Imagine a basketball legend predicting that one of today's superstars could surpass Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list. Sounds bold, right? But that's exactly what NBA icon Isaiah Thomas is claiming about Kevin Durant. And this is the part most people miss: Durant, at 37, is already the sixth player in NBA history to reach 32,000 career points, and Thomas believes he can climb all the way to second place—a spot currently held by the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Durant’s recent 40-point explosion against the Orlando Magic on February 26 wasn’t just another game; it was a statement. It solidified his place among the greatest scorers in NBA history, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. The NBA celebrated this milestone on social media, but it was Isaiah Thomas’s response that stole the spotlight. “He will get to 2 when it’s all said and done,” Thomas boldly declared on X. But here’s where it gets controversial: Durant would need to score over 6,000 more points to dethrone Abdul-Jabbar, a feat that seems almost unimaginable at his age. Or is it?
Durant’s performance this season with the Houston Rockets tells a different story. In his first year with the team, he’s averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 50.8% from the field and 40.2% from beyond the arc. Even at 37, his scoring efficiency remains elite, proving that age hasn’t slowed him down. After the historic game, Durant humbly reflected, “Just to be mentioned in the same category as some of the greatest athletes of all time, I’m just honored, blessed, and grateful for all of the people that invested in me along the way.”
But let’s break this down further. Durant is currently just 292 points behind Michael Jordan, who finished his career with 32,292 points. Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points seem like a mountain to climb, especially with LeBron James still active and leading the pack at 43,044 points. Is Thomas’s prediction a stretch, or is Durant’s longevity and consistency enough to keep this dream alive? The Rockets certainly aren’t complaining. With Durant leading the charge, they’re sitting comfortably in third place in the Western Conference with a 37–21 record, winning three straight games and positioning themselves as a serious playoff contender.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Kevin Durant can surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and secure the second spot on the all-time scoring list? Or is Isaiah Thomas’s prediction too ambitious? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
