In the NBA’s Greatest Player Debate, only two names are typically discussed: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Kevin Durant should also be discussed, according to retired point guard Lou Williams. However, Shaquille O’Neal disclosed the main obstacle preventing Durant from reaching that level during an interview on the “BIG” podcast.

Shaquille O’Neal: “[Kevin Durant] claims that his name ought to be mentioned among the all-time greats. Do you agree or disagree?

Lou Williams: “That’s my belief. Kevin Durant, dude, is an incredible talent. Kevin Durant is unlike anyone we have ever seen. Though I believe that in any other year of his career, if he goes to Golden State, it’s not seen as that specific thing, the timing of his move was unfortunate.”

Shaquille O’Neal: “I believe he, like me, belongs in a unique category. Although I’m not considered the greatest of all time, I am one of the two most dominant players ever. He is therefore among the most successful and dominating scorers in history. I believe it is tarnished when you lose to Golden State and then decide to join them. Now, if he manages to win one in which he plays the bus driver, as Charles frequently claims, then we ought to include him in that discussion for sure.”

Many fans and pundits view Kevin Durant, a two-time champion, MVP, and 14-time All-Star, as generational talent on par with some of the modern NBA’s luminaries. Despite the fact that not many people think of him as the greatest of all time, with his unparalleled ability to score points and shoot, he’s not too far from the top.

Regarding Durant, we are already aware of his feelings regarding the exchange. He undoubtedly believes that he is on the same level as athletes such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan. If the criteria were primarily focused on skills, Kevin would undoubtedly meet more requirements than most.

Sadly, Durant’s 2016 trade to the Warriors undermines his claim to be the greatest player of all time. Alongside Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry, he experienced unparalleled success, but it came at the expense of his legacy. Many fans disregarded Durant’s titles because he had so much offensive prowess, and they expected him to succeed on his own when he joined the Nets in 2019.

Durant’s life has been nothing but turmoil and disappointment since leaving the Warriors, and neither the Nets nor the Suns have even come close to winning a championship. When it comes to team accomplishment, Kevin Durant actually has very little to show outside of Stephen Curry’s shadow.

For years, Durant’s opponents, including as Charles Barkley, have called him out on this, making the term “bus rider” famous to link his success in Golden State to LeBron’s 2016 championship with the Cavaliers.

Kevin Durant may still be without a championship if he hadn’t been on one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. Until he wins one on his own, that will be the dominant narrative around his career and the reason he will never be discussed as the greatest player of all time.

Durant, who is 36 years old, is running out of time to establish his case, but if he can put together a successful strategy this year, he might be able to make one more run before everything is said and done.