When it comes to what truly defines the greatness of an NBA playerthe answer depends on who you ask. Appearing on the Unguarded podcast, Kevin Durant is in a perfect position to weigh in: he belongs to the exclusive group of just 36 legends who have won both a regular-season MVP and an NBA championship.
Asked which of the two achievements is more valuable, the Houston Rockets star gave a straightforward answer, placing the MVP award above the championship:
Why the MVP is worth more than an NBA title, according to Durant
Durant’s stance fits his career perfectly. The MVP he won in 2013-14 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he averaged 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists, was the peak of his individual careercapped by his now-iconic speech dedicated to his mother.
The two championships he later won with the powerhouse Golden State Warriors (2017 and 2018)despite also earning two Finals MVP awards, were frequently downplayed by critics because of the overwhelming strength of the team around him.
KD’s view directly contrasts with that of other legends such as Dirk Nowitzkiwho after winning the 2011 title with the Mavericks said that the MVP meant nothing compared to a championship. For Durant, however, the sheer rarity of the MVP – one player among hundreds every year – makes it the ultimate individual honor.
At 37, after another season averaging 26.0 points per game and earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team with the Rockets, Durant continues to display the same extraordinary class, leading Houston into the 2026-27 season with his usual hunger – and his usual share of controversial takes.
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