Rockets Star Kevin Durant Praises Michael Jordan's Legacy

Durant acknowledges Jordan as the "blueprint" and "standard" of the NBA despite his own scoring prowess.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:21pm

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In a recent interview, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant discussed Michael Jordan's legacy and place in NBA history. Despite Durant's own impressive scoring achievements, he expressed deep respect for Jordan, calling him the "standard" and "blueprint" of the league. Durant noted the excitement and impact Jordan had whenever he stepped on the court, even during his later years with the Washington Wizards. While acknowledging the statistical debate around the all-time scoring list, Durant emphasized that Jordan's greatness transcends numbers, stating that if Jordan had not retired twice, his scoring totals would be even more staggering.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into how one of the NBA's current superstars, Kevin Durant, views the legacy of the league's most iconic player, Michael Jordan. Durant's perspective offers a unique and respected voice in the ongoing debate around the greatest players of all time, and his comments highlight the intangible qualities that made Jordan so revered beyond just his statistical accomplishments.

The details

In a postgame interview, Durant addressed the long-running debate surrounding Jordan's legacy and his place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Durant made it clear that he sees Jordan as the "standard" and "blueprint" of the league, stating that the excitement and impact Jordan had whenever he stepped on the court was unmatched. While acknowledging that his own scoring numbers are closing in on Jordan's, Durant emphasized that Jordan's greatness goes beyond just the stats, noting that if Jordan had not retired twice, his scoring totals would be even more staggering.

  • Durant made these comments following the Rockets' most recent game on March 17, 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

A star player for the Houston Rockets who is currently climbing the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Michael Jordan

Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, who played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.

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What they’re saying

“He's the standard. He's the blueprint of this whole thing.”

— Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets Player (The Ringer)

“The only reason I'm even close to MJ is because he retired twice. He could've played past 40, too. You give him 300 more games of 30 points a night. That's not an exaggeration.”

— Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets Player (The Ringer)

What’s next

As Durant continues to climb the NBA's all-time scoring list, the debate around his legacy compared to Michael Jordan's will likely only intensify. Fans and analysts will continue to scrutinize the statistical comparisons between the two superstars, while also considering the intangible factors that made Jordan's impact so profound.

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's comments underscore the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan, who remains the standard by which all other NBA greats are measured. Even as Durant solidifies his own place among the league's all-time elite, he recognizes that Jordan's combination of statistical dominance, cultural influence, and sheer magnetism may be unmatched in basketball history.