Undoubtedly, one of the best players in the league currently is Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets star is known for his physicality and his shooting prowess, which makes him one of the best. Talking about which players left an impression on him, he had a lot to say. Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kyrie Irving stand out according to him.

Talking to The Athletic, he revealed how these three had an impact on him and the sport of basketball in general. Interestingly enough, he talks about how Irving left an impression despite being younger than him.

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Kevin Durant talks about Michael Jordan, Kobe, and Irving

While Durant might be one of the best players in the league for some time now, he revealed how three players left an impression on him. They are Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and his Brooklyn Nets teammate Kyrie Irving.

Although the first two names in this might not come as a surprise, Irving’s name definitely is. KD was already an established star even before Kyrie Irving made his debut. Talking to The Athletic, Durant gives the reason he feels these three players stand out.

Durant said, “Just the way they move, I don’t understand why people don’t realize what they’re seeing in these three, especially Jordan and Kobe. Kyrie is younger than me, and that’s one of my best friends, so I watch his stuff.”

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He added, “Everybody that comes to my house, whether it’s friends or family, I make them watch Jordan highlights. This is equivalent to [Albert] Einstein…f–king [Ludwig van] Beethoven…or [Barack] Obama. This is the greatest talent and athletes and minds of the world. Just because they play sports, people think one way. But they’re masters, they’re geniuses.”

Interestingly enough, Durant feels Michael Jordan is the GOAT over long-time rival LeBron James. Jordan turned 59 this year, and the Brooklyn Nets star took to Instagram to wish his inspiration. Durant wrote “Happy birthday to the greatest. Thanks for the blueprint” along with a photo of Michael Jordan holding one of his 6 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.

Moreover, Durant left out LeBron James off the list of players who inspire him and the game of basketball. Although the two have nothing against each other officially, they have been long-time rivals on the court. Durant and LeBron have faced off against each other in multiple NBA finals, with Durant having a 9-5 record against James.