Video: Kevin Durant Names Mariners' Julio Rodriguez as His MLB Player Comparison

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is one of the most unique players in NBA history as a 6'11" big man with the skills of a guard, so there aren't many viable comparisons for him.

However, Durant was recently asked which MLB player he would compare to himself, and he didn't hesitate to single out Seattle Mariners rising star slugger Julio Rodriguez.

"I'll say right now, Julio Rodriguez," Durant said. "I'm probably just biased because that's my boy, we're actually cool."

Rodriguez made an immediate impact when he reached the majors, earning American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2022 and being named to the All-Star Game in his first two seasons. He's coming off a down year in 2024 in which he registered career lows of 20 home runs, 68 RBI and a .273 batting average.

Still, Durant has been impressed with the 24-year-old during his young career. Durant began his NBA tenure in Seattle before the Supersonics moved and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, so it's clear that he still has an affinity for the Pacific Northwest and its new stars.

"He's a young guy in the league, building his name, his rep, gaining respect from a lot of fans around the world," Durant said of Rodriguez. "So yeah, I'm rooting for him."