The Kevin Durant Hater Manifesto 

I knew there was someone missing from the list of players higher all time than KD. My bad Timmy lol Go to sleeper.com or download the app, and use promo code Rusty and for a limited time you'll get up to a $500 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 25 states. Check out Sleeper today!

Durant when you're reading this on your alt just know this man is speaking facts

That “you’re the real MVP” speech has to be one of the greatest speeches ever. Shit gives me goosebumps everytime

Olajuwon has a great story. Barely knew the game in Nigeria; came over to Houston and worked his ass off in a local gym with Moses Malone, then helped turn UofH into the most exciting college team ever, went through the Twin Towers experiment, gave the '86 Celtics everything they could handle, perfected the aesthetically beautiful dream shake, made himself into an absolute beast on both ends of the court, single-handedly brought Houston its first two major sports championships, all while insisting on observing Ramadan requirements. Only player ever to be season MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive POY in the same year. Retired top 10 all-time in steals with no other center in the top 50. More than 500 career blocks ahead of second place (Mutombo). Indisputably Number 1 on Houston's Mount Rushmore of sports. He didn't need to sell sneakers or be in cheesy movies or throw down huge bets. Such an icon because he's a reflection of what Houston prides itself on - an immigrant helping to shape the culture of a city. Olajuwon was chosen ahead of Jordan in the draft and nobody here in Houston regrets it.

The question isn't whether KD is the GOAT, the question is whether he's closer to 10 or 25

This is why KD career is so fascinating. It’s like he sold his souls for the warriors tenure. At age 27 he had an MVP, 4 scoring titles, multiple all nba and all stars, and was genuinely one of the most beloved players. Then he joined GSW and after that it just feels like his resume stagnated outside of the 2 rings, not to mention the legacy hit that he took

One ring in OKC would have been worth both GS chips

One weird thing about the 2017 and 2018 rings is that while its value is lessened for Durant no one really takes it away from the other Warriors. They proved they could win without Durant and their narratives all held. Curry remained the best player on the team, Thompson was still the 3 and D splash brother side kick, Green was the best flex defender in the sport, and Kerr was still a great coach. They didn’t need Durant but he needed them. At least that’s how it feels.

Dear Rusty, I’m a much older NBA fan than you. I have been watching basketball since long before you were born. But your insight consistently amazes me. You are wise far beyond your years, and I am once again awestruck by how thoughtful and articulate you are. I watch a lot of NBA RU-vidrs, and while they all know their basketball, none of them delve into the philosophical and esoteric spaces that you do, that I find utterly fascinating. Your videos are much deeper than they have any business being. Please keep doing what you’re doing and don’t ever change. Sincerely, A big fan

It’s crazy how in 2012 LeBron was the villain of the NBA and KD was one of the heroes, then in 2017 it was the other way around.

I wish KD understood that our criticisms of his decisions have always been rooted in disappointment. You can't be disappointed in someone unless you already believe in what they are capable of achieving

I saw someone say that KD basically sold his “basketball soul” for these 2 rings and there is a video made by DylanDoesBasketball that dives into that EXACT topic.

"There's a separation between what a player thinks of themselves and what the general perception around a player from the fans and media is." We call this, the "Paul Pierce Effect".

You kind of touched on this when you mentioned the importance of a player's "story" but there is a reason it is the Greatest of all Time (GOAT) and not the Best of all Time (BOAT). Part of Greatness is being legendary, larger than life, awe inspiring, captivating. People ignore that too much in these convos

KD - “What haven’t I done?” Everybody - “Found contentment in your career and just been happy all around.”

I loved Durant as a kid I was able to get one of his autographs when he was still on OKC and he was so humble! Then he went to the warriors and broke my heart!

An issue I see with KD is that he sometimes just doesn't want "it" as much as other greats, an example is how everytime he has a high scoring game he'll comment on how he could probably do that every game but finds it too tiring

It’s crazy I don’t think I’ve ever seen in player in sports history win the ultimate prize and it STILL be a detriment to their legacy the way it has been for KD.

KD aside, I would love these "GOAT Rubric" analyses for other greats as well.

I would KILL for a “Why Steph was the best player on the Warriors the entire time” video from you

Long format Rusty is a great Rusty. Thanks!

Im 37. Grew up in chicago. No athlete electrified the city he played in like MJ. The storylines. The flu game. The fathers day championship the double three peat. The retirement. Playing baseball for the Sox. The comeback. Space Jam. His shoes are legendary. I had his cologne right when it came out. Jordan is a cultural legend in ways players today just cannot be.

As a KD hater this the typa shit I'll have playing in the background when I go to bed every night.

I really appreciate the effort and production value put into these videos. Im a KD stan and i watched through the whole hour of the video and somehow enjoyed it despite disagreeing with so many of your points. Well done Rusty, keep these videos coming

If Kevin Durant was in Space Jam he would've joined the monstars

I think KD the only human unsatisfied with being a top 11-20 all time player in the sport

haven't finished the video yet, (obviously), but I think KD deserves to be in the GOAT conversation in the sense that while having the GOAT conversation you should mention his name to say "he's pretty good but not the GOAT."

KD was so loved on OKC. If he had stayed and they managed to get a title or two, he might not be GOAT level, but at least would have been held in the same regard as Dirk. And i think a lot of players would have loved to have had Dirk's career.

The first rusty video to show up in my feed in months and its an hour long. Fuck yes

KD's career is the epitome of "one of the best to ever do it, but at what cost?"

I think you forgot Tim Duncan on your list of players better than KD. Also comment for the algorithm.

Not only robbed us of the better version of KD carreer, but also robbed us of a boston vs LA style rivalry between the cavs and the warriors. We could have some amazing finals in 17 and 18, but instead got trashings that nobody cared about

Really loving the long form videos! This was the best one yet!

The longer KD goes without winning a championship post-warriors, the worse those rings will look in hindsight. Especially since the Warriors got one after he left too. He thought he could prove everyone wrong but so far he hasn't. Now all he has is two hollow rings and 13 years of failure otherwise.

I can't stress enough how long I was waiting for this video and I'm so happy it's during your "elaborated, hour-long, deep dive videos" period. It's been a pure enjoyment for me as the second biggest KD hater in the world.

You killing it with these video thank you keep going !

I want to say that this was truly a very well done material. Great job, regardless of what one feels about it. And I agree like 95%.

Kevin literally replied under a post with 2000 LIKES defending himself against a well thought out 1 min video about why he’s not in the GOAT list. Bro even responded to other comments. Man is genuinely pissed.

Hi Rusty, Last time I guessed that this would be the next video that you’d make. I’m guessing your next one is on the Dehumanization of Athletes (a topic you said you wanted to get to a couple years back, and I’d be intrigued to hear what you’d say about). You also said one hit wonders would be a topic you wanted to talk about back in the deep dive days. Hopefully that’s still in the pipeline too. Really enjoying the videos of late!

Hell yah bro, this video helped me overcome my hemorrhoids! Thanks!!!

The only way KD can get back into the GOAT convo is if he signs with the home team wizards and brings us another 1st round exit. #MJ2.0

Hi Rusty. Good job for another good video. Rewatching it again, I can’t help wondering if u would also do a similar one on LBJ. Pretty much looking forward to it.

Man, those OKC teams were awesome. I really liked watching them on the playoffs, especially with the atmosphere of all the blue t-shirts that they distributed. It gave a beautiful image on the TV.

KD gonna see this too lol

KD is already done watching this.

Thank you for the amazing video pookie bear rusty very well spoken fr ‼️

I like you telling stories, I do not agree with all arguments, but I always wait for new video. Greetings from Poland, oldskull hooper ;)

I hate determining individual quality or greatness at the hand of accolades or "story". It's why I hate the MVP award, or at least how it gets decided. Some amazing players will never get the credit they deserve just because they were on bad teams, and others get overhyped just because they were on good teams. But that doesn't say anything about how good they were individually. It's a team sport individual accolades shouldn't matter as much as they do

"What haven't I done?" Made any defensive accolades whatsoever.

I WATCHED THE WHOLE THING KEEP GOIN MY MAN YOUR CONTENT IS GREAT SHOUT OUT FROM BRAZILLLLL 🇧🇷

Toda felt like a good day to revisit this video

the thing i've always thought about durant was "what if he stayed in oakland?". i mean, there's always talk about if he stayed loyal to okc, but to me, if he had stayed a warrior, he would have had kind of a shaq trajectory : grew to superstardom on a young and talented but not championship-caliber team, joined a championship-caliber team to finaly get the trophies he wanted (because at that point, respect and appreciation he undisputably deserved), and just bounced a bit back around on the tail end of his career after being "the guy" on a superteam. of course, like shaq, his move in itself was controversial, but i think that, like shaq, if he had stayed there, if he had been the actual engine of that dynasty, if he had struggled with the other warriors, he would have that "story".... instead, he acted like a mercenary, and the story's steph's. and guess what....curry now *is* in the goat conversation. qfd ?

Regarding story, Steph literally changed how the entire game is played. Before Steph, taking an early shot clock three off the dribble would get you benched. Now it's standard practice. The whole damn sport copied his playstyle. You can't get any more impactful than that.

Loved your video. Found it funny you didnt have Tim Duncan on your list of better than KD especially when using it in your video. Hes also a common top 10 name so an interesting omission. I would also say Jokic

First time here, but I'm feeling the vibes... Solid analysis, no bs... Feels like a convo we'd have over a few drinks. Got a new subscriber 🍻

Rusty holding the ball in front of him really puts into perspective how giant nba players are

Talent wise, he might be the most talented player in NBA history. He has almost zero flaws in his game. But talent doesn't equal greatness

This contents great bro I love the new direction. keep it up!

I am loving these long videos keep it up❤

16:42 i like how that guy is hyped but remained seating.

from a narrative standpoint, i really do enjoy Kevin Durant's career exactly because of these messes he has caused for himself while chasing greatness. not every nba great can or has to be a knight in shining armor, sometimes they are insecure tragic heroes as well which is something i really like about KD. he has a lot of parallels to LeBron while chasing James' shadow for so many years, like the ringless tenure with the team that drafted him, the convergence on a superteam to win two rings and then the divergence of the parallel paths, KD failing at making his own legacy while LeBron succeeded, just like cosmic antagonists.

This video needs more views. A high quality class video. This was a great job Rusty.

Great video! Really enjoying the new direction of your channel!

the lighting is alot better in this video

This is such a great exploration of how we talk about greatness. I really enjoyed it.

Liking and subscribing for the title before I watch the video. 😂

Awesome video editing and storytelling, you’re reaching GOAT status yourself Rusty

i dont think kd should be in goat convos, but his mvp speech will always make himone of my fav players ever

I thought I was the only person that noticed these things. You just got a new subscriber for this banger of a video

Kudos for this new series of video essays. You are doing an outstanding work. I have a petition. It would be very instructive and useful a deep dive into statistics. Sometimes people throw numbers out of context to push narratives. I myself don’t understand many of the advance statistics that are mentioned constantly in debates and rants. For example, the plus/minus thing sometimes confuse me. So, it would be great if somebody explain the traditional and advance statistics in their proper historical and practical context. Maybe you will be the first in doing so in a precise and entertaining. I bet you’ll get half a million views on that.

As a cavs fan, that 2017 summer cap spike that basically gave the gsw a max salary spot for a team that was fully capped was a huge mistake compared to the cap smoothing period of 5 years the owners suggested. Kevin going to gsw after losing to them in 7 games in the wcf was an all-time weak move. This isn't lebron forming a new super team in miami, kevin essentially joined the existing core of a team that won 73 wins last year. He deprived basketball fans of an all time great rivarly between the warriors and cavs. It would've rivaled the celtics lakers rivalry of the 80s

Hour long KD slander video, WE ARE HERE

Enjoyed the video until the end, I can’t stand listening to stories when my life Is nothing but a regurgitation of Everyone else’s story except my own. I realize this crisis when I was 10 years old and decided to Live a life worth of stories that my loved ones and peers will envy hearing. I saw All this talking to you mr basketball RU-vidr. Even when I LISTEN to your video (not watched) I was busy living my life in the gym achieving what most envy they could have.

Love seeing these longer videos

When commenting here make sure to watch out for KD burners

Who else was reccomended this video after KD was SWEPT in the first round

Rusty channel getting recommended to me again after 5-6 months? Basketball season must fr be here now

You are the GOAT of nba commentary Rusty. You & jimmy highroller. These past 4 deep dives make you the goat

My guy Rusty said it with his chest

KD (legacy wise) should’ve stayed in GSW. If he would continue to make deep playoff runs and won 1-2 more rings. Yea he joined GSW, but in the meantime he literally helped solidly GS as one of the best teams of all time

Getting my popcorn ready for this one

Excellent analysis and video

Rusty making it into the goat conversation with this one 🗣️

I used to hate KD but after a post game interview against my favorite team where my team lost (utah jazz) he was humble and gave my team credit my opinion of KD changed dermaticaly. He's definitely not the goat but he deserves respect. Michael Jordan is the goat and it's not even close

I was apprehensive about someone else calling themselves the biggest Durant hater but I got to respect the dedication and effort

As soon as I saw the title of this video, I smoked a nice fat joint. Then, Grabbed some popcorn and enjoyed every minute of this video. As a certified KD hater for 8 years, I must say that you gave a proper articulate voice to our thoughts.

People hated so hard when I said it was always Steph’s team …. Here we are 5 years later lol

KD sold his basketball soul for 2 mickey mouse rings, the dog in him is a little chiwhawha

This gives off "How KD Sold His Basketball Soul" vibes. Idk if that vid inspired this, but hats off for taking it further. I like how u talk about the wide margin between the top 1%. LeBron, Kobe, & MJ can't even see KD in their respective rear views.

The content at the moment is so so good

i forget who said this initially, but after the Warriors title in 2022, durant became simply the guy between Barnes and Wiggins

"Leadership" and a Kobe image is WILD.

As a Warrior fan I disputed a lot of the narrative around those 2 KD rings not meaning as much, at least until 2022 when the Warriors won without KD and it was honestly a more satisfying feeling than the previous 3 rings combined. That ring is what cemented Steph’s legacy even far more than his 2015 ring before KD. Because he endured years and years of shit from media members claiming he only won because of KD. And proved it was the other way around.

im loving this TNBAST format you got going here

this video is genius marketing for rusty, he knows this, i hope nba twitter picks it up

per 100 possession doesnt matter if it only applied in their peaks.. the problem with most of the top players you listed they dont have the same longevity as durant.. durant at 35 still average 28-29ppg.. from rookie year up to his current 15th season he still the same if not even better.. MJ is the only guy much better than KD in scoring but the problem is KD isnt retired.. if he plays 5 more season KD can still be considered better scorer than MJ

Begins the video saying that Duncan is usually forgotten in all-time players conversation. Ends the video forgetting to put Duncan in list of better all-time players than KD. That's either a gross negligence of a very subtle inside joke.

Oh I am saving this to enjoy at work tomorrow ...

I think Rusty really nailed it by saying Durant's career is unsatisfying. While he's an undeniable talent, to an extent we were not able to truly see a good deal of his prime when he played on the warriors. While one could argue he was the best player or second best player on that team, that was not a situation in which he could be truly great. Great video Rusty. I love the new direction you're taking with your two channels. Hope you are doing better with your mental health situation. All the best!

I always thought KD had one foot out the door already and then his verbal altercation with Draymond was the final nail in the coffin for him to leave. That’s why I never really truly bought into the narrative that Draymond “chased him out” of Golden State like many others believe.