The Changing of the Guard

Kevin Durant may just win this year's MVP award. 

What? No LeBron James, you ask?! 

Yes, I'm fully aware of the fact that it would be eerie, watching a professional basketball player not named Lebron James hoist the 2013-2014 NBA MVP trophy above his head as a tribute to a statistically exceptional season. 

But if there's going to be a changing of the guard, shouldn't the frontrunner be Durant?

James himself has certainly recognized "how consistent Durant has been this year". He's well aware that if Durant just so happens to win this season's award, he'd unquestionably deserve it. 

His offensive statistics are mind-boggling.

• He's on pace to win his fourth scoring title, which only five people have ever matched.
• He's scoring 32-plus points per game, which would be a personal best.
• He's carrying his Oklahoma City Thunder -- without Russell Westbrook for the most part of the season, mind you -- to the second-best record in the NBA.
• His torrid 41-consecutive game streak with 25-plus points, just passing the iconic Michael Jordan.

Additionally, Durant's defensive efficiency has tremendously improved.

Frankly, any time you pass Michael Jordan in anything, you need some sort of tangible recognition. 

Both James and Durant have been jockeying for that coveted award, and both are undeniably a part of the equation. 

However, Durant is by far the most deserving player, for this year, anyway. His play speaks for itself. Yes, Lebron threw up 61 points against the Bobcats to reassert himself as a threat for the honor, but Durant has been consistently dominant throughout this entire season. 

No qualms about it. Durant deserves this year's MVP. 

The question is: How is James going to respond next year? Or is there indeed a new sheriff in town?