When it comes to Michael Jordan’s legacy, there will always be a select few who believe he is overhyped. But none come close to the generational MJ hating by Detroit Pistons great Isiah Thomas. The 64-year-old was at the center of controversy a few weeks ago when he made a questionable comparison between Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant and MJ.

Thomas said that if the roles were reversed, and KD played for the Chicago Bulls, they would still win six rings. These comments came after the ‘Slim Reaper’ overtook Jordan on the all-time scoring list. But former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins highlights why these comparisons are all a load of b*****it.

“Fu** no, the one thing that separates, a big thing that separates Michael Jordan from Kevin Durant is the mentality,” Perkins said on the latest segment of the Road Trippin’ show. “Michael Jordan has never come on record and said he’s not a leader; Michael Jordan led the pack.”

Perkins, who won the 2008 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, maintains that Jordan brought something to the game that KD doesn’t: ownership. He led by example and did not shy away from taking on a ‘leadership’ role.

“Michael Jordan was first in sprints. Michael Jordan took pride in playing 80-plus games, competing on both ends of the floor. Michael Jordan didn’t run to situations; people ran to him. So, when you talk about KD, like, to me and I respect Isaiah Thomas, man, I talk to him all the time, great friend of mine, but I’m just disagreeing with him on this basketball take…He’s lost his damn mind.”

KD overtook MJ in the all-time scoring list (32,409 vs 32,292), but trails in field goals attempted (13th vs. 5th). The Bulls legend leads in career PPG (30.1 vs. 27.3), with 10 scoring titles to Durant’s 4.

Jordan also leads the Rockets star in playoff dominance, with 33.4 PPG (1st all-time) and 5,987 points (2nd overall). KD averages 29.3 PPG (4th) and 4,985 points (7th overall) in the postseason.

This shows the difference in mindset between the two and how, despite his longevity and efficiency, Durant still trails the six-time champion by a considerable distance.

Kendrick Perkins on what KD needs to match Michael Jordan

Kevin Durant, himself, has played down comparisons with Jordan. On multiple occasions, he’s admitted that MJ is his idol and someone he looks up to. But Perkins believes that the former OKC man needs to do this talking on the basketball court, just like Jordan did.

“KD really, to be honest with you, when you talk about what he needs to be getting done, what he needs to be doing is leading this Rockets team somewhere. That’s what he needs to be focused on. I’m not saying he’s not. That’s the bigger conversation because ever since he left Golden State, the narrative is still going to be what it is,” he added.

Ime Udoka’s team is sixth in the West with a 46-29 record heading into the postseason. KD, at times, has looked disinterested in team huddles and between timeouts, often chilling by himself on the bench. His numbers are impressive, considering he’s averaging 25.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in 71 games this campaign, but you get the sense that he’s holding back at times.

“Now you’re back with the Houston Rockets, a team that traded away a lottery pick guy that they drafted at number two in Jalen Green, the heart and soul. Phoenix is doing pretty damn good, and the Rockets are still going through an identity crisis. So the answer is no, I don’t agree with Isaiah Thomas when it comes to that. I may not have Jordan as my GOAT because that’s Bron, but he’s damn sure number two on that fucking list of mine. I keep J’s on my feet, and I would never ever f****g disrespect what he done and how he did it,” Perkins concluded.

At 37, with two championship rings to his name, KD can retire tomorrow and still go down as a legend. But with his legacy on the line, he still has the time to prove his doubters wrong and become the figurehead that his former teammates know he can be. But the question is: Will Durant go the extra mile and lead by example? We’ll find out in April.