Among the most difficult players to defend in the NBA, logic would almost dictate that we systematically cite Kevin Durant and LeBron James, but this is not the case for this former champion. According to the latter, there is one player in particular who would do at least as well as the two legends currently.

NBA superstars LeBron James (left) and Kevin Durant (right)

Kevin Durant recently entered the Top 10 scorers in league history. It’s an event that seemed inevitable from the start of the Suns player’s career. Indeed, with an average of 27.3 points per game in 16 seasons, KD is considered by some to be the most versatile offensive player to ever set foot on the NBA floor, on an individual level at least.

Considered a pass-first player, LeBron James nevertheless dominates this ranking of the most prolific scorers with 27.2 points per game in 21 years. However, it turns out that all these elements do not justify one of the two being considered the most difficult basketball player to defend, since a certain player would be superior to them in this area according to a champion.

A player stronger than LeBron James and Kevin Durant?

If the Nuggets had a sensational run and managed to obtain their first championship ring since the founding of the franchise, it was in particular thanks to the defensive prowess of Aaron Gordon. The strong winger is part of the elite in this section of the game, so he was able to support his opinion on the Knucklehead podcast on the most complicated player to manage, which would be none other than Jimmy Butler .

I really think it’s Jimmy. I think he was a little out of juice towards the end of the playoffs. He was crazy in the first rounds. I think he is able to analyze the game and stay calm. He has a little bit of everything, he can shoot three-pointers, he can shoot mid-range, he’s always moving on offense, he throws shots.

Finalist in last season’s playoffs, the Heat superstar gave the Nuggets a hard time. Against all odds, his team had managed to reach this stage having finished the year in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, a feat not achieved since the Knicks in 1999. Led by a Buckets on fire, the entire squad of Miami had been praised, and this was also the case this time for the back by the reigning champion.

 

Forget Kevin Durant and LeBron James! If there’s one player who is nearly unstoppable according to Aaron Gordon, it’s Jimmy Butler. The two men faced each other in last season’s Finals, and the two-time Slam Dunk Contest Champion clearly still has bad memories of their duels.