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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard Andrew Goudelock (0) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 118-110. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard Andrew Goudelock (0) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 118-110. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 5

Position: Small Forward

Age: 27

Slash Line: .507/.383/.897

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 2.5 3PM

The Oklahoma City Thunder are walking on egg shells when it comes to handling of Kevin Durant. Durant will have 30 options come free agency, as teams with and without the necessary cap space attempt to acquire the four-time scoring champion by any means necessary.

2015-16 makes it very easy to understand why the Thunder should be afraid of Durant leaving through free agency.

The fact that Durant is in his first full season since battling a recurring foot injury is overwhelmingly understated. Despite what’s certainly been an uphill battle, the 27-year-old is averaging 28.1 points per game on a slash line that’s dangerously close to 50-40-90.

It’s easy to overlook and forget, but Durant is No. 2 in the NBA in Win Shares and No. 3 in Win Shares per 48 minutes.

This past week, Durant recorded 31 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, 33 at the Houston Rockets, and 26 in 29 minutes against the Denver Nuggets. It was more of the extraordinary same from one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

The question is, can Durant lead the Thunder to an elusive championship before he enters free agency this coming summer?

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?