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NBA Player Power Rankings: All-Stars And Snubs Form The Top 20

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after the San Antonio Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-115 at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after the San Antonio Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-115 at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and forward Draymond Green (23) react during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic 118-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and forward Draymond Green (23) react during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic 118-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors

Position: Small Forward
Age: 28 (9/29/1988)
Experience: 10th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .543/.388/.868
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 26.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.7 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.0 3PM

The burden of the Golden State Warriors living up to the hype and winning the 2017 NBA championship rests on Kevin Durant’s shoulders. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have underwhelmed during the NBA Finals, which enabled LeBron James to take over in 2015 and 2016.

With reasonable doubt surrounding Curry and Thompson’s respective abilities to take over as scorers in the NBA Finals, Durant must prepare to take on that task.

Durant began this past week by going off for 32 points and seven assists on 12-of-19 shooting against the Houston Rockets. He then posted 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks in an exhibit of his versatility against the Orlando Magic.

For good measure, Durant picked up 33 points and four blocks on 11-of-20 shooting from the field during a win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Durant is No. 4 in the NBA in Real Plus-Minus and has developed into one of the best defensive players in the Association. He’s defending multiple positions, hounding ball-handlers, and has even emerged as a legitimate shot-blocker.

Golden State shockingly lost to the Miami Heat, but the Warriors have won eight of nine, which makes such a result rather meaningless. The Warriors are currently 39-7 and Durant is the best player on the NBA’s most powerful super team.