2. Kevin Durant
The Brooklyn Nets have been on a small rollercoaster to begin the season. Yes, their record at 15-6 says otherwise but the team has had their share of struggles. Kyrie Irving is showing no signs of returning to the team and James Harden had his share of struggles early in the year. But the one factor that has remained consistent is Kevin Durand continuing to lead the way for the Nets.
With Irving possibly not returning to the team, Durant understood that he had to take his game to the next level. Even as Harden continues to ascend through the season, it’s impossible to say the Nets are the top seed in the Eastern Conference without Durant’s impact. Kevin Durant is averaging 28.6 points per game on 54 percent shooting. Like Curry, Durant is a player who brings the best out of others. Because of his impact, players like LaMarcus Aldridge and other role players have been able to step up for Brooklyn.
It’s still a long season, to say the least. But Durant is continuing to prove that he is an MVP caliber player. With the circumstances the Nets have been faced with, Durant has continued to be a professional and carry the team on his back. It’ll be interesting to see where he can take Brooklyn from here.