Rockets' Kevin Durant seems hungry to win this award for the first time

The Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant has received a lot of accolades throughout his career. He's never made an All-Defensive team, and he thinks politics play a role in that.

"Politics play a role in all these awards. It's more than hoop."

- Kevin Durant

It's hard to say what politics Durant is referring to. For whatever reason, he seems to be suggesting that non-basketball reasons have kept him off All-Defensive teams.

That's interesting. It should pique the interest of Rockets fans. Durant would likely love to add an All-Defensive nod to his illustrious resume.

Has he ever deserved one?

Rockets' Kevin Durant has never been All-Defense worthy

Frankly, no.

Durant's career high in Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) is 2.2. That came with the Warriors in 2016-17. This was likely the apex of Durant's defensive impact. With so much offensive talent around him, he was able to put more effort into defense.

That's not a particularly high mark. If DBPM isn't your thing, Durant has never eclipsed 2.0 blocks or 2.0 steals per game. If stats in general aren't your bag, let's be honest:

Durant has never been an All-Defensive caliber defender.

That's just reality. Durant has always been a good defender. He's smart and uses his 7'0" frame to protect the rim from the weakside. Durant is also quick enough to guard wings. He's a stout stopper, but he's simply never been elite in any one defensive area.

Could that change in 2025-26?

Kevin Durant's Rockets role remains unclear

Remember how Durant did his best defensive work when surrounded by offensive talent?

About that...

In Houston, he'll be in a nearly inverse situation. The Rockets will have more defense around Durant than he's ever had before. That should insulate him on that end and allow him to focus his energy on doing what he does best - getting buckets.

So in some respects, he's never been less likely to add an All-Defense nod to his resume. Durant will likely have to accept that one, tiny blemish on his record.

But, to play devil's advocate...

Durant may be able to capitalize on his teammates' abilities. With Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith handling the tougher assignments, he'll have opportunities to freelance. Perhaps that will help Durant impact the game on defense more than he ever has.

It's a long shot. Durant's focus needs to be on leading the Rockets in scoring. Still, depending on how the season shakes out, there's an outside chance that he'll punch his first ticket to the NBA All-Defensive Third Team.

As long as the voters don't let politics cloud their judgment.