Durant: ‘I’m still the best player in the world’

Kevin-Durant;-Oklahoma-City-Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

It’s the age-old question among all basketball fans: “Who is the best player in the world?”

Most would say it’s LeBron James, a four-time MVP and two-time NBA champion who almost single-handedly took two games off the Golden State Warriors in the Finals last season.

Kevin Durant, however, thinks otherwise.

The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar recently visited Madrid on a promotional tour for his new Nike KD VIII sneakers where he was asked about the fortunes of his team heading into this season and weighed in on the “best player” debate.

“I think we have a really good team. We have to come together and play as one and that’s harder than people realize,” Durant told Ruptly TV. “But we’re ready to take on the challenge. We’re under the radar right now, exactly where we want to be and looking forward to having a good season.

“And yes, I’m still the best player in the world.”

Durant was named MVP in 2014, averaging 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game on 51 per cent shooting. He was unable to defend his MVP status last season, mainly due to a rash of injuries that only saw him play in 27 games.

As far as career numbers go between Durant and James, both are similar with Durant averaging 27.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and James putting up a line of 27.3, 7.1 and 6.9. Even their shooting lines are in the same neighbourhood, with Durant boasting 48.1/37.9/88.1 and James with 49.6/34.2/74.5.

Statistically, it’s a toss-up between the two. Perhaps this upcoming season will give fans a clearer understanding of who really is the best.

(Hat tip: Ball Don’t Lie)

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