Kevin Durant, MVP of the Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant was the second pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the team now known as the, Oklahoma City Thunder. Picked after Greg Odon, who went to the Portland Trailblazers, Durant has grown into a star player in only his third year in the league. Along with his young teammates, Durant has the Thunder ready for their playoff debut. In a rapid turnaround from last seasons dismal record , (23-59), the young Durant has been an MVP for his team, and franchise since arriving in the NBA

After winning rookie of the year Durant's numbers have steadily improved, from the 20.3 points per game in 2007-2008, to his current 29.7 points per game, Durant has improved every phase of his game. The Oklahoma City forward is playing so well this year, he's garnered MVP buzz, not bad for a third year pro playing for a recently relocated franchise.

With their youthful talent, it was thought Oklahoma City would be a good team someday, but few thought that day would be now. With second year point guard, Russell Westbrook averaging 3 more assist per game over last year, and the continued good play of Jeff Green, the Thunder have a good young nucleus that should continue to lead them into the playoffs. While the complementary pieces are a necessary, the success of the Okalahoma City Thunder rests with the play of Kevin Durant.

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder are a perfect match. The Thunder was a franchise who needed an identity after moving from Seattle, after Durant's rookie year. In Oklahoma City, the franchise, and the face of the franchise have grown. A seemingly good young man, there have been no character issues to date regarding Durant.

In 2007, Oklahoma City (Seattle SuperSonics at the time), had a perfect draft. In one night the franchise put itself on the fast track to the playoffs, drafting Durant, and acquiring Green. The New Jersey Nets can only hope to duplicate that in the 2010 draft. If the Nets can draft a player the caliber of Durant, the franchise can move on from this nightmare season. Unfortunately for the Nets, there's only one Kevin Durant, and he's in Oklahoma City.

Sources:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4390/index.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3202
http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/year/2009