I mean Larry Bird came into the league and this is his finish in the MVP race each year:
4, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, 2. He then hurt his back in an era where they couldn't fix it.
Durant went:
No votes, no votes, 2, 5, 2, 2, 1, no votes, 5, 9, 7, 8
Despite a shortened career, Bird is 4th in the NBA all-time in MVP award shares. Durant is 16th.
They are/were both great shooters. But Larry was a better defender, better rebounder and better passer. I'm assuming you were too young to see him play.