The Brooklyn Nets’ offseason has been nothing short of dramatic, primarily because of the uncertain relationship between the front office, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving.
But with all sides reportedly now agreeing to continue with their partnership ahead of the 2022-23 season, some questions need to be asked.
For instance, are the Nets going to be title contenders following all this summer madness? Does either of Durant, Irving and Steve Nash make it through the season in Brooklyn?
But what I really want to know is — with all that has gone on between Durant and the organization this offseason, which KD will we get this season as he returns to Brooklyn? Will we get an MVP KD, similar to what we saw last regular season when healthy? Or are we in store for the KD we saw in the playoffs?
Kevin Durant has +900 MVP odds at Tipico Sportsbook
For over a decade, we’ve known Durant to show up, be basically un-guardable and torch your favorite team for 30 to 40 points. When healthy, those nightly outcomes have more often than not placed him on the short list of MVP contenders, even winning one in 2014.
At age 33, KD is still that guy. He averaged nearly 30.0 points per game last regular season on over 50.0 percent from the floor and almost 40.0 percent from deep.
He’s also had no major injury since the last time he showcased his dominance which wouldn’t suggest he’s going to be anything but his usual self in his age-34 season. So, why wouldn’t he be a safe bet (+900) to win MVP?
Kevin Durant may very well have an MVP-caliber season because he’s that good. But there are a few things to take into consideration before you hit “place bet.”
- This is going to be an awkward season in Brooklyn. It’s fair to wonder whether or not the offseason weirdness won’t impact the team’s and individuals’ overall performance in a negative way.
- The MVP race can sometimes be narrative-driven by the media, who also happen to be the ones that vote on this award. And as of now, it doesn’t seem like Durant (or Irving, or Simmons) is going to get that extra media push given what’s gone down recently.
- While KD hasn’t had any overly concerning injuries since the Achilles tear in 2019, he does have a knack for missing games throughout the season white lesser injuries. He missed 37 regular-season games in 2020-21 and 27 this past year.
Nets on Durant: pic.twitter.com/z7Wfr0KWdP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 16, 2022
In the end, don’t expect Durant’s production to dip much, and don’t count on him playing as poorly as he did against the Celtics in the playoffs — he’s still KD, don’t worry.
But don’t put your money on him winning the 2022-23 MVP, for all the reasons listed above.