Kevin Durant Calls Michael Jordan 'Unmatched in Any Sport'

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In a new video, NBA star Kevin Durant argued that Michael Jordan's greatness is "bigger than the stats" and that he "doesn't have an equal in any industry." Durant, who recently passed Jordan on the all-time scoring list, reflected on how MJ's aura and influence resonated with him as a child, even though he was only 9 years old when Jordan retired from the Bulls in 1998.

Why it matters

Jordan's status as one of the greatest athletes of all time has been cemented through his unparalleled on-court success, global marketing reach, and cultural impact. Durant's comments underscore how Jordan's legacy continues to loom large over the NBA and the broader sports world.

The details

In the Boardroom video, Durant said at the 10:15 mark that "it's bigger than the stats with MJ" and "I don't think he has an equal in any industry." Durant, who was only 9 when Jordan retired for the second time in 1998, reflected at the 13:35 mark on how MJ's "general aura" "meant something to me as a kid." While some may push back on Durant's claim that Jordan is unmatched in any other sport, there's no denying Jordan's unparalleled influence and status as a cultural icon.

• Kevin Durant passed Michael Jordan for 5th on the all-time NBA scoring list in 2026.

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