Still one of the top 5 basketball players, Kevin Durant. KD has shown that, despite a potentially career-ending Achilles injury and being 35 years old, he may also be able to mature gracefully, much like LeBron has. KD’s play is improving every year, and 2022 has demonstrated this.
After requesting a trade and failing to be moved, KD decided to focus on the Nets and be their leader. With Kyrie Irving returning from suspension and the Nets going on an incredible win streak in December, Pistons’ legend Isiah Thomas decided to commend Kevin Durant for his leadership and defensive improvement.
Hall Of Famer Isiah Thomas on @KDTrey5:
“He’s become a much better teammate in terms of his leadership during this tough period of time…
He had to solidify them a def unit & he had become the leader of the defensive unit.”#Netsworld #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/aTpe13DSwZ— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) December 29, 2022
“When you combine great offense with good defense and it’s all been led by Kevin Durant. Not only does he block shots around the basket, he’s rebounding the basketball and he’s playing with such energy. Not only is he playing with great energy, he’s become a much better teammate in terms of his leadership over this period of time. When you look at the chaos they went through and how he had to pull everyone together and then he had to become the leader of the defensive unit as well as be the offensive powerhouse he is. It’s remarkable.”
KD is averaging 29.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks this season.
Has Kevin Durant Proven The Nets Are Championship Contenders?
The Nets didn’t look like title contenders at the start of the season. The team was barely above .500, fired their coach, and saw their second star embroiled in an anti-Semitic controversy. However, the team toughed that part out and is now among the best teams in the league.
The Nets could realistically become champions this season, as nobody doubted the quality of the roster. Given how unpredictable this team is, we have to be cautious about their success. However, if they can keep this level up, they might be right in the mix against teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
Source: yardbarker.com
