Kevin Durant Says It's Time for Dwyane Wade to 'Pass the Torch'

Quit hogging the shooting guard torch, Dwyane Wade. It's someone else's turn.

Kevin Durant thinks so, at least. During an interview with OTE Sport, via Eurohoops.net, he reiterated his belief that Wade was no longer the NBA's best shooting guard:

"

It's nothing against D-Wade. He's a great player; he's set his mark in the league as one of the best shooting guards ever. But like I said, I just thought as an older guy, it's just time to pass the torch down to the younger guys—just like somebody did to him; just like somebody did to me. I'm going to have to do it to somebody later on. I just thought it was his time.

"

Whatever could Durant be talking about? Oh, that's right—his on-again, off-again, lovers-like quarrel with the Miami Heat superstar.

First, Durant told Grantland's Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose that he thought James Harden was the best guard in the league. Not shooting guard—guard. As in better than a healthy Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook, in addition to Wade.

Soon after, Durant wasn't pleased with Sports Illustrated ranking Harden No. 11 in their top-100 players list, three spots behind Wade.

"I think you’re missing on James Harden,” Durant told CineSports' Noah Coslov of Harden's placement.

Naturally Wade wasn't too thrilled, so he did the only thing he could—demanded respect from the Durantula via Instagram.

Sensing that this lovers' spat had taken a turn to social media, Durant himself responded via Twitter.

To Durant's credit, he clearly respected Wade's place in history during the above video. He didn't try to disparage everything Wade has done; he commended him for leaving his mark on the Association.

But this isn't about what Wade has done. It's about now, about today—about what he can still do.

Wade is 31, and his time perched atop the shooting guard ladder is drawing to a close. Younger guys are coming in itching to prove themselves. Some are already here.

Harden is only 24 and worthy of the torch Wade is clinging to. Sooner, not later, Durant won't have to implore Wade to fork it over. Out of respect for what he has done and can still do, Wade's being asked to pass it on his own authority. It's only a matter of time before Harden rips it from him.

In the interest of saving face, it's Wade's turn to move on and recognize Harden for what he is. At minimum, he should resist any temptations to continue fighting a battle he can't win.

Plan your next Instagram post accordingly, Dwyane.

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