Even an NBA legend like Kevin Durant can feel overlooked! Despite his incredible resume, including multiple championships and MVPs, KD has never made an All-Defensive Team. He’s got a theory why, and it involves more than just basketball skills. What do you think truly goes into these awards?
Despite a decorated career that firmly places him among basketball’s all-time greats, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has openly expressed his belief that he deserved to be named to an All-Defensive team, hinting that external factors beyond on-court performance played a role in his repeated snubs.
Durant’s impressive resume speaks volumes, boasting two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, a league MVP title, and an astounding fifteen NBA All-Star selections. His offensive prowess is undeniable, making him one of the most prolific scorers the league has ever seen, consistently dominating opponents with his versatile scoring arsenal.
However, what often goes underappreciated is his significant impact on the defensive end of the court. During his peak, especially throughout his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, Durant showcased superb two-way play, demonstrating an ability to guard multiple positions, block shots, and disrupt passing lanes with his exceptional length and athleticism.
Reflecting on the situation, Durant candidly stated, “I feel like I could’ve made a few but there’s more than 10 great defenders in the league. Sometimes it’s just not enough space and some guys are more likeable than others. Politics play a role in all these awards. It’s more than hoop.” This sentiment highlights a common frustration among players who perceive the voting process for individual Basketball Awards as subjective and influenced by narratives rather than pure defensive merit.
His closest brush with an All-Defensive selection came during the 2017-18 campaign with the Warriors, a season where his defensive contributions were pivotal to the team’s championship success. Observers and teammates alike recognized his enhanced commitment and effectiveness on defense, making his omission from the All-Defensive Second Team particularly contentious.
Even former teammate Stephen Curry, a fellow NBA superstar, has publicly defended Durant’s overall impact, specifically in the context of his Finals MVP awards. Curry emphasized that Durant’s performances were “beyond well-deserved,” underscoring his complete game, which implicitly included his vital Defensive Player contributions during those championship runs, even if not formally recognized by the All-Defensive voting panels.
The consistent omission of an elite two-way player like Durant from the All-Defensive Team underscores a recurring debate in basketball circles: how are individual accolades truly determined? His comments about Politics in the voting process resonate with many who question whether popularity, media narratives, or specific team success weigh too heavily, overshadowing the nuanced defensive efforts of players.
As Kevin Durant continues his illustrious career, now with the Houston Rockets, the conversation around his defensive legacy persists. Despite the lack of formal All-Defensive recognition, his peers and analysts acknowledge his capability as a versatile and impactful defender, a testament to his comprehensive skill set that extends far beyond just scoring.
