Kevin Durant's legacy with the Golden State Warriors remains a point of contention. While he helped them win two championships and earned Finals MVP honors both times, some, like Draymond Green, feel Steph Curry deserves more credit for those victories.
Green argues that Curry carried the load and facilitated Durant's MVP performances by attracting double teams. "Steph didn't get the credit that Steph gets today until 2022 when he led this team to a championship and won a Finals MVP," Green says. He implies that Curry had the potential to be Finals MVP in 2017 and 2018 but prioritized team success by finding Durant as the mismatch.
This narrative adds to the ongoing debate about Durant's GOAT candidacy. Barkley's "bus rider" label and Green's emphasis on Curry's impact suggest that Durant needs to win a championship as the clear franchise player to truly enter the GOAT conversation.
Durant, understandably, disputes Green's claims. He's likely tired of the notion that he rode Curry's coattails to those titles. However, for him to solidify his GOAT credentials, leading a team to a championship without the Warriors' stacked roster remains a crucial hurdle.
Green's perspective isn't meant to discredit Durant's talent or contributions. Instead, it highlights the complex dynamics within a championship team and the often-invisible sacrifices made by players like Curry. It pushes the discussion beyond individual accolades and towards the collective effort that brings an NBA title home.
Ultimately, the debate about Durant's legacy will continue. Green's words add another layer to the conversation, reminding us that greatness isn't always a solitary pursuit, and the road to GOAT status might require more than just Finals MVP trophies.