Derrick Rose: Kevin Durant Is Front-Runner For MVP

Reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose said Friday he believes Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is the front-runner for this year’s award, according to ESPN.com.

“KD is playing great,” Rose said. “I’m hearing about what he’s doing, hearing about how he’s playing. The numbers speak for itself, how he’s working out this summer, and he’s playing great basketball.”

This season, Durant is averaging 27.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Thunder, who lead the Western Conference. According to ESPN, the race is between Durant and LeBron James, who is averaging 26.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.