MY ACCOUNT
Brooklyn Nets’ All-Star Kevin Durant has showered praise on upcoming opponent Ja Morant comparing him to Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.
The Nets take on Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, with Durant describing the first-time All-Star as a combination of Jordan, Iverson, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose.
Morant has enjoyed a breakout year after being pick two in the 2019 NBA Draft and leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs last season.
The 22-year-old Memphis guard is averaging 27.6 points up from 19.1 points in the 2020-21 season along with 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.2 steals this season for the playoffs-bound Grizzlies who have a 49-23 record.
“He’s a combination of players, I feel,” Durant told reporters after the Nets’ 114-106 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday.
“I think the greatest players in our game can transform into anybody at any given point, and I think Ja is on the way to that. I mean when he’s playing I see like two or three or four different hall-of-famers in his game.
“From Iverson, he might make a Jordan-like lay-up, he might run down the court like a Westbrook or a D-Rose. His float game is up there with some of the best that’s ever played.
“I don’t wanna gas him up too much since we’re playing against him, but I think the sky is the limit for him. His future is obviously bright, and he makes everybody better playing against him.”
On the Grizzlies, Durant added: “When you got a future Hall of Famer at the head of the snake, it just makes everybody better.”
Durant scored 37 points with nine rebounds and eight assists in Monday’s win as the Nets improved to 38-34.
The Nets forward surpassed close friend Jerry West (25,192 points) into 22nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring charts with his 37-point haul on Monday.
“Winning the championship with Jerry, having conversations with him, knowing the history of who he is, he helped kickstart the NBA basically, it’s an honour,” Durant said.
“He’s a legend in the game. He’s almost like the godfather of our sport. Good to see him back around our game but it’s even better to pass him. He’s one of the all-time great players in this league.”
Durant moves to 25,213 points, with Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller next above him on 25,279 points.
