Overall, once these lists were compiled here’s where each of the quintet finished in the USA Today top 75 players in NBA history:
Kevin Durant: 13th
"“What could have been possible without Durant became inevitable with him. Durant led the Warriors to two NBA titles with two Finals MVP performances because of his mastered footwork, mid-range game and length.”"
There is plenty to debate about KD’s placement and perhaps with time he’ll climb much higher on this list. For example, if he grabs a few more rings before he retires no doubt he’ll climb higher on the list.
At 33, and with the way players maintain their bodies in the current generation of the sport it’s feasible KD could play at least another five years. Considering he is in his prime and had time off to heal from the Achilles injury the odds are great for him to keep climbing up all-NBA statistical lists.
With rings already adorning his fingers, there will always be a reflection on that toenail that ended his and the Nets season this past year. KD enters this year with his team projected as the favorites to win the title and based on how he’s performed when the lights are the brightest it’s hard to not bet on him winning a few more titles.
For years he was chasing after LeBron James seemingly always in his shadow. This year he finally climbed ahead of the King on most polls for “best current player”. With his placement so far down this list, now he has a new motivation.
Chris Paul: 38th
"“Paul’s greatness is not measured by the number of NBA titles he has won (zero). Instead, it is measured in his fifth-place standing on the NBA’s all-time assists list (10,275). Or how he made the New Orleans Hornets (2005-11), Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20) and Phoenix Suns (2020-21) playoff contenders as soon as he joined them.”"
It’s going to sound like a broken record on each of these players but there is no denying how much the Point God affected the sport. Although there isn’t much recognition afforded to players for their off court contributions in hindsight how he helped manage the pandemic and assisted with getting the players to agree to play in Orlando during the pandemic will be remembered in history.
Adding a ring will undoubtedly have an impact on his final placement although at 36 time is running out for one of the best point guards to every play the game.
Russell Westbrook and James Harden tie for 40th:
On Westbrook:
"“Scoring, rebounding and passing at a Hall of Fame rate, Westbrook plays one way: all out.”"
On Harden:
"“Harden helped usher in the modern era of 3-point shooting, and now with Brooklyn, he enters his 13th season fifth all-time in 3s made with 2,445.”"
Like KD, these two players will be debated for their placement on the list and if they win rings will likely ascend. Oftentimes players get better reviews once they retire and it’s hard to imagine the sheer brilliance of Westbrook’s triple-double performances will fade. Rather, in hindsight, that ability and the uniqueness of his game will be looked back on with more reverence.
As for Harden, his ability to win a championship would strengthen his argument as will his final statistics. With several years still to play both former OKC Thunder players could find themselves moving much higher on the lists.
Carmelo Anthony: 62nd
"“Throughout his career, Anthony — another star of the 2003 draft class — was a bucket-getter.”"
It’s funny what we remember when it comes to basketball debates. Going back to the 2003 Draft yours truly had a huge debate that got rather heated over LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. A bet was placed between the two of us.
For what it’s worth I’m still waiting for that to be paid by the way) on who would be the better player, win Rookie of the Year, and have the better career. I was adamant James would prevail and while I appreciate the recognition of Melo there is no debate!.
There you have it Thunder Nation. What are your thoughts on the final standings? Should Durant rank in the top 10? Did Westbrook get a fair placement?
Drop us a line in the comments section and let us know where you would rank the quintet in the top 75 players in history. More importantly, will any of the current crop of OKC Thunder players forge a career that will have them in the discussion in the coming decade?