Isiah Thomas believes Kevin Durant would have been just as dominant as Michael Jordan had he taken Jordan's place on the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s championship run.
Durant's combination of size, shooting touch, and scoring versatility became the foundation of Thomas' argument. The Hall of Fame guard suggested those traits would have fit seamlessly within the system that helped power Chicago to six championships. As reported by FanDuel's Run It Back, Thomas argued that Durant's offensive skill set would have thrived in the Bulls' triangle offense.
Operating from the elbow, mid-post, or perimeter, Durant's scoring arsenal would have presented a different challenge than the one defenders faced against Jordan. Thomas pointed to Durant's ability to score efficiently from nearly every area of the floor as a major reason he believes the forward could have enjoyed similar success.
Shot-making sat at the center of the discussion. Thomas suggested defenders accustomed to chasing Jordan would have faced a different puzzle against a seven-footer capable of shooting over smaller opponents while maintaining guard-like ball-handling ability.
Triangle basketball relied heavily on spacing, movement, and decision-making. Durant's comfort playing both on and off the ball could have created additional opportunities within that framework, particularly when paired with elite playmakers and secondary scorers.
Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoč also entered the conversation. Thomas argued that surrounding Durant with proven championship talent would have preserved the formula that helped turn Chicago into basketball's measuring stick.
Durant's body of work continues to fuel claims that his game would translate in any generation. Thomas took that position a step further by suggesting the Bulls' championship total might not have changed at all.
Hypothetical basketball debates rarely produce definitive answers, yet they continue to captivate fans. Comparing stars from different generations remains one of the sport's favorite pastimes because no outcome can ever be fully proven or disproven.
Thomas' comments added another chapter to the never-ending discussion about Durant's place among basketball's all-time greats. Whether fans agree or disagree, the comparison ensured Jordan, Durant, and the Bulls would once again be mentioned together long after Chicago's dynasty came to an end.
Isiah Thomas Believes 90's Bulls With Kevin Durant Would Have Won 6 NBA Titles
Sports & Celebrity NewsEntertainment / Sports & Celebrity News By NewsToter 24/7 Staff Jun. 17, 2026 💬 Join the Discussion
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