Derrick Rose Says OKC Thunder's Kevin Durant Is This Year's NBA MVP

The reigning NBA MVP, Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, has given the ultimate seal of approval to Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant and his current campaign to be this season's MVP by acknowledging that Durant is the MVP as it stands today, according to ESPN Chicago.

Durant has more than Rose's approval to back up his MVP case, as he is putting up
27.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks so far this season while leading the Thunder to a Western Conference best 39-12—which is one spot of the NBA's overall best record held by Rose's Bulls at 42-11.

Rose told ESPN Chicago:

"

KD (Kevin Durant) is playing great...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.

"

Sure, Rose isn't the one choosing the next MVP recipient in the NBA, but having the reigning MVP vocalize his approval for Durant's case won't hurt in the long run.

Rose also acknowledged that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love is also having a tremendous season—Love is averaging 26.6 points, 13.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game—but his Timberwolves are 25-28 and not a playoff team.

If the Timberwolves were a playoff-bound team then the discussion between picking between the two Kevins would be a bigger deal, but Durant having the Thunder out in front in the West gives him the edge over Love.

So if the voters aren't swayed enough by the play of Durant and his title-contending team, maybe the backing of the current MVP will help Durant land the prestigious award he so blatantly deserves.