Gilbert Arenas Says Kevin Durant Is Better Than Larry Bird: 'The 80s Was Drugged Up'

When it comes to legendary forwards in NBA history, it's safe to say LeBron James is arguably the greatest of them all. But the battle for second place behind James has become interesting. Larry Bird was widely considered the greatest forward before LeBron and is now fighting for second place with the likes of Durant and even Kawhi Leonard. As per Fadeaway World's analysis, we still lean towards Bird over Durant.

Durant has recently sparked up a lot of discussions around his status as one of the GOATs of the game. He believes he should be discussed among the GOATs but it seems fans have always been hesitant to look at Durant in that way. But when you put KD and Bird's career side-by-side, it's clear to see they aren't far off.

What Does Kevin Durant Need To Do To Surpass Larry Bird? 

Larry Bird averaged 24.3 points per game while shooting 37.6% from deep and 49.6% from the field. He achieved this in a slower era where the three-pointer wasn't as prevalent, with Bird being recognized as one of the first great shooters in the league. The Celtics legend is also a three-time champion, a three-time league MVP, a two-time Finals MVP, a 12-time All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA selection, and made the three All-Defensive Team selections

Durant has averaged 27.3 points over his career on 38.7% from the deep and 50.0% from the field. He has won two titles, earning the Finals MVP award in both those wins. He's a 14-time All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA selection, and was named MVP in 2014. He has four scoring titles to his name but no defensive team mentions like Bird.

KD's defense is very solid though he just wasn't one of the four-best forward defenders in the NBA during his prime. That isn't what separates the pair, but championships still do. Bird was a one-club man and achieved everything with Boston. Even if KD feels it's unfair, there is an asterisk that'll follow his two titles with the Warriors forever.

Durant is far closer to Bird than people give him credit. If he wins a title with the Phoenix Suns, it'll finally make it a more commonplace argument to look at Durant as the second-greatest forward behind LeBron and among the greatest to ever play the game.