[Saba Sports News] Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, widely regarded as one of the top point guards in the NBA, recently conceded that there are players better than him. During an interview with radio host Dan Patrick, Lillard was asked to name the league’s best player, and his response might surprise you.
“I’m going with Kevin Durant,” Lillard stated when asked to choose his ideal 2v2 partner. “I think that’s pretty easy… when healthy, I think he and LeBron are right up there. I believe KD, when healthy, could very well be the best player in the NBA.”
While many fans and experts today might argue that the best player title belongs to the reigning Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, or the 7-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, both in their prime, Lillard’s choice of Kevin Durant might be considered controversial. Durant is set to turn 35 later this month and hasn’t won an NBA title since his 2018 championship run with the Warriors.
However, Lillard’s perspective is grounded in his firsthand experience competing against Durant and his teams, recognizing the immense talent and impact Durant brings to the game.
Despite his age, Durant continues to excel. Last season, playing for the Suns and Nets, he had one of his best seasons yet, averaging 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game with a remarkable 56% shooting percentage. Following his trade to the Suns in February, Durant seamlessly transitioned and led the team to an undefeated record heading into the playoffs.
While the Suns’ playoff run was cut short by the Denver Nuggets, Durant’s performance remained outstanding, averaging 29.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over six games against Denver.
As the upcoming season approaches, the expectation is that Durant will continue to shine, although the Suns may not rely as heavily on his production thanks to their offseason roster changes.