3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Rank: No. 3
Position: Small Forward
Age: 27
Slash Line: .505/.391/.895
Season Averages: 36.1 MPG, 27.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.6 3PM
Kevin Durant is playing at an MVP-caliber level again, and there’s no rational way around that truth. He’s back to scoring at an efficient and explosive rate, has become an underrated defender, and is contributing well as a facilitator.
The MVP award may be locked up in 2015-16, but Durant looks like he has a number of, “Best in the world,” seasons ahead of him.
Durant is averaging 27.9 points on a slash line of .505/.391/.895, which is just a hair away from the 50-40-90 club. He’s also pulling down a career-best 8.2 rebounds per game, is dishing out an average of 4.6 assists, and is sinking a career-high 2.6 3-point field goals per contest.
At No. 3 in scoring and No. 10 in 3-point field goals made, Durant is doing what he does best: putting up points from all over the court in an efficient manner.
Defensively, Durant is limiting opponents to 39.2 percent shooting from the field. He’s taking on players at his position, is facing more than 11 field goal attempts per game, and is one of the most dynamic two-way players at this level.
Durant may not be mentioned as often as he used to be, but he’s still one of the best players in the NBA.
Next: No. 2