The Virtuous MVP
The NBA awarded twenty-five year old Kevin Durant the 2014 regular season Most Valuable Player Award and, by now, most of you have watched and listened to his emotional acceptance speech. If not, maybe you should. His basketball talents are unique and outstanding, and his ability to score the ball is lethal, yet seemingly effortless. From the day he entered the league with the Seattle Supersonics and won as Rookie of the Year with that now-defunct franchise, he was ultra-talented. But, he has since grown tremendously, basketball-wise, and, along the way, it seems he has become worldly-wise, too.
Durant is not the most articulate fellow and he doesn’t issue quotable quotes as many of his fellow players do. However, his speech, interrupted by sobs and tears, although not delivered in a straightforward manner, but mostly in short phrases shot out after some deep thought, spoke volumes about his character. The speech was well thought of, but not well-rehearsed. He knew what he wanted to say, but he obviously did not formulate how. That is what makes it so touching, so real, so raw that it touched us deep inside. It told us that KD, despite the serious face, the propensity at times for foul language, and the killer instinct, is a virtuous man.
Throughout his speech, Durant revealed his true character. He introduced himself to those like us, who do not really know him, to get to see the inside of him. He showed humility when he admitted he was nervous before he began, and several times throughout when he let his tears flow in front of everyone. He acknowledged that veteran teammate Derek Fisher taught him that there is always room to get better. Despite his lofty status, he admitted he was not always right and that he was not always the best leader, best shooter, or best player. He thanked the young players on his team, telling them that, “You elevate my game.” He admitted he could not be the MVP without the help of so many others.
He showed sincerity and gratefulness, and even respect for God, a rare thing nowadays where he’s from, when he acknowledged Our Lord for giving him life, a life that he acknowledges is just “a platform to inspire people.” He thanked every single one of his teammates, from Hasheem Thabeet, to Fisher, to Nick Collison (his long-time teammate since Seattle), to the other veterans, the “young guys”, and his fellow All-Star, Russell Westbrook. He had an anecdote about each of them, but he thanked them for blessing his life in one way or another, for outward acts they had done for him, as well as for things they did that they did not know had an effect on him. He acknowledged they have his back, and he declared he had theirs as well. He told of his appreciation for the team owners, management and coaches, the OKC fans, and even the staff members (yes, he remembered them), and he meant it.
Durant showed his sense of humor and playfulness, poking jokes at his teammates, showing child-like spirit when he declared how much he loves the game of basketball, but would turn serious when he talked about the hardship he and his family went through. He related how, in his mind, there were times he fell, but he got up every time, exhibited fortitude, and kept on fighting, and declared that he is still standing even if he went through “the toughest times.” He exhibited selflessness when he related how his ambition was to become a “rec league coach," so he could stay in the community where he grew up and “help the kids out.” He can probably fulfill that dream when his playing days are over, which will not be anytime soon.
His love for family and respect for his mom, above all others, particularly stood out. He told of hardships his family went through, but was proud of how far they had all come together. He mentioned how his brother Tony “beat him up,” and thanked him. He acknowledged his dad’s daily texts of Bible verses. He called his mom the “real MVP,” appreciating how she pushed him to be better, and how hard she sacrificed in the process. She is clearly the most important person in the world for him. As we celebrate Mothers’ Day this coming Sunday, 11 May 2014, we surely echo Durant’s sentiments and appreciate that one lady in our lives without whom we all would not be where we are.
Surprisingly, and refreshingly, Durant remembered to end his acceptance speech by again thanking God, “the first and the last, alpha and omega,” for “saving his life.”
The genuineness of his words was apparent. There were no theatrics, no forced emotions. He gave perhaps a longer speech than MVPs past, because he was spontaneous, truthful, and honest, and he let his emotions flow. He may have expected to win the award, but he surely didn’t show it. There was no arrogance, no sense of entitlement shown on his part. The conferring of the award, and his acceptance of it, was pure and unadulterated. For that, surely KD made many, many more fans. Despite his accomplishments at such a young age, Durant has managed to get better every year as a player and, judging by the content of his speech, also as a person.
Congratulations, KD, Season MVP! Now, bounce back and go win a ring.
You can follow Charlie on Twitter @CharlieC.
