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Golden State Warriors: Kevin Durant is not an All-NBA first team lock

By Nathan Beighle

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 120-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 120-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors’ forward Kevin Durant is not a lock to make the All-NBA first team.

Two years ago, the Golden State Warriors were gifted with the presence of Kevin Durant. Since then, they’ve won back-to-back championships. Now, they’re watching Durant possibly have the best season of his career.

He’s been playing so well that Stephen A. Smith recently called him the league’s best player. However, just because Stephen A. loves Durant doesn’t make him a lock to be on the All-NBA first team.

Durant got the first-team selection last season. But, we must remember that year-over-year adjustments are made by teams.

Toronto brought in Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio and halted him as their main go-to option. Milwaukee, another top Eastern Conference team, has seen Giannis Antetokounmpo mature into quite possibly the league’s best player.

The combination of those three will make it extremely difficult for those nominated the athletes.

For Durant, he’s in the middle of arguably his best NBA season. While his scoring is actually under his 27.1 points per game average, Durant is averaging a career-high 5.7 assists. He’s been more than just a scorer this season.

Is it enough to take down either Kawhi or Giannis though?

Kawhi, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging a career-high 27.0 points per game, 0.2 more than Durant. He’s also averaging a career-high 7.3 rebounds per game to go along with 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals.

The one that should be a lock over both Durant and Kawhi is Giannis. Averaging OVER 27 points and 12 rebounds per game, Giannis has taken over as the East’s best player, helping create one of the most dynamic offenses in the NBA.

Both Giannis and Kawhi captain a top Eastern Conference team. They, for the most part, do it alone as well. Earlier this season, when Durant was alone with Thompson, the Dubs went 1-5 in six games.

Durant has since turned it, recording the most efficient game of his career. But, that insanely efficient play over the last few weeks doesn’t quite dub him as a lock to be on the All-NBA first team.

Next. Ranking the top things that will step in the way of 3-peat. dark

There’s competition, and we may need to see a bit more from Durant before being confident in his first-team odds.

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