2013-2014 NBA Regular Season Awards
By Jason Gold
Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
MVP – Kevin Durant
With all due respect to the 4-time MVP LeBron James, Kevin Durant has been the best player in the NBA this season. James is still the best player in the world and the Miami Heat should probably be the favorite to win the NBA Title this season; however, this award belongs to the most valuable player of the season. That man, this year, is Kevin Durant.
Durant was a monster this season and narrowed the gap on the “Best Player in the World” title with James. Moreover, Durant proved himself to be one of the most dynamic scorers in the history of the NBA, which is something we probably already knew. Durant’s stretch during Russell Westbrook‘s absence due to injury was nothing short of remarkable. It was perhaps the most impressive scoring tear that the league has seen since Kobe Bryant’s run in 2005-06 when he averaged 35.4 ppg, scored 81 points in a single game, notched 28 40+ point games, and averaged 40+ ppg in two separate months (January- 43.4 ppg and March- 41.6 ppg). While Durant may not have scored at quite that level, he did carry and incredibly good Oklahoma City team through a stretch without Westbrook while averaging over 35 ppg for a four month stretch.
At age 25 Durant is going to average 32 ppg and earn his fourth scoring title. At 25!!!! That’s insanity. He’s also become a very solid defender and an above average rebounder for his position. Moreover, Durant is a ridiculously efficient volume shooter and will come close to matching his 50-40-90 percentage lines from last season, which is one of the most hallowed marks in basketball.
James has proved himself to be worthy of another MVP award and has carried the Heat while Dwyane Wade nurses his boo-boos for the playoffs; however, Durant has been the best player in the NBA this season and has ripped the MVP award from LeBron James’ hands. Believe me, LeBron did not give this award away. Durant EARNED it.
Vote: 1. Durant 2. LeBron James 3. Blake Griffin 4. Stephen Curry 5. Joakim Noah