Christian Petersen/Getty Images
There is arguably no one in NBA history who’s played alongside more superstars than Kevin Durant—Russ, Steph, Klay, Harden, Kyrie, Zaza Pachulia. Spin the First Ballot HOF wheel.
Durant appeared on Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast and offered up his take on the top 5 players he’s ever shared a jersey with, omitting former MVP and 2x All-NBA First Teamer Russell Westbrook in favor of…Serge Ibaka?
KD lists the top 5 players he’s played with… No Russ to be found 👀 pic.twitter.com/shUZ9RdzSM
— . (@WBallCentral) April 19, 2021
“Kyrie, James, Steph, Klay,” Durant says, before a 13-second pause in which 9-year teammate Russell Westbrook evidently never crosses his mind.
“And I’m going to go Serge Ibaka.”
Serge Career High Stats (while teammates with Durant):
-15.1 ppg
-8.8 rebounds
-3.0 blocks
Russ Career High Stats (while teammates with Durant):
-28.1 ppg
-8.6 assists
-2.1 steals
After the hosts reminded KD of Russ’ existence, Durant was quick to amend his list and boot Ibaka from a list he has no business being on.
Here’s what happened after KD made his list. Imo there’s no way he could just forget to say Russ, and the only reason he said it was bcuz he doesn’t want beef. He picked Harden & Irving over Russ w/ only one season w them pretty much, over Russ too. I have no respect for him‼️🤡 pic.twitter.com/vV5Ga9TpV8
— J 🐳 (@RockTheBabyRuss) April 19, 2021
“I did forget about Russ. Russ would definitely be top 5. As a matter of fact, I’d put Russ fourth and Klay fifth.”
Still, some nifty editing in the initial clip caused many to dust off the “KD Petty AF” takes. But, like, how do you forget about a dude who’s logged 7 straight triple doubles and is 10 shy of Oscar Robertson’s career mark? Was this just a brain fart or a calculated omission from KD? We will never really know, but the internet has already made up its mind, including a guy who should know how sports media operates.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/UncleL_/status/1384140187895095305?s=20
https://twitter.com/azillyg/status/1383994691465539587?s=20
https://twitter.com/skeezyatx/status/1384143446894546945?s=20
He a suckers man 😑 how in the hell don’t remember Westbrook https://t.co/bF07POQkiB
— Chris (@sleazecp23) April 19, 2021
So petty and bitter
— Kris (@HuskiesFan19) April 19, 2021
Give me a break. He remembers serge Ibaka but forgets Westbrook … yeah right..
— Omar E (@TheKinggg3) April 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/TheVirginOne1/status/1383972393350090758?s=20
https://twitter.com/atejada1017/status/1383958257782312963?s=20
Odds are, KD genuinely forgot about Russ. But given their history and Durant’s affinity for grudges, an over-reaction was destined to happen. You are who the public wants you to be. What a curse.