Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant had a very good 2015-16 season. He didn't play quite at the level of his 2013-14 MVP season—that will be hard to replicate—but he was one of the league's best players nonetheless. Durant finished fifth in MVP voting, right behind his teammate Russell Westbrook.
In an ideal world, it would make sense for the top five MVP vote-getters to make the All-NBA First Team. Of course, positional overlap doesn't allow for such a smooth transition. Inevitably, someone from a weaker position (take DeAndre Jordan at center this year as an example) makes the first team over a much better 2 or 3.
Durant averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game this year, and he and Westbrook led the Thunder to an impressive 55-27 record in Billy Donovan's first year as head coach. His accomplishments have been amplified by the Thunder's surprising postseason run, as they currently lead the historic Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals.
Durant (452 votes) missed out on a forward spot behind LeBron James (637) and Kawhi Leonard (575), and it'd be hard to argue James or Leonard belonged the second team. The Thunder forward also received fewer first-team votes than Draymond Green.
As always, Twitter had some thoughts.
@royceyoung This is disrespectful. He's the best player in the world.
@royceyoung he averged 28 8 and 5 that hasnt been done since MJ! Also he was second in PER
This is ridiculous
@royceyoung calling the return of the Slim Reaper tonight. 40 spot by KD, minimum.
Congratulations to @KDTrey5 for his Second Team All-NBA selection. I do believe he had a First Team-worthy year. pic.twitter.com/9lglBVF0lE
@UpTheThunder @KDTrey5 You can keep your first team and MVP, all we want is the ring. Don't mean a thing without the ring.
@UpTheThunder @KDTrey5 how do you average 28 8 5 and not make the 1st team
@UpTheThunder @KDTrey5 the Kawhi Leonard love affair continues *sigh* KD should be first team.
Kevin Durant mess around and go for 50 tonight since they ain't put him on 1st team
DeAndre Jordan makes the 1st team all NBA over Anthony Davis, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant! This is a travesty!
😬😳 YOU'RE KIDDING. They left out the future NBA finals MVP @KDTrey5 ????? Deandre has no business being on there. https://t.co/b1PLtTSBkb
All I have to say about the All-NBA selections @KDTrey5 pic.twitter.com/pGigi59svp
“@BasedChasen: Fam Deandre really made first team all NBA over Kevin Durant?”
Dummy KD is a forward and DJ is a center.
Kawhi Leonard getting 1st team instead of Kevin Durant is truly mind boggling
@russwest44 they voted you in fourth place for the MVP. @KDTrey5 you ain't on the all NBA first team. They disrespecting yall. Get this chip
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