Get ready for a heated debate, because Skip Bayless is back with a bold claim that's sure to stir up controversy!
Bayless, known for his unique takes on the NBA, has doubled down on his belief that Kevin Durant played a pivotal role in shaping Steph Curry's legacy. He argues that Durant's presence was the key to Golden State's back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, led by the dynamic duo of Curry and Durant, both NBA MVPs.
During an appearance on "The Draymond Green Show," Curry's longtime teammate gave Bayless the opportunity to clarify or stand by his controversial opinion. And true to form, Bayless chose to double down, stating, "I believe that without Durant, Golden State might not have overcome LeBron James and the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers twice."
Bayless delved into the dynamics of Durant's move to the Warriors, highlighting the tension between Durant's desire to be "the man" and Curry's established status as the team's leader. He described Durant's performance in the 2017 and 2018 Finals as nothing short of spectacular, citing his fearless play and clutch moments against LeBron James.
"Durant's arrival was a game-changer," Bayless explained. "He brought an intensity and a skill set that complemented Curry perfectly. With Durant on the court, Golden State became an unstoppable force, and LeBron's teams simply couldn't keep up."
But here's where it gets interesting: Bayless also acknowledged Curry's greatness, describing him as the greatest shooter ever. However, he pointed out that Curry's shooting can go cold, as evidenced by his performance in the fourth quarters of the 2016 NBA Finals. "It's hard to overlook the fact that Curry struggled in those crucial moments," Bayless said. "And that's where Durant stepped up, taking over games and becoming the team's nuclear weapon."
Draymond Green, ever the defender of his teammate, challenged Bayless on the impact of Golden State's 2022 title, won after Durant's departure. Bayless responded by saying that the 2022 championship was a "saving grace" for Curry's legacy, proving that he could lead the team to success even without Durant by his side.
"Curry's performance throughout the series, especially against a young and talented Boston team, solidified his place among the all-time greats," Bayless conceded. "But make no mistake, Durant's presence elevated Golden State to a level that might have been out of reach for Curry alone."
So, what do you think? Is Bayless' take on Durant's impact fair, or does it diminish Curry's own achievements? The debate is sure to rage on, and we want to hear your thoughts! Join the discussion in the comments and let us know if you agree or disagree with Bayless' assessment.
