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We've had our own discussions about all-time lists around these parts earlier this week, so it's nice to see that Kevin Durant getting into the act and including San Antonio's Tim Duncan as his selection for power forward, per NBA Maniacs. Here's a translation of his response:
A lot of our followers wanted us to ask you about your all-time starting five
Wow, good question. I'd go with Magic Johnson at point guard, because he had exceptional height and court vision and was a triple-double machine. At shooting guard I'd go with Kobe Bryant, a legend and five-time champion. He's been in the NBA half his life! Michael Jordan at small forward. I'm sorry for Larry Bird but I have to bump him for Kobe. Power forward is a tough one. Between Karl Malone and Tim Duncan ... I'd go with Tim Duncan. Because of his longevity, the titles and the impact he's had and still has on the court. And I'd go with Shaquille O'Neal as my dominant center.
The whole lineup would look like so:
PG: Magic Johnson
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Michael Jordan
PF: Tim Duncan
C: Shaquille O'Neal
Durant also cited the Spurs -- along with the Grizzlies -- as one of the Thunder's biggest rivals and one of the teams he gets extra motivated to play against, citing the battles the two teams have fought in the playoffs as the reason.
Durant clearly respects Duncan but also wants to beat him. I'm sure Big Fun feels the same way. Now that Oklahoma City will be healthy, another meeting in the postseason between the two squads is not out of the question. If that happens, let's hope things go just like they did in 2013/14.