USA Today via Reuters
Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) talks with forward Kevin Durant (7) during a free throw attempt by the Nets against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) talks with forward Kevin Durant (7) during a free throw attempt by the Nets against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets are the number one team in the East. Despite not having Kevin Durant for the majority of the season, they have barely faced any problems. James Harden and Kyrie Irving have done a phenomenal job in his absence, especially the Beard.
During a recent interview with ESPN, Durant was asked to comment on Harden’s statement that he is the MVP. He said, “The criteria change every day. It’s become an award that 7-10 guys can win it in a year. Can you sell his story outside of his play? There’s a lot of stuff that factors into it. But he’s playing at that level. And that’s really all that matters (that) he stays at that elite level.”
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These comments indicate Durant doesn’t care about the award. However, he is happy that Harden is playing at such a level. That is all that matters both to him and the team, because his performances have been crucial for the Nets. They had to give up a lot for him in the trade, and so far, it looks like a bargain.
Can Kevin Durant help James Harden get the MVP?
Since his time in Golden State, Durant has shown that when he plays alongside superstars, he gets the best out of them. He did that with Stephen Curry and perfectly complimented him and the other players on the team. That helped them to reach the Finals in each of those three seasons, where they won two titles.
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 10: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) smiles and high fives Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) after hitting a three pointer and getting fouled on the play during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets November 10, 2016 at Pepsi Center. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Once again, he is playing with superstars in Harden and Irving. And he knows they are a lot more ball-dominant, so he allows them to play their game while doing his thing side by side. Durant is known for his scoring but he is an underrated passer as well. He can help find good looks for his teammates and also help with smooth ball movement. So that will create better scoring chances for Harden.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) and power forward Kevin Durant (7) high five during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Bucks 125-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Beard is also the league leader in assists, and he’s likely to finish there since he has Durant alongside now to convert his dimes. Finally, having Durant on the team will help them stay number one in the East, which will be a big factor when it comes to MVP voting. So Harden has a good chance at winning the award while playing alongside Durant.
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