Kevin Durant has proven over his career of 15 years that he is one of the best players in the NBA. He’s a former MVP, multiple-time scoring champion, and Finals MVP, along with being one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game. KD’s last season with the Brooklyn Nets ended in disaster after a year full of challenges that weighed too heavy on the Nets in the Playoffs as they were swept by the Boston Celtics.
KD getting swept was one of the reasons that he has fallen in the eyes of many. ESPN just named him the 8th best player in the NBA heading into next season. While the 7 players ahead of him are sensational, it is hard to say KD has fallen on such hard times within just one season after being ranked first on the same list last year.
NBA fans were not happy at all when they saw how KD was ranked by ESPN, arguing over his position on Twitter.
ESPN has Kevin Durant ranked as the 8th best player in the NBA next season.
Too high, too low, or just right? pic.twitter.com/V0B8JosF87
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 22, 2022
Too low
— Blake🍢 (@blakeKD7) September 22, 2022
Disrespectful
— Jake Pasquale (@philly_district) September 22, 2022
Is they on crack ???😂 KD at 8?? Fire them immediately.
— Breeze♟️ (@KiddRichh22) September 22, 2022
Too low. No shot he isn't top 5.
— bryce (@cantguardbryce) September 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/NetGoalz_Matt/status/1573008950433386498
Just because you get swept does not mean that should affect your personal ranking. Kobe got swept. Shaw got swept. Bron got swept. Jordan got swept. Magic got swept… etc!!! All the greats have been swept and came back the next season still top 1-5. Lol
— phil allen (@chefphilcooks) September 22, 2022
I’m not even a KD fan and this so disrespectful lol
— Geeked (@StrictlyGeeked) September 22, 2022
Saying that 7 people are better at basketball than him is hilarious but ESPN is getting their clicks I’m sure…
— Brock (@AgentZero_98340) September 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/TrolledByVic/status/1573010550774169603
Is Kevin Durant Past His Prime?
A conversation that many people have started having after the 2022 playoffs was the longevity that Durant can have in the league. He is turning 34 in a week and is definitely in the latter half of his career. Is ESPN expecting his age to be a factor and start slowing him down?
We are watching Durant exist alongside LeBron James, who will turn 38 this season, so we know that modern players can age gracefully and maintain their effectiveness. A player like KD especially, considering how flawlessly he has bounced back from an Achilles tear. KD’s ability to shoot isn’t going anywhere, and that is what makes him most dangerous.
The players ahead of him are incredible, but KD hasn’t lost such a big step that he suffers such a demotion. Either way, all will be settled when the NBA season tips off and we can see him in action with the Nets after a troublesome summer.
