GERVIN to DURANT: Prolific Scorer to League's MVP

Meeting George Gervin on April 15th 

Last night, I received an opportunity of a lifetime at work, I was blessed with the opportunity to take a photo and meet George "IceMan" Gervin. That’s a pretty awesome way to start your shift off, wouldn’t you agree? For many who don’t know Gervin, he was considered one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA History. Gervin's trademark move was the finger roll, a shot in which one rolls the basketball along his or her fingertips. While others mimicked this style when shooting layups, Gervin was known to "finger roll" from as far as the free throw line. Gervin finished his career averaging (25.1) points per game, averaged (5.3) rebounds per game, and (2.6) assist per game. Added to those stats, Iceman posted over 25,000 career points and shot over (50%) during his tenure in the NBA. That’s simply amazing for the Hall of Famer and that’s why you simply can refer to Gervin as “The IceMan”. In the photo we took above, the 6'7 Hall of Famer was every bit of towering over my 5'11 frame, shook my hand and I had to give him a "finger roll" in his honor.  Being blessed with the opportunity of a life-time meeting one of the NBA's Greatest 50 Players of All Time immediately made me think of one of the league’s current starts on the court, Kevin Durant.  Durant, a player with the presence and stature that many fans and experts alike thinks of Gervin,  now in his 7th NBA season is continuing to reach new heights in his young but elite basketball career.  Approaching an unprecedented fourth scoring title by the age of 25 is remarkable for a kid who emerged from Washington D.C with a dream to just play basketball.  Just like Gervin, Durant also won the scoring title in three consecutive years before losing it to Carmelo Anthony last season however, that’s not the biggest story of this season for Durant as he’s on the verge of receiving another individual crown for the first time in his career as the current season is coming to an end.

Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with Reggie Jackson #15 after making a two-point shot with 12.6 seconds left against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 5, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 93-91.

This season, Kevin Durant took the NBA by storm in not just scoring, but player efficiency and everything else that comes with being an All-Star as well and in my opinion, the 2013-14 NBA Most Valuable Player. "Durantula", as many fans and experts refer to Durant posted  a career best (32.2) points per game this season, to go along with a career high (5.5) assists, and shooting percentages that are through the stratosphere, which catapults him as one of the deadliest scorers in the game today.  Durant's free throw percentage was (87%), as well as (39.4%) from behind the arc, and (50.4%) from the field are remarkable statistics. Kevin went on a scoring streak to remember, in which he scored 30 or more points for 12 straight games in mid-January.  During that stretch, he scored a career high 54 points versus Golden State.  In 41 games this season, Durant has posted at least 25 points or more in a game, which is better than the greatest player in NBA history, Michael Jordan.  Durant also delivered 40 or more points in 11 games this season, only one could lavish about.  His MVP run was key as the services of Russell Westbrook was not available for much of the season, so Durant had to carry the majority of OKC’s work load.  Not having a player like Westbrook will place you in position to do more for Oklahoma City and he accepted that challenge. Durant not only succeeded with his scoring; but helped other members of the Oklahoma City Thunder make a solid contributions and the development of some of their key young talents.  Kevin was quoted earlier this year saying, “He wants to be the best player in the league, he is tired of second place.  After the year K.D had for the Thunder there is no room for him at the top and a name plate on the coveted MVP award.

George Gervin and Kevin Durant

In conclusion, many of us know Kevin Durant’s ultimate goal is not just collecting individual accolades but to win a NBA title in his career and for the amazing Oklahoma City fan base.  Two years ago, he led the Thunder to a NBA Finals appearance; however, they were eliminated in five games to LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and the eventual two-time defending NBA champions Miami Heat in 2012. This season, Oklahoma City is currently (58-23) and will be the #2 seed out of the West in the NBA playoffs.  Without K.D. having such a remarkable season, the Thunder would not have won the Northwest division nor be in contention for another Finals run.  Durant's cool demeanor on the court, wing-span, and frame will take our older NBA fans back down memory lane.   Ever since Durant was selected #2 overall by the Seattle Supersonics, which moved to Oklahoma City a year later he has averaged at least 20 points per game each season.  Gervin was one of the most prolific scorers during his career in the NBA, scoring more than 40 points an amazing 74 times during his great career.  Unfortunately, Gervin never won a NBA championship; yet a 9 time All-Star, 4-time scoring champion, All-Star game MVP, and 5-time first team All-NBA selections later, he is still one of the most recognized players ever to play the game.  Kevin Durant will continue to win scoring titles, All-Star MVP awards, and be on first team All-NBA teams until his prestigious career is over, but will he ever have the coveted NBA ring?  The possibilities are endless for the young superstar as he may go down as the league’s all-time leading scorer one day.  One thing is for certain, the consistency he displayed this season on both ends of the court all season long is why Kevin Durant will be honored as the league's 2014 Kia Most Valuable Player, and the rest is yet to be written.