Before I get started, I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to Kevin Ware, his family, friends, and the entire University of Louisville contingent.
I don’t normally comment on articles submitted by fans but, after reading an article detailing how LBJ (Lebron James) has to be an all-around player for his team to be successful, I felt compelled to impart my knowledge onto the masses.
First off, let me start by correcting a few things about the whole Kevin Durant debate. While KD is undoubtedly the THIRD best player in the league, it’s just his unfortunate timing of being born in the wrong era. Lebron James is head and shoulders above everyone in the NBA at this point and is only getting better at the ripe old age of 28! Kobe Bean Bryant is without question the second best player in the league; with Durant following at a close third. For all of the critics who are going to come out of the woodworks with how great of a scorer Durant may be, when has being a great scorer translated into a player being ranked number one in the league?
George “Iceman” Gervin, Alex English, Adrian Dantley, Dominique Wilkins, Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony, and many more of the great scorers of all time, have never held the distinction of being the best player in the league at the time that played. They may have been mentioned in that conversation but they were never crowned at the “best” player in the league. In fact, none of the aforementioned players have ever been voted the league’s MVP during their run through the NBA.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
The fact of the matter is that Lebron James can impact a basketball game in a positive way without scoring a single point. His ability to be a playmaker, defensive stopper, and coach on the floor, makes him the clear cut winner of the best player on the planet. If Kevin Durant doesn’t score baskets in bunches for the Thunder, not only will they not win the game but they will probably lose in a major way; he’s just picking up his assist total after five seasons in the league.
Meanwhile, King James has been setting up teammates from day one. Did we forget his first NBA game in Sacramento? After grabbing a defensive rebound and heading out on a two on nothing fast-break, James stopped in his tracks to turn around and drop a pass off to then teammate Ricky Davis, who soared in for a ridiculous reverse jam!
Since day one people!
When the Heat play the cream of the crop in the NBA, it’s Lebron James who draws the opposing team’s top player on the defensive end. In the Finals last season while trying to defend Lebron James, Durant found himself sitting on the bench saddled with foul trouble. When Coach Brooks switched and put James Harden on James, he simply shot over the top of Harden time and time again.
His much improved jump shot doesn’t allow the defense to sag off him and let him hoist ill-advised threes anymore. His cat quick reflexes make him a nightmare in the passing lanes. His come-from-behind blocks, during a full court sprint, has made him a highlight film legend. His versatility doesn’t allow opposing coaches to game plan for him any longer. Durant has yet to show any flashes of these traits in his game yet. So when I hear someone try to defend the fact that James has been in the league longer than Durant, I simply point out the fact that Lebron has been doing this since day one.
Courtesy: USA Today
The playmaking, scoring, and defending. He took a no name, one superstar team (2007 Cavaliers) to the NBA Finals all on his broad shoulders alone. Durant would never be able to accomplish this simply because he’s not that complete as a player. We’ve all become so accustomed to his prowess on a night in and night out basis, that I truly think we’ve taken his greatness for granted.
Look at his career numbers. 27ppg 7.0apg 7.3rpg. Are you serious? The guy has averaged more assists per game for his career than Tony Parker, Jameer Nelson, Chauncey Billups, Russell Westbrook, Mike Bibby, and Gary Payton; all being name to the All-Star team at least once in their career.
Look at KD’s numbers and all that stands out glaringly is the scoring. He doesn’t impact a basketball game with his defense or his playmaking ability. Until he can be that complete player for multiple seasons, KD will always be THIRD best until Kobe Bryant finally hangs up his Nikes. PERIOD! Next time there’s going to be a Durant and Lebron comparison or debate, please research the facts thoroughly and carefully.
