Team USA Basketball 2014: Kevin Durant Thinks Anthony Davis is 'Next MVP'

Kevin Durant's personal opinion on who he thinks is the next NBA MVP holds a lot of weight considering that he is the reigning one.

In an article by Bleacher Report, Durant was asked who he believes would succeed him as MVP. The OKC forward replied that Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans would be his bet. He said, "I know how good [Davis] is going to be. I know how good he is now, but I know how good he's going to be. He's an MVP-caliber player. So he's next. He's next in line - a guy that has grown so much in just a year."

Durant replied to a text message sent by Davis, congratulating him on his MVP trophy, "You on your way to get it."

Durant shared how he observed that the center has excellent work ethics and he's getting bigger and more confident in such as short time. He also said that he is good friends with Davis and that he watched him play in high school. He described that he is "excited" for the continuous growth of Davis as a player and that the latter's developments are "scary".

According to USA Today, Coach Krzyzewski also said that he believed that Davis has the talent and size to be among the best in the league. When he was training the 2012 Olympic team, he said about Davis, "We are going to have to have active bigs. Our main guy is Anthony Davis and we will see who else fits in."

From 2012 to 2014, Davis' points per game increased from 13.5 to 20.8. His rebounds per game increased from 8.2 to 10.0 and his blocks increased from 1.8 to 2.8. Davis is 6'10" and plays center or power forward. He has great basketball handling skills and hits accurate jumpers too. His defense continues to improve through the years. He is only 21 years old but is one of the most experienced young players in the NBA today. Monty Williams, head coach of the Pelicans said, "I think Anthony had the luxury of his first time with the national team just being a guy who was talented enough to be on the team, but he didn't have the experience, so he didn't know what to expect. I think now he knows what to expect. You want to see him take on a bigger role as a performer on the court. But also understanding what (Krzyzewski) wants him to be, as far as becoming a young leader on the team."

With more confidence and bigger leadership roles, Davis is expected to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to new heights in his third year in the NBA.