Kevin Durant names player who will control the NBA for 'the next 10-12 years'

“I've been in this league a long time now and I know when it's a passing of the guard,” Durant said after Wednesday’s practice. “I know when the young dudes are going to come in and do the same thing the older guys are doing. He’s one of those guys that’s likely going to control the league for the next 10, 12 years and be a staple in our game and the history of our game.”

The Suns veteran supported Tatum in the MVP race, saying that being the best player on the best team should mean something. 

“His consistency all year,” Durant said while explaining what makes Tatum a legit candidate. “Putting up a high number of points. Stats matter when it comes to MVP. His team is winning games, most importantly, by a landslide. The record factors into it. He’s had MVP-caliber seasons the last few years, too. So, it’s just a matter of your narrative at this point.”

The Suns and Celtics are set to face off Thursday at TD Garden, with Durant and Co. set to take revenge after losing to the Celtics a couple of days ago at home. 

With the NBA playoffs getting closer by the day, Phoenix needs to start racking up wins if it wants to avoid the play-in tournament and advance to the first round of the postseason. 

Durant is trying to relive old glories with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal by his side, while Tatum is still looking for that first NBA championship, supported by a well-rounded Celtics team. 

Tatum is averaging 27.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this season. 

If the Celtics keep the pace, Tatum would have a solid chance to win MVP, but Nikola Jokic is playing at a high level and right now, it doesn't seem like he's losing the longed-for prize.