Kevin Durant has recently been at the center of social media buzz, responding robustly to critiques about his career decisions. On Monday, former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson took a jab at Durant’s choice to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016. During his guest appearance on “Undisputed Live,” Johnson suggested that the Warriors’ success could have been replicated with another player, such as Paul Pierce.

Johnson‘s comment downplayed Durant‘s role in the Warriors’ achievements, implying the team could have thrived with Pierce instead. “If I put Paul Pierce on the Golden State Warriors with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Steph Curry, you don’t think he could do the same?” Johnson questioned.

Durant, never one to shy away from defending his legacy, responded on social media. He countered Johnson‘s hypothetical with one of his own, suggesting the Jets could have benefited from different choices in the 1996 NFL Draft. Durant tweeted, “If the Jets would’ve taken Jonathan Ogden, Marvin Harrison, Ray Lewis, or Eddie George number 1, they would’ve been better off. I hate hypotheticals.”

Durant helped create a dynasty in the Bay

Kevin Durant trolls Nike for excluding him from Olympic commercial

Durant‘s tenure with the Warriors was marked by significant success. From 2017 to 2019, he helped the team win back-to-back NBA championships and reach three consecutive Finals. His impressive averages of 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game highlight his vital contribution to the team’s dominance. Many believe the Warriors might have won a third straight title if Durant hadn’t ruptured his Achilles during the 2019 Finals against the Toronto Raptors.

Beyond social media spats, Durant has also drawn attention in the context of Team USA basketball. Despite missing all exhibition games, Durant played a prominent role in Team USA’s opening 110-84 win on Sunday, overshadowing Jayson Tatum, who did not play. Durant’s efficient performance, scoring 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting, caught the eye of analyst Kendrick Perkins. On “First Take,” Perkins highlighted Durant’s importance in past Team USA victories, noting, “The last time Team USA won the gold, Kevin Durant was the best player. And Jayson Tatum was the second-best player.”

Kevin Durant remains a formidable presence both on the court and in the digital arena, continually asserting his impact and legacy in the face of criticism.