Even at the age of 35 and coming back from an Achilles injury, Kevin Durant is still one of the best players in basketball. Durant has been leading the Suns in the absence of their other stars. He has been so dominant so far this season that his former teammate is now rooting for KD after he was recently introduced into the MVP conversations.
The Phoenix Suns went all in this off-season. Even though the team has faced early struggles, they have stowed the ship behind the play of the Slim Reaper. But do you think he can win the MVP award? ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is certainly rooting for his former teammate.
Kevin Durant has a chance to win his second MVP award
KD previously won the MVP award in 2014. Exactly 10 years ago. That was his best season statistically to date. But surprisingly, in 2023, Durant is averaging almost similar numbers to what he did in his MVP season. He is currently averaging 31.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, and 7.1 RPG.
USA Today via Reuters
His dominance so far, with both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal missing games, has placed him in the MVP conversation. And who else is the right person to support Durant in this journey than his former teammate, who witnessed everything on the Oklahoma City Thunder? Kendrick Perkins recently shared a message in support of Durant entering the MVP conversation on social media.
Perk was on the team when Durant won his first and only MVP. But now, as a part of the media, the ESPN analyst is rallying behind the 2x champion to win his second MVP.
Kendrick Perkins wrote. “Kevin Durant has damn show entered that early MVP conversation!!! You can go argue with ya mama and Happy Thanksgiving. Carry the hell on…“.
https://twitter.com/KendrickPerkins/status/1727570572601946598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1727570572601946598%7Ctwgr%5E4ef2d27afd1ea5cf67c8d9abe5a9d4166add5486%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.essentiallysports.com%2Fnba-legends-basketball-news-go-argue-wth-your-mama-kevin-durant-receives-fierce-backing-from-espn-employee-for-chances-at-mvp-award%2F
But the most impressive feat has been his shooting. Over the first 15 games of the season, Durant is shooting 52% from the three with 4.5 attempts per game. This is an unreal number and something that would almost be impossible to sustain.
Notably, during his 2014 MVP season, KD averaged 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists. However, his 3-pointers were dropping at a 39.1% clip. Unbelievably, even Durant’s FG% from a decade ago is eclipsed by his current 3-point efficiency.
Of course, all this has led to people placing Durant in the MVP discussion. But he probably wouldn’t be carrying the same offensive load if the team was fully healthy.
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The struggles of the Suns helped Durant
Two of their star players, Beal and Booker, have missed many games with injuries so far this season. But Kevin Durant has been the one constant in the Phoenix Suns who has been leading the team through all their struggles.
His performance alone has elevated the team, and they currently sit at #5 in the Western Conference standings with a 9-6 record.
Bradley Beal is still expected to miss another 2 weeks before getting evaluated. So the timeline for his return is still unclear. But one thing that is perfectly clear is the fact that Kevin Durant is a great player, and the Phoenix Suns are not an easy team to beat.
