As an active NBA player, I don’t have a vote for league MVP. But if I did, it would go to Kevin Durant.
I unequivocally believe that Kevin has earned that honor this season, and it’s not because he’s going to win the scoring title again. He has provided a MVP-caliber performance on both ends of the floor, and in his approach to the game.
We’ve been sitting at or near the top of the Western Conference, the toughest conference in basketball, for the entire season. That’s due in large part to KD.
Kevin put our team on his back during a stretch when our second best player, Russell Westbrook, was out. During that period of time, we won 20 of our 27 games. That’s the stretch that people should use to measure whether or not this is Kevin’s year to win the MVP.
He’s made an adjustment to do a little bit less since Russell’s been back, but statistically, he’s still doing the same things. He’s performed at the level of consistency that an MVP winner performs at. He’s scored the ball, he’s rebounded, he’s defended, he’s assisted, he’s facilitated, and he hasn’t taken any nights off.
This streak he’s on of consecutive 25-point games is proof of that. For any player, any time you’ve done something that is in the realm of what Michael Jordan did at any time in his career, it says a lot about what you’re doing, and how you’re performing.
I don’t know how much that Kevin really thinks or cares about that streak, but it says a lot about who he is. He always comes out trying to play at the highest level he’s capable of playing. Regardless of the opponent, regardless of the situation, regardless of which guys are in the lineup for us or in the lineup for the other team, Kevin’s going out there to be the best player on the floor.
He’s had some of those signature MVP performances that separate him from the other guys who might be in the MVP race — most recently, his 51-point performance in Toronto in double overtime. It was amazing to play in that game, and see his ability to get to that level, especially when we really needed a win.
That’s the main difference in Kevin from last year to this year. This year, he’s in a great place in terms of his composure and poise. Last year, he was wound so tight, he was almost playing with a tension and stress level that was always right on the edge of being too much. This year, he’s consciously done things in a way that have brought that tension and stress level down.
But it’s not as though he’s removed himself or disconnected. He’s still very impassioned and competing hard. He’s still getting technical fouls. But you can see and feel in his daily routine that everything is designed to keep things on an even keel: don’t get too high, don’t get too low. He knows that if he trusts his daily preparation, things will be fine.
It’s a delicate balance and impossible to measure, to be honest. You have to be right on that edge to get the most out of yourself and your teammates. That’s what I’ve noticed from other great players I’ve played with. Kobe and Shaq come to mind.
That line is as fragile as you’ll ever find. You can’t omit the highest levels of passion and competitiveness when you’re playing at an elite level. But at the same time, there’s a level of composure and poise that you must have in order to handle the rising stress. You can’t be an emotional wreck. You can’t be over the edge psychologically and emotionally. That won’t allow you to be able to manage things and let things go — let a bad call go, let a few missed shots go, let a bad quarter go, let a bad playoff loss go, and move on to the next thing.
Kevin has been able to find that balance. There’s an ease and efficiency that he plays with that gives you the impression or the perception that he’s not trying too hard. But that also is reality. He’s just doing what he does, playing his game and doing the things that he’s capable of doing. I think people appreciate the level of humility that he approaches his success with. That’s why so many people value and respect what he brings to the game — not just for our team, but to the NBA as a whole. He’s not going overboard. He’s not trying to win the MVP.
He is the MVP.
LOVE IT!!! Great blog, Derek. Especially love this line: “He’s not trying to win the MVP. He is the MVP.”
🙂
THUNDER UP!!!!!
Great punch line!
Hi Fish. I’m the 40 yr old who asked you to stay in OKC at the Season Ticket event. This is spot on! If KD doesn’t win the MVP, the award will no longer have value! Keep lighting ’em up with those 3’s! Thanks for being so important to our team!!!
KD MVP THE BEST! !
As a die hard Miami Heat fan I could always make the argument for Lebron but as an NBA fan I can tell you KD is close he has had such a balanced year so far and heading into the playoffs with his game playing ability right now is exactly what OKC needs to make more than just a little thunder in Play off storm. I do believe he deserves MVP but i do not think he has the ability to win a championship this year. Good read though by Derek Fisher who btw has always been one of my favorite players.
Very well said I don’t see how anyone could not vote for Kevin THUNDER UP
Kd MVP all day
Well said Fish! Love having you on the team. You’re awesome in many ways.
MVP KD!!!
boom !!!! “he’s not trying to be the MVP . HE IS THE MVP!!!!”
Great article Derrick: I believe KD should get the MVP award. He means so much to OKC. He does alot for the team. Lebron has won it before. I believe KD should have won the MVP award last year.
D-fish! Nailed it! By the way you are in incredible shape and play a huge role for the thunder, not only with your leadership, but your spurts of scoring really keep the thunder roaring!
D. Fisher, I agree 100% with you on KD’s season of basketball. One of the greatest I’ve seen in my lifetime. I would also like to add that the PLAYERS and Coaches should have a vote on the League MVP and not the “Press”
Right on Fish. So nice to hear the viewpoint of one of his team mates. Love KD. Love you and the Thunder. Nit has been an awesome season and so much fun to watch. Thanks for all the good times.
Well Fisher Thank You KD is one of the best this year I love KD game and yeah He has mature at the Nba game and yes you are the reasone why I watch nba FIsher and yes KD deserve MVP and you need that 6th ring to because you brought a lot of great thinks to the game of basketball and nba go Thunder MVP and champion of 2014
KD has been doing so much (as others have too – not to exclude any if them!!) since Westbrook was not in the lineup! He held the team on his shoulders and helped the younger ones to mature. He seems to be a gracious man on and off the court. Love it – love it – when he’s on the bench applauding everyone for their good efforts and encouraging them on the not so good times! I hope he stays with us for many years – and I hope YOU stay longer as well! The team needs your wisdom!
Well spoken D. Fisher, however don’t sell yourself short big guy.. it is players like yourself that have helped KD sore to the heights he is. It is your dedication and willingness to be there for KD whenever needed. THANK YOU for being a part of the OKC THUNDER!! I pray you stick around for a long time. Prayers for you and yours!
Love it!!! Now that we know that KO is the MVP. It’s time to focus on winning the title.
I totally agree with Christy. Your leadership skills are bar none. You are a true role model not only for the Thunder, but for our children. I love your attitude and humbleness. You Rock Derek!!!
Love it!!! Now that we know that “KD” is the MVP. It’s time to focus on winning the title.
Iron sharpening Iron.
I so agree with everything you stated. Kevin Durant is no doubt, without question my favorite play since MJ and I will be tremendously disappointed if he does not win MVP. It is much deserved for his actions on and off the court.
Keep up the good work and you are mvp. Don’t forget that.
Wow, well written and so humble.. Thanks for all you do for the Thunder!! I remember meeting KD at Russell’s house his first month here.. He was so shy and so tall I asked if he played center ?? How neat it is to know I met the future MVP and know how humble and hard working he is. He is a true role model and know we love all the Thunder!!
Thanks D-Fish for that plug, hope all is well with you and your family. Like someone said its just not the same not seeing you in the purple and gold.
Well said Fish! Totally agree with everything you said. BTW, OKC LOVES and values you! You are the heart and soul of this team! Stay forever!
Thanks for a great blog. I am 100% in on this one. To see how he approaches all aspects of the business is amazing. The way he says hello to folks sitting court side during warm up or waiting to say hi after the game. KD is as real a man as you can get. We are lucky to have such a great group of men you included calling yourselves the Thunder. Many blessings to you and the rest of the team stay healthy!
Very well said. I agree with everything you said about KD. The amount of respect and teamwork the entire team displays for each other is surely a huge factor in KD’s success this season. I commend you ALL. Your experience and leadership is just what we needed in OKC. I oftentimes forget how young of a team we actually have (in terms of age) when I see the maturity level and how they handle themselves; especially Kevin. MVP title or not, he’s an MVP to me and countless others who love and respect him. Love the THUNDER! I wouldn’t change a thing. Much respect to you and what you bring to this team. Derek you are a role model for this great sport of basketball…it counts!
Well said D Fish! KD is the best, and a real class act. I’d also like to thank you for being a part of the Thunder. We have been truly blessed to have you in OKC. Just remember, 39 is the new 20!!! We’d love for your to reconsider retiring! Just sayin….
Great blog, Derek! I agree 100%. KD *is* the MVP! I’ve enjoyed all of your blog posts and am so glad you’ve been with the team all of this season. 🙂
I know this is about KD and i totally agree with you Derek, but olease let me say that i thankful you stayed and the Thunder signed you this year, honestly what you bring to the team is Priceless…. And in some games without your made shots we would have lost. Again, Thank You Derek Fisher always a classy guy in and outside the court.
Think about it. Lance Stevenson is the MVP. Without him, the Miami Heat would actually have to be worried about beating the Pacers.
Well said Derek! Love KD but I admire you more! You sir are my favorite!
This is one of the reasons that we here in OKC love and respect you and as well as all of the Thunder players. Each of you support the other other players and repect each other no matter what. I came to OKC the same time that the Thunder arrived here. I have lived in the big market cities who have NBA teams but I never was into the game until I moved here. We here in OKC have watched these boys turn into great men and we are so proud of each of you on and off the court. My household is a house divided…my fiance is a diehard Laker fan and course I am THUNDER BLUE all the way…the only time there is any peace is when you are on the court we both cheer for you. We hope that you stay on with the Thunder for as long as you can. When the time comes that you leave we both agree head coach is in your future…you have so many qualities to offer. As for KD…it has been a pleasure to watch him and the others grow and become the best. You all are like our children and make us beam with pride as if you all are our own kids. Thank you again…
I couldn’t have said It better myself Derrick. I wish you would stay in the NBA longer but understand why it’s time foe you to go. You are a great player and great guy.
Fish, you are a class act and the prospect of you leaving the team greatly pains me. I know, however, you must follow your heart and do what’s right for yourself and your family. I did not have the privilege of watching you play during your early years in the NBA, you must have been a sight to behold. You continue to bring energy and sparks to the defense and watching you nail three pointers on offense takes my breath away. You will always have a soft spot in my heart. Oklahoma City has been privileged to call you one of our own. I know this blog entry is about KD and it exemplifies your selflessness and loyalty. Kevin is one of the greatest of all time who has rightfully earned his place in the record books. He is hands down the MVP this year and I trust that the voters will vote accordingly; any other choice would be an abomination. He has had an awesome supporting cast who helped him attain the accolades he deserves. The THUNDER ROCK!!!!!
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Well said….I know Kevin Durant doesn’t care about individual awards. But when you watch him play his butt off every game and give everything he has for our state, you have to want it for him. True okc thunder fans want him to be rewarded for his hard work and consistency this season, the humbleness doesn’t hurt either. He’s a special man.
I agree 100% with you on KD. The NBA has had many MVPs well deserved, but he is a class act we could go decades without seeing again. That said, he is a product of an awesome Thunder franchise that embodies what true team player means. I could not be prouder of a team for their display you included Fisher. Please stay. This group of guys could make history for the next 10 years. I’ve been a basketball junkie for nearly 44 years and have never witnessed anything this special. Thanks to all of you, and congrats to all of you.
Stay fish, stay. You’ll grow to love us okies.
FISH!!!!! Don’t leave us