Kevin Durant Clarifies Viral Michael Jordan Comment: “He Retired 3 Times and STILL the GOAT” — Says Fans Worship Players, Not the Game

Kevin Durant Clarifies Viral Michael Jordan Comment: “He Retired Three Times and Still the GOAT”

NBA fans were abuzz recently after Kevin Durant made a seemingly passive remark about Michael Jordan during his appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James. The discussion, which touched on career longevity and different paths to greatness, took an interesting turn when Durant said:

“Some people say, ‘I want to go play baseball,’ and then they come back. Other people say, ‘I’m going to go 22 straight.’ You know what I’m saying?”

The comment, widely interpreted as a reference to Michael Jordan’s two retirements (first to play baseball and later after his second three-peat), quickly went viral on social media. Many fans debated whether Durant was subtly criticizing Jordan’s career choices in comparison to LeBron’s remarkable longevity.

Fan Backlash and Durant’s Response

The online discourse escalated when a fan responded directly to Durant on X (formerly Twitter), defending Jordan’s decisions:

“Slandering a man for leaving the game to fulfill his murdered dad’s dreams for him is WILD. Second time he left because he was loyal to his team and coach. Something you and Bron can NEVER understand.”

Durant, however, was quick to clarify his position and dispel any notion of disrespect toward Jordan. In a candid reply, he wrote:

“MJ retired 3 times. It’s okay to call that out my brother, I got 1 million dollars worth of MJ shoes in my house hahaha. It’s okay, he retired 3 times and STILL THE GOAT. Ima applaud that just like Ima applaud playing 22 years at an ELITE level. I like basketball tho, you love individuals more.”

Durant’s Perspective: Respect for Greatness in All Forms

Durant’s response highlights his respect for both Jordan’s legendary career and for players who demonstrate longevity at the highest level. He emphasized that pointing out Jordan’s retirements isn’t a slight but rather a testament to his greatness—retiring three times and still being widely regarded as the greatest of all time.

Moreover, Durant acknowledged his own admiration for Jordan, humorously referencing his collection of Air Jordans as proof of his fandom.

Final Thoughts

The exchange underscores a broader point about how fans and players view greatness. For Durant, it’s not about idolizing individuals, but about appreciating basketball excellence in all its forms—whether it’s Jordan’s iconic comebacks or LeBron’s sustained dominance over two decades.

In the end, Durant made it clear:
Jordan retired three times and is still the GOAT. That’s something worth applauding—just as much as playing 22 elite seasons.