The Big Lead

Patrick Beverley picks Kevin Durant over Larry Bird, says it’s ‘not even close’

Patrick Beverley claims Kevin Durant would average 50 points during the 80s in the NBA and that he would pick him over Larry Bird easily.

By Divij Kulkarni

Kevin Durant attends a WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and LA Sparks.
Kevin Durant attends a WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and LA Sparks. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA players ever, and with good reason. The Boston Celtics legend's excellence, along with his rivalry with Magic Johnson, is what saved the NBA during the 1980s and allowed it to grow into what it has become in the modern era.

There are always comparisons between legends of the past and the best players of today. And when it comes to pure scoring, it's hard to say that anyone's done it better than Kevin Durant. But Patrick Beverley's recent take comparing him with Bird might be going a bit too far.

RELATED: Former NBA champion surprisingly named top American flag football quarterback

“I don’t think it’s close, KD. What are we talking about?" Beverley said when asked who he ranks higher all-time out of the two. "When you talk about a handle at that size, ability to play pick & roll, on the other end, his ability to rim protect and get blocks. It’s Kevin Durant."

When his podcast co-host pushed back citing the era's physical play, Beverley said, "If Kevin Durant was playing when Larry Bird was playing, he would average 50... What makes people think that if the physicality had changed that players now couldn’t play then?"

Pat Bev is known for his outlandish takes, and this one is up there with the best. Kevin Durant does not have as many championships or even half as many MVPs. Beyond that, Bird's ability on both ends is also being heavily underrated. An opinion is an opinion, but this isn't a popular one.

GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel

ROUNDUP: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift getting hitched, Ohio hates Portnoy, and more

MLB: A Red Sox pitcher received a threat against his dog via wife's social media

NFL: New York Giants clear path for Jaxson Dart after releasing veteran quarterback

NCAAF: Nebraska football star Dylan Raiola thanks 'God' for NFL superstar comparisons

VIRAL: Tennis star Frances Tiafoe roasts Carlos Alcaraz for 'horrendous' haircut at US Open

Home/NBA