Kevin Durant: Why he will repeat as NBA’s MVP in 2015
Remember back when Kevin Durant was playing for the Seattle Supersonics and he was bright-eyed and lanky? Remember that same 19-year-old who was out of position and was forced to play shooting guard? It has been said that first impressions last the longest, but Durant has been given a chance to make amends, as we’ve watched him grow into the superstar that he is today.
Simply put, Durant is the best player in the NBA.
"“Anyone who sees him has a date with his maker” – Duo Maxwell"
That is the best way to describe his game. On the court, Durant has the killer instinct of the “God of Death,” which is why the Slim Reaper moniker fits him perfectly.
The Reaper put up numbers that were almost unheard of last season, including a streak that had him record 25 points or more in 41 straight games, the third longest in NBA history. In addition to that streak, he also scored 30 points in 12 straight games.
One of the games that opened up the eyes of the NBA realm was when Durant recorded a statline of 51 points, 7 assists, 12 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal in an overtime game against the Toronto Raptors in Canada.
Offensively, Durant is second to no one in the league. His deadly jumper torments opponents till their grave and defenses have still not found a way to combat his amazing scoring prowess.
During his historic MVP season, Durant posted a 29.8 efficiency rating which led the NBA. Furthermore, he led the league in minutes played, field goals made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, scoring, usage percentage, offensive win shares and win shares.
People tend to forget that Durant is only 25 years old and is still getting better. It is scary to think that he could become an even better player, as the Reaper is now beginning his prime.
One category that Durant improved on that often goes unnoticed is his assists totals. During January alone Durant became the first person since Michael Jordan to have over 550 points and 90 assists in a month.
It should be no surprise if the best player in the NBA repeated as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. We are all in anticipation of how well the Slim Reaper will follow up his historic season, because Durant has the ability to not only have a season like last year, but even better.
Next season, as Durant continues to get better, he will have a greater impact than he did last season. The one aspect that he can improve on would be his defense. With his wingspan and athleticism he could be a nightmare for forwards and perimeter players.
Though he will continue to get better on the defensive side of the ball, he is already serviceable. He can rebound well and he still causes problems for the man he is guarding. The energy that he displays on defense is good enough to make a substantial impact.
Offensively, as good as Kevin Durant already is, his game will soar to even new heights when he adds more strength and develops a lethal low post game.
His greatest competition in the NBA landscape for the MVP award will obviously come from LeBron James. Despite James talent, Durant does more for his team than the Cavaliers will need of James.
Remember when Durant came to Miami in an anticipated match-up against the former MVP, and how dominant he looked against LeBron?
(the shot at 54 seconds, sick)
In addition to James, Derrick Rose seems to look healthy and will also be one of the most valuable candidates.
Next season it will be a fun race for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Trophy but the rest of the league might as well concede and get ready to give it to Kevin Durant, because the way he plays the game is on a different level. To paraphrase Gundam Wing:
"“No one sees the Slim Reaper and lives to tell about it.”"