Kevin Durant has declared his Brooklyn Nets team was better 'on paper' than the record-setting Golden State Warriors he joined in 2016. Durant made the claim on the 'Boardroom Talks' podcast, arguing the star-studded Nets roster of Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and veteran names had superior career accolades. The Nets' current form, with a last result of a 136-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 2026, and a recent run of 2 wins and 3 losses, provides a stark contrast to that theoretical potential.
What did Kevin Durant say about the Nets and Warriors?
Durant was asked to identify his best team based purely on roster construction. He immediately pointed to the Brooklyn Nets. Durant listed Kyrie Irving and James Harden, plus aging stars like Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap, and Patty Mills. He argued that while Stephen Curry was an MVP, Warriors teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green had fewer All-Star nods at the time he arrived in 2016.
"These dudes I'm talking about had already completed their careers," Durant said, referencing the Nets veterans' award totals. He noted the group, excluding himself, combined for 38 All-Star selections and 21 All-NBA team honors. Durant conceded the comparison was strictly about names and accolades on paper, not chemistry or playoff results.
How do the actual team records compare?
The 2016-17 Warriors Durant joined were coming off a 73-9 season. Curry was the two-time reigning MVP. Thompson had two All-Star appearances, and Draymond Green had one. That core, with Andre Iguodala, had already won the 2015 NBA title. They went on to win the next two championships with Durant.
The 2020-21 Nets finished the regular season 48-24, second in the Eastern Conference. Durant carried them to a Game 7 in the second round against the Milwaukee Bucks. James Harden and Kyrie Irving both missed significant portions of that playoff run with injuries. The superteam era in Brooklyn ultimately dissolved without a championship.
What is the context for the Brooklyn Nets now?
Durant's comments look back at a brief, theoretical peak. The current Nets reality is different. Their last official game was a 136-101 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 2026. Their recent form over the last five matches shows 2 wins and 3 losses, with a pattern of LLLWW. They lost their last three consecutive games.
This current stretch underscores how far the present squad is from the star-laden group Durant described. Fans tracking the team's progress can view the full [schedule](/fixtures) and check the latest [standings](/standings) for context. The focus now is on building a new competitive identity.
Why does Durant's perspective matter?
His analysis revisits one of the NBA's biggest 'what if' scenarios. A healthy Nets trio of Durant, Irving, and Harden was considered a title lock. Durant's argument hinges on individual resumes, ignoring fit and health. The Warriors' system and continuity created a dynasty. The Nets' project was fragmented from the start.
It also continues Durant's apparent effort to contextualize his Warriors tenure. Earlier this summer, he suggested LeBron James' new Philadelphia 76ers roster was better than the 73-9 Warriors. These takes often spark debate about legacy and team construction. For Brooklyn, it's a reminder of a missed opportunity that shapes their
