Kevin Durant not concentrating on MVP talk: ‘I’ve been there, done that’
Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant against Miami Heat forward Andre Iguodala and Trevor Ariza
Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant is not bothered about winning MVP this season.
The experienced forward requested a trade in the off-season but was unsuccessful in getting a move elsewhere.
Reports emerged that Durant wanted head coach Steve Nash out, and the former point guard was eventually sacked seven games into the season with the Nets 2-5.
While the Nets are a bit of a mess this season and look far off winning a championship, Durant has been excellent.
He is currently averaging 30 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 5.4 APG. The Nets are ninth in the Eastern Conference with an 11-11 record.
After an outstanding 45-point display against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Durant is firmly in the MVP conversation.
Kevin Durant tonight:
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) November 29, 2022
45 Points
7 Rebounds
5 Assists
2 Steals
2 Blocks
79 FG%
60 3P%
100 FT%
BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD ? pic.twitter.com/CQx73DUPrj
However, it is not something he is thinking about.
"Not really," Durant said. "I've been there, done that, to be honest, and I know it's gonna take a lot for me to be in that conversation.
"I just want the respect from our fan base, and I want them to have a good time when they come to the game, so if that's what strikes chants up is how I play from the fans, as long as they're having a good time.
"But I'm not too worried about accolades at this point in my career."
Durant was named MVP in 2014 during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He failed to win a championship with the Thunder and finally got a ring in his maiden season with the Golden State Warriors.
Durant's 2016 free agency move to Oakland was a controversial one after he lost to the Warriors in the playoffs and decided, if you can't beat them, join them.
The 34-year-old joined up with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green off the back of their historic 73-9 regular season.
Durant was named Finals MVP In 2017 and 2018 before an Achilles tear in the '19 Finals against the Toronto Raptors resulted in defeat in six games.
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