As the Golden State Warriors chase their third NBA championship in four years, the historic ramifications begin to take shape. For the team, another title would solidify them as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, and for superstars like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, another ring will boost their already stellar all-time resumes and push them closer to the top of the mountain.

Durant especially, a player likely to crack the mythical 30,000 points mark, has plenty to gain in all-time discussions should the Warriors win, so history has often been a topic of conversation for Durant. The reigning Finals MVP spoke with Vince Carter about history and historic players and was asked which players he would have loved to have played in the Finals, and while choosing Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as his answer isn’t all that surprising, another tidbit he added to his answer may shock some.

“It’s a tie between MJ and Kob,” Durant said. “Two guys that I think are a head above everybody else that’s ever played the game. Just their will to win is something that’s contagious, and it makes you a better player as an opponent as well.”

A glaring omission from that short list is of course, Durant’s Finals opponent this year LeBron James. This is the third time Durant and James have faced off in the Finals, each earning 4-1 series wins over the other. Durant and Bryant have locked horns in the playoffs before as well, with Bryant’s Lakers sweeping Durant’s Thunder in 2010, and Durant responding by beating the Lakers 4-1 in 2012.