Overview
- Kevin Durant publicly praised Giannis Antetokounmpo as his favorite player to watch and said Giannis “could be the best player to ever play if he really wanted to,” remarks resurfacing in coverage this week that were reported on Wednesday.
- Giannis will begin the 2026‑27 season with the Miami Heat after a blockbuster move from Milwaukee, a change that has raised expectations for Miami’s title chances.
- Durant also said the new Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, have the scoring firepower to be contenders and compared their on‑paper balance to his 2016‑17 Warriors.
- On Team USA, Durant said his availability is up to USA Basketball leadership and specifically managing director Grant Hill, adding that he stays ready and hopes to receive a call.
- The praise spotlights Giannis’ career resume and durability—multiple MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year, an NBA title and Finals MVP—and helps frame how major summer moves by Giannis, LeBron and Durant are shifting title forecasts and fan interest for the season ahead.