In a recent episode of the “Out The Mud” podcast, Kevin Durant stirred the pot by revealing his all-time “hooper” team, igniting lively discussions across the basketball community.
Durant’s selection included some heavyweights, but not without contemplation. He revealed his lineup at the 58:35 mark, weighing options for different positions, notably choosing between legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant for shooting guard, and Tracy McGrady or Carmelo Anthony at small forward.
When probed about his preference for Bryant over Jordan, the Phoenix Suns superstar explained, “In pureness, Kobe can shoot that 3-ball, he can handle, he got the wiggle and he can do all the technical stuff that MJ can do, so it’s a toss-up, but I’m gonna go Kobe at my two.”
Notably absent from Durant’s lineup was LeBron James, which prompted many fans to raise eyebrows. The absence of such a prominent figure could stem from the fact that both he and Durant have played in the same position throughout their careers, with Durant himself occupying a place that might have otherwise belonged to James on numerous lists.
Durant’s association with the number 35 is hard to overlook; he’s donned it for nearly every team he’s played for, barring his stint with the Brooklyn Nets, where he sported No. 7. His choice of number stems from a deep-rooted sentiment. During the podcast, he took a moment to pay homage to his first basketball coach, Charles Craig, who introduced him to the game at a local recreational center. Craig was a guiding force for Durant from ages 8 to 12, shaping him into the player he is today. Tragically, Craig was murdered at the age of 35 during Durant’s junior year of high school.
Durant reflected on this loss, expressing a heartfelt wish that Craig could witness his ascent in the basketball world, stating, “I wear No. 35 to show respect and symbolize all Craig did for me in my basketball journey.”
