We’ve all heard that tonight will kick off the monumental NBA Championship matchup, headlining two of the NBA’s greatest – possibly ever – Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
STORY: Kris Humphries Hands Extortion Evidence Over To FBI!!
This sort of individual competition on this stage has not been seen since the past Celtic-Laker rivalry of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
The victor of this extraordinarily anticipated matchup will likely “crown” the deemed best player in the NBA.
So many things about these two make this matchup extremely intriguing.
Durant finished second in MVP voting to LeBron, Durant was a #2 overall draft pick and LeBron was a #1, both were taken down by Dallas in last year’s playoffs, Durant is known as the best pure scorer in the game, while LeBron is known as the best pure player, they both wear glasses for no reason, and they both wear their numbers for great reasons.
Durant wears number 35 in honor of his AAU coach and childhood mentor whom was murdered at age 35.
LeBron, too, had a childhood mentor coach in Frankie Walker who aided heavily in raising him. However, LeBron wears number 6 out of respect for Michael Jordan. Although there’s speculation that the announcement of the switch was made out of James’ anticipation to join the Heat, where Mario Chalmers had been wearing #6.
Now, Durant, at 22, is the same age as LeBron was when he made it to his first championship.
When LeBron squares off against Durant and looks into his eyes, there’s no doubt that he’ll see his former self. The young Durant stands with his persona untainted, and the entire world in his grasp.
LeBron must be able to sense the parades, accolades, and cherishment Durant will receive if he hoists the trophy. He must fear for his dear life that #35 will rise to new heights, in a spotlight only big enough for one.
Will it be the highly villainized, scrutinized and polarizing LeBron James playing for the Hollywood-esque bunch, South Beach?
Or will it be the “Anti-LeBron,” Kevin Durant, playing far off the coast smack dab in the middle of the “Sooner State,” that wants a title sooner than later?
For now, we the fans will wait until tonight to sit and watch who will get a head start taking their place at basketball’s helm.
In the meanwhile, let’s take a look at some of the aspects of the much-less exposed life of Kevin Durant; and what makes him the “Anti-LeBron James.”
[pagebreak]
How They Announce New Contacts:
Kevin Durant tweets “Extension for 5 more years wit the #thunder, God is Great, me and my family came a long way, I love yall man forreal, this is a blessing!”
The main thing here is that KD never mentions himself. He mentions his team, God, his family, and everyone else around him. This is a class-act move from Durant who does this low-key on a simple tweet without letting tensions build. Not to mention, he even skipped the chance at having an opt out clause in the contact to stay, key word, stay.
LeBron likely is not this inexhaustible jerk that the media and fans have created. But he certainly needs to work on how he presents himself, phrases things, and approaches the media.
LeBron James makes “The Decision” in a highly pompous, self-rewarding one hour special on ESPN where he announces: “I’ll be taking my talents to South Beach.”
We love you LeBron, but come on man. A douchier way to leave your hometown city of Cleveland where you were honored religiously is, simply, not fathomable.
It’s one thing to go in a different direction and do what’s best for you. However; when you keep your owner, teammates, and fans in the dark about your move; then announcing to the country, as if you were the freakin’ president, that your talents are switching uniforms to form a superstar-studded team makes you look like an arrogant and conniving diva.
[pagebreak]
How They Discuss The Future:
Kevin Durant says with humility, “I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied. I’m happy that I progressed a little bit. I have a long ways to go and I think that if I continue to just keep getting better at the mental part of the game – watching film and knowing where the defense is going to play, knowing where my teammates are going to be – then I can get better. “
Again, Durant saying all the right things with class. This is what any coach wants his star player to sound like: hardworking, humble, and driven.
LeBron James promises to win seven championships before he wins one. Everyone remembers this sound bite when the Miami big three announced their merging. LeBron has all the talent in the world and may truly be the greatest baller on the planet. But his place amongst the most beloved players remains unseen because of himself.
This is a matter of respect towards men like Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and Kobe Bryant. You don’t tell the world you will shatter their records before you’ve even accomplished a fraction of what they have.
We feel for LeBron who has taken plenty of undeserved heat. But when you’re so high on the pedestal, you must realize that every word you say will be amplified and turned against you if possible.
[pagebreak]
How They Look:
It’s hard not to love the way Durant carries himself. He stands atop the American sports world in a giant spotlight. However; he appears as young, calm and carefree as a schoolboy that would wear the same backpack.
Additionally, he hugs and kisses his mother before and after every home game, which has been regarded by those at ESPN to be the greatest thing about sports in 2012.
This towering 6’9, 23-year-old man is deceived by his baby-face, which hasn’t surmounted to the pressures of the professional sports world. He’s adored by the fans of the small town environment of Oklahoma City, he’s praised by teammates, and respected by all in the basketball world.
LeBron is only four years older, but is burdened by at least forty more years worth of pressures. At every press conference; you can see the tension in his eyes, as well as the receding hairline coming from the formidable pressure he faces day-in and day-out. And that’s not including the pressures of being married with two kids
The 6,8, 27-year-old LeBron was once viewed in a light very similar to what Durant is in now. And with just one “decision” and a few soundbites later, he is portrayed as arguably the most hated athlete in America.
[pagebreak]
Walking A Mile In Their Shoes:
Kevin Durant has a contract with Nike, as James does as well. When signing his contact with Nike, Durant turned down an additional $10 million from Adidas, because he had worn Nike’s through his childhood playing days.
Above you can see, Durant and his teammates debuting the new KD2 “Creamsicles,” in December of 2009.
LeBron James, also with Nike, just seems to be effortlessly followed by flashiness and individual accolades. James was named “Employee of the Year” by Nike to congratulate him for his third MVP award, as well as thank him for the shoe sales of the LeBron 9s.
Not to say King James should be viewed as a showboat for accepting such an honor. Just at this point, people are looking for reasons to dislike LeBron, and news like this isn’t helping his cause.
[pagebreak]
How They Wear Their Ink:
Kevin Durant’s has tattoos all over, like many other athletes today. However, it’s likely that many NBA fans did not even know of them. Durant assorted his tattoos so they would not be visible while he wore a basketball jersey for a reason.
Durant did so due to a promise he made to his mother. Wanda Pratt told him that if he were to get tattoos, that he would have to make sure she couldn’t see them. So out of his promise to abide by his mother, she won’t see his ink during games.
LeBron James is covered in tattoos from head to toe. Not that this is any indication of his character, however the content of some of his tattoos may be. Across the upper portion of his back, there is a large tattoo that reads “Chosen-1.” On the back of his triceps, one hosts a large script letter L, and the opposite one has a J [his initials]. Then near his right calf reads the word “Witness,” and the left calf reads “History; as in “Witness History.”
Having multiple tattoos dedicated to your own greatness seems quite egotistical. Unless you know LeBron, you can’t help but think he that he seems narcissistic and way too boastful. It’s not our fault. What would you think about anyone, projecting their own spotlight, with a tattoo saying “Chosen-1” displayed like a billboard across their back?
