Kevin Durant Has Perfect Response for Those That Question His All-Star Selection

Many have questioned if Kevin Durant belongs in the NBA All-Star Game this season.

The reigning MVP has only suited up for 22 of his team's 49 games, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently sitting outside of the Western Conference playoff picture.

ESPN's J.A. Adande further explains the issue of including Durant in next weekend's exhibition:

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His inclusion gets more astounding the more you think about it. He's played at an All-Star level (25 points, 39 percent on 3-pointers), he just hasn't played often enough to keep the Thunder among the top eight in the West. The Thunder could turn into the most disappointing story of the season, and even though it's not Durant's fault, he's the main reason behind it. Not exactly a strong case for an All-Star spot.

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To be clear, Durant was entirely OK with not making the team. The Thunder star told reporters, "I don't need the All-Star vote to validate me as a player. I've been on All-Star teams before. I've done things in this league. I don't need that to validate me."

However, now that the coaches have voted him in, he doesn't want to hear anything from the haters.

“I don’t want anything to ever be given to me because a lot of guys deserve it in this league,” Durant told NewsOK's Anthony Slater. “But the coaches have to prepare for me a different way I guess when I’m in the lineup."

Don't think he's worthy? Play him for it.

[Anthony Slater, J.A. Adande, Michael Wallace]