Durantula vs King James

Ehsan Azad

Durantula vs. King James

                As preparations for game 2 of the NBA finals are underway tonight, Lebron James is probably thinking of a way to overcome Kevin Durant. Sadly, in the overall focus of their careers, James is still going to be looking up to Durant.

                Back in 2003, the sports world was convinced Michael Jordan’s heir was on the verge of joining the NBA. Lebron James was the high school kid that looked like he was 30 and dunking violently over small 15 yr olds in Ohio. The media pumped up his ego and the guy had the nerve to try to get the NBA to allow him to enter the draft before he graduated.  Eventually he graduated, and signed a massive $200 million dollar contract with NIKE. Talk about one heck of a graduation present. I only got $ 500. He got to stay close to home, with the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting him first overall in the 2003 NBA draft.  The rest is history. He was a three time MVP, multiple all start, and constantly on the All-NBA First Team. He got a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics and probably will get another one this summer.  So what’s not to like about King James? The answer is results. The reigning MVP has all the stats and glitz to establish his argument as one of the game’s best, but when it matters he hasn’t produced.  He led the cavs for 8 years and to a finals appearance.  Now, I won’t blame him for not succeeding in Cleveland, no one could with that talent that they surrounded him with.  But, what you can blame him for is his overhyped departure to the Miami Heat.  The stupid hour long ESPN special and counting the hypothetical trophies made him the ultimate villain in the NBA.  He made it so easy to hate him and hope for failure for him and the Heat. There is a reason why they became the most hated franchise in a matter of a summer. Now, we stand here two years later and the Miami Heat again find themselves down in the NBA finals to an unselfish player, who is clutch and humble.

                He decided to stay with the city that drafted him. He allowed the team to build around him through drafts and free agency to build a contender. He is humble and quiet. He is also killing it in the playoffs, and he has the clutch gene pouring through his blood. No, not Dirk, I’m referring to Durant. Kevin Durant has quietly gone from an intriguing player to the best in the world in a matter of just 6 years. He was considered a great player coming in, but didn’t have a sports network fixated on his every move. He just came to work every day. Then his franchise moved to Oklahoma City. Not really a glamour spot like LA or Miami, Durant sacrificed comfort for basketball. He quickly signed an extension to stay and why not.  He noticed the smart moved the team was making to build a contender around him. In a matter of time, OKC went from lottery team to legit contender in 4 short years. With a young team at its core, KD was smart enough to give it a chance. He rather play in Oklahoma and be a champion then lying on a beach with no ring.

Durantula, as he is known by fans, also is learning to become a true leader. One of the most unselfish players in the game, he always gets in position to make sure his team succeeds.  His work ethic is being compared to Jordan’s and his determination is highly impressive.  Oh don’t forget, when his team needs him, he always comes through.  Countless times in these playoffs, Durant has come up with big game winning shots.  Plus, how can you hate the guy? The guy hugs his mom during a game, believes in loyalty and stays quiet.  Kind of sounds like someone from last year.  Can’t remember his name, but I believe it rhymes Kirk.

Now, we are here in the NBA finals and Durantula leads King James 1-0. Right now, Durant looks like he is Batman and James is the Joker.  The nation clearly is with the thunder. How can you not be? Now, tonight things could change. Maybe James will breakthrough and win the title and make me look like an idiot. If that happens, great, James is who we thought he was. But, right now, Kevin Durant is doing the talking with his smooth jumper and Lebron is just wearing those goofy glasses.