Did Kevin Durant Just Call Himself the Next Jordan? 😳

Kevin Durant Sparks Controversy After Suggesting He’s in the Same Conversation as Michael Jordan on LeBron’s Podcast — Fans Can’t Believe What He Said

Kevin Durant didn’t exactly say the words “I’m better than Michael Jordan”… but it sure felt close. In the newest episode of Mind the Game, the podcast hosted by LeBron James and J.J. Redick, KD dropped a few lines that had fans leaning in, raising eyebrows, and—naturally—running to Twitter. One quote in particular caught fire fast: “Some people say, ‘I want to go play baseball.’ Some people say, ‘I’m gonna go 22 straight.’” Instantly, social media lit up. Was Durant throwing shade at the GOAT? Was he really comparing himself to MJ?

To some, the moment was playful. To others, it was a shot across the legacy bow. One thing’s for sure—Kevin Durant knows exactly what he’s doing when he speaks. This wasn’t some offhand comment. It was a carefully placed jab, served up on LeBron’s own podcast, and framed in a way that sparks conversation without ever sounding too direct. And in today’s sports world, that’s how you go viral.

Let’s break it down.

Kevin Durant believes he's in 'the same conversation' as Michael Jordan:

“You can’t talk about greatness without mentioning me.”

(Via @mindthegamepod) pic.twitter.com/kYHzzQAsdr

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) July 10, 2025

Jordan famously retired from basketball in 1993 after winning three straight championships with the Chicago Bulls. He shocked the world by choosing to play professional baseball instead, citing burnout and the murder of his father as emotional reasons behind his decision. Though he returned to the NBA two years later and won three more titles, that break has always been part of the Jordan story—both legendary and controversial.

Now fast forward to Durant, who has played 16 NBA seasons, won two championships, and faced both praise and criticism for his superteam moves. In the podcast episode, he was talking about consistency, discipline, and his passion for the game. But then came that line: “Some people say, ‘I want to go play baseball.’” The room laughed. LeBron chuckled. Durant smirked. Then he added, “Some people say, I’m gonna go 22 straight.”

He didn’t name Jordan. He didn’t have to.

Fans knew exactly who he meant. The timing, the phrasing, the sly grin—it all added up to a not-so-subtle comparison. And for someone like Durant, who’s long been considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, this felt like more than just banter. It felt like a statement. A reminder. A challenge to the traditional rankings of all-time greats.

For years, Durant has carried a chip on his shoulder. He’s been called soft for joining the Warriors. He’s been mocked for Twitter burner accounts. He’s been praised for his pure skill and crucified for how he uses it. But in all that noise, he’s also continued to show up, night after night, season after season. Injuries couldn’t stop him. Trades didn’t derail him. He keeps coming, keeps hooping, and now, apparently, he’s ready to speak on legacy.

The internet did what it does best. The clip circulated within minutes. One viral tweet read, “KD really just said he’s more committed than Jordan 😭”. Another joked, “Kevin Durant waking up every day thinking he’s better than MJ is wild behavior.” On YouTube, the comment section on the clip became a debate battlefield. Some called KD delusional. Others said he had a point. And others just wanted to see the full quote in context.

Because context is important. Durant wasn’t ranting or puffing his chest. He was calm, measured, and even funny at times. But the fact that he was having this discussion—on LeBron’s podcast, no less—made it all the more impactful. In a space where greatness is literally sitting across from him, Durant decided it was time to speak up. And like everything he does, it was smooth, direct, and left fans talking.

Some took the statement as disrespectful to Jordan. After all, MJ is still widely considered the greatest of all time, and questioning his commitment to the game—especially with everything he endured during his first retirement—can strike a nerve. Others saw it differently. They saw a modern-day legend standing up for himself. They saw a future Hall of Famer refusing to stay quiet about his own place in history. Because, let’s be honest, Kevin Durant is absolutely one of the most skilled players the league has ever seen. The numbers prove it. The rings prove it. The respect he commands from his peers proves it.

So maybe the real headline isn’t that Durant compared himself to Jordan. Maybe the headline is that he feels like he has to. That even after all he’s done, all he’s achieved, the conversation still doesn’t include his name like it should. That maybe, just maybe, he’s tired of hearing the same names recycled in every GOAT conversation while his gets left out.

Durant has always been one of the most introspective superstars in the NBA. He’s not afraid to speak on legacy, identity, and how narratives shape perception. This podcast moment wasn’t about tearing down Jordan. It was about lifting himself up. Saying, “Hey, I’ve been here too. I never took a break. I never walked away. I’ve given this game everything for two decades, and I deserve to be mentioned.”

It’s a bold stance. It’s also honest.

Whether you agree with him or not, you can’t deny Durant’s consistency. You can’t deny his scoring titles, his MVP, his Finals dominance. And now, you can’t ignore his voice. Because when a man like Kevin Durant speaks on greatness, people listen. And when he speaks next to LeBron James, people take notes.

In the end, maybe Durant didn’t say he is Jordan. Maybe he just said he belongs in the same room. The same conversation. And maybe that’s all he ever wanted—acknowledgment.

Love him or hate him, Kevin Durant just made sure you can’t talk about greatness without at least thinking of his name. And that might be the most Jordan-like move of all.