

[Round Mound]

Not even close to being more gifted :facepalm. He is just taller and a better long range 3-point shooter. That's about it. MJ had the best athleticism ever for any SG. He was also the most skilled offensively going 1 on 1, 1st step, quickness, speed, potence, power, agility, vertical leap, hang time etc Prime MJ could dunk and shoot over anyone.

[Shooter]

"The best 90s player is top ten in skill level in 2010+ era"

And water is wet...

[Baller789]

+1

Since when is it mentally tough to quit three times in eight years :lol

Mj still holds the record for most retires/quits in a career :roll:

3x how?

[Shooter]

3x how?

1994 RETIRE
1999 RETIRE
2004 RETIRE

Three retirements in 8 years :lol

[Baller789]

1994 RETIRE
1999 RETIRE
2004 RETIRE

Three retirements in 8 years :lol

You mean to say despite that, Jordan has more awards and achievements than Lebron James in 19 non-stop years? :lebronamazed:

[Shooter]

You mean to say despite that, Jordan has more awards and achievements than Lebron James in 19 non-stop years? :lebronamazed:

BYE :lol

https://i.postimg.cc/D0Btvdkr/GOAT-List-All-time.png

[Baller789]

BYE :lol

https://i.postimg.cc/D0Btvdkr/GOAT-List-All-time.png

You mean to say despite Lebron's superior longevity, he still has way less accolades and awards than MJ? :lebronamazed:

[Shooter]

You mean to say despite Lebron's superior longevity, he still has way less accolades and awards than MJ? :lebronamazed:

MJ's shortgevity hurts

[Baller789]

MJ's shortgevity hurts

Well if its short enough to actually acquire more awards and accolades than your hero, it actually hurts LeBarry's arguements. :lol

[Spurs m8]

Lol longevity.

Sick argument, virgin lol

[Baller789]

Lol longevity.

Sick argument, virgin lol

Maybe he's arguing for the longevity of his virginity?

[Shooter]

Lol longevity.

Sick argument, virgin lol

Shortgevity :lol Sick argument

[3ba11]

Oh really?

Surely there's video of Durant jogging up to the FT line and flying through the air before double-pump dunking

Surely there's video of Durant palming the ball and drop-stepping on a 7 footer like a big man

But sure, Durant is taller

[Baller789]

Shortgevity :lol Sick argument

Shortgevity?

You couldn't even use that in a game of Scrabble. :oldlol:

[Kawhi_Why_Not]

Looks like jordan is going to have to slap the shit out of Kerr again

[Rysio]

He's like 6'11 but moves like a guard and can shoot over most people it's true.

[Spurs m8]

Shortgevity?

You couldn't even use that in a game of Scrabble. :oldlol:

No one has literally ever argued it either lol

Bron has destroyed that virgin :roll:

[Full Court]

+1

Since when is it mentally tough to quit three times in eight years :lol

Mj still holds the record for most retires/quits in a career :roll:


1994 RETIRE
1999 RETIRE
2004 RETIRE

Three retirements in 8 years :lol

And yet still blows your boy Bronie out of the water in every meaningful measure of success. More 3-peats, more FMVPs....

Meanwhile, we have your boy Bronie leading a super team to the lottery. :roll:

[CountDracula]

https://i.ibb.co/37JCcYX/12-B6-F58-C-1-FBD-456-E-BD98-E4466982-C9-D4.jpg (https://ibb.co/R95Dc4n)

[Bronbron23]

It's subjective honestly but when you compare their gifts mj has more. He's faster, stronger, jumps higher, bigger hands, better body control, tougher, smarter, meaner. I don't know why we ignore the mental aspect of being gifted. KD is only more gifted with his height and length really so it just depends if you think kd's outweighs MJ’s gifts.

[pegasus]

KD is indeed more "gifted," because he received two rings that would be considered gifts compared to what Jordan had to do to earn his. All KD did was beat a player who only worried about his stats and didn't believe in himself to even put up a fight other than one game.