Kevin Durant is once again in the center of NBA debate culture this time, not because of a trade rumor, burner account slip-up, or another Twitter back and forth. Instead, fans are fired up because of KD’s newly revealed all time NBA starting lineup, shared during a session of NBA2K that he posted on X. And out of all the takes Durant has given over the years, this one may be his most surprising yet.
Durant has played with some of the greatest offensive weapons the league has ever seen. He’s shared the floor with Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and of course, the Splash Brothers. But while Klay Thompson shows up in his all-time five, Stephen Curry the greatest shooter of all time and KD’s championship partner in Golden State was nowhere to be found on the list.
Fans didn’t take that lightly.
Kevin Durant is currently away from the Phoenix Suns for a short period due to a family matter, but that hasn’t stopped him from being active online. While chatting with fans and messing around on NBA2K, KD casually revealed his personal all time starting five. The picks were solid, star-studded, and historically respected. But once the names were on screen, it didn’t take long for fans to notice something… odd.
Curry wasn’t there.
Not as a point guard.
Not even slotted in at shooting guard.
Not anywhere.
Instead, Durant showed love to other modern stars, including Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who he placed above Curry in the lineup. That alone shocked NBA fans SGA may be incredible and on a superstar trajectory, but most people agree he’s not ahead of Curry all time.
But the bigger surprise? Durant included Klay Thompson.
The immediate reaction online was that KD could’ve easily placed Curry at shooting guard (where he’s played many times), slid himself to the four, and still kept his preferred lineup intact. But he didn’t. And fans made sure he heard about it.
The reaction on social media came fast and fierce. Some fans called it “petty revenge” for their breakup in Golden State. Others insisted KD was simply trolling for engagement. And of course, a portion defended him, pointing out that every all-time list is subjective and that Durant has always had a unique way of looking at basketball.
Still, considering Curry and Durant won two championships together, dominated the league for three years, and formed one of the most unstoppable duos ever, it’s natural that people were confused. Even rival fans expected Curry to appear somewhere on the lineup and especially expected him to be included over Thompson.
But as with every NBA debate, the argument expanded beyond just KD’s preferences. Fans began comparing résumés, statistics, and era based influence. Many posted Curry’s achievements four NBA titles, two MVPs (including the league’s first unanimous MVP), and the title of greatest shooter in basketball history and questioned how any “unbiased” list could exclude him.
Meanwhile, Durant didn’t seem bothered at all. And if history has taught NBA fans anything, it’s that KD never hesitates to drop a take that goes against consensus.
The conversation didn’t stop with the all-time lineup reveal. Durant was also recently seen chatting with Rockets teammate Amen Thompson on who they’d take with the No. 1 pick in the NBA2K draft mode. The two stars didn’t hesitate at all: Victor Wembanyama was their unanimous top choice.
And honestly, who can blame them? Standing at 7’5”, with unicorn skills and generational defensive instincts, Wembanyama has been taking the league by storm this season. KD has always admired unusual, versatile talents, so it’s no surprise he sees Wemby as the future of the NBA.
What makes this moment so intriguing for fans is how Durant openly praises a rising superstar like Wembanyama while seemingly leaving out the teammate who helped him win two NBA Finals MVPs.
Durant’s list may never be fully explained whether it was a strategic choice, personal preference, or simply KD stirring the pot for fun. But one thing is certain: anytime Kevin Durant shares his thoughts, the NBA world listens, debates, and reacts in full force.
And by leaving Curry off his all time list, he may have just sparked one of the spiciest basketball debates of the season.