NBA world, early 2026 drama is heating up! Kevin Durant, at 37 in his debut season with the Houston Rockets, is balling out: averaging 25.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.5 APG with elite efficiency, propelling the Rockets to a 21-10 record and the No. 3 seed in the West. Yet, KD’s name is nowhere near the top 10 on the official Kia MVP Ladder (as of early January 2026)! Even with Nikola Jokić sidelined (hyperextended knee, out at least 4 weeks and risking the 65-game threshold), the door’s wide open – but not for Durant.
Rich Paul – LeBron’s Agent – Calls It Out on Game Over Podcast
Powerhouse agent Rich Paul bluntly asked: “Why isn’t Kevin Durant’s name in the MVP race?” He suggested part of it boils down to nationality: American players sometimes get unfairly penalized for sustained excellence. Paul drew parallels to LeBron James, arguing all-time greats face voter fatigue even at elite levels.
Paul stressed: Stats and team success should dominate, but narratives and perceptions often override. For KD – with just one MVP (2014) despite legendary status – it might be the same issue: Too familiar, too consistently great to excite voters.
Reality Check: Is There Really an American Bias?
The NBA community is divided:
Paul’s supporters: Recent MVPs heavily favor internationals (Jokić’s last three, Giannis, Embiid…). “Voter fatigue” hits long-time American stars like LeBron, KD, Kawhi (zero MVPs).Critics: Nationality shouldn’t – and doesn’t – factor in; it’s pure performance. KD overlooked perhaps because Rockets are a “new contender” (traded for him summer 2025), narrative not “hot” enough, or voters love fresh stories like Shai or Luka.
Jokić’s absence could disqualify him (65-game rule), boosting KD’s chances. But as Paul points out, will an “American all-time great” get fair shake?
Rockets fans & hoop heads, what’s your take? Is KD getting robbed due to American bias, or just weak narrative? Top 5 lock by season’s end?