Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: NBA, Basketball, Shaquille ONeal, Kobe Bryant
Luke Davies
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant was in no doubt when naming the best defensive player he’s faced in his NBA career.
Durant, 36, is widely regarded as one of the best players to have played in the NBA, with some even claiming he should be in the GOAT conversation alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Steph Curry.
The 36-year-old has achieved several accolades during his lengthy basketball career - including two NBA championship crowns, one NBA Most Valuable Player award as well as being a four-time Olympic gold medallist with Team USA.
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His consistently excellent performances even caused NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal to suggest the Suns star should have his own special category in the GOAT discussion.
"I think he has his own special category, like me," O'Neal said when speaking on ‘The Big Podcast’ in 2024.
"I'm not in the 'GOAT conversation,' but I am one of two of the most dominant players ever. So, he's one of two of the most prolific, dominant scorers ever."
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And given the fact Durant is a forward he often captures the headlines, but who does he consider to be the best defensive player he’s faced?
Durant gave his thoughts when speaking on ‘Out The Mud Podcast’ in 2024 and revealed that despite facing Bryant on several occasions it was Tony Allen who he felt was the toughest defensive player he has faced in his illustrious career.
"I wasn't relaxed playing against you, for sure," Durant said when speaking to Allen. "I feel like you're the best defender that I played against in my career... I talk basketball with all types of people and I tell them every time, no s*** TA the hardest guy to go against, strictly for the fact that you can't get a screen. The physical aspects on top of it."
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"A lot of people talk about your heart and your mentality but let's talk about the technique too which is important as a defender," Durant added. "You skinny up, you don't get by screens. When you do get hit you keep pursuing the screen, you use your hands well. You play like a lockdown corner."
"Somebody asked me the difference between you and Draymond (Green), 'cause I played with Draymond and I had a lot of battles against you," Durant continued. "I looked at Draymond sort of like Ed Reed, where he a safety. He gonna be watching every play and you know he behind that defense.
"You more so like Darrelle Revis, Deion (Sanders) where you gonna follow that guy around all the time.
"You gonna be a pest. Yeah, they might have a game where they might have a tough catch over the top of you, but, for the most part, they know and you know that you've been there the whole game.”