Kevin Durant says Duke's Zion Williamson is a 'once-in-a-generation athlete'

Zion Williamson received high praise from one of the NBA's top players as Warriors star Kevin Durant called the Duke forward "a once-in-a-generation athlete."

Durant shared his thoughts on the 18-year-old sensation during an interview on the Bill Simmons podcast earlier this week, saying he hasn't seen anyone dunk quite like Williamson.

"I've never seen somebody like that before," Durant explained. "Zion Williamson, I've never seen anybody that's lefty that can dunk with his right hand like that, and cock the ball back so far and jump so high off two feet. I've seen people jump high, but not that way, you know what I'm saying?"

Durant, a nine-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP winner, complimented Williamson's athletic ability and how he attacks on the court.

"He moves good," Durant added. "Zion, he's protecting the rim in the half court, that's how athletic he is. He'll be a great team defender."

The 6-7, 285-pound Williamson generated buzz in high school as he threw down big dunks, and he has continued to garner attention in his first season with Duke. He's contributed significantly to the Blue Devils' 9-1 start, averaging 20.4 points and 9 rebounds per game.