A lot of talks has been made during the NBA Finals this year surrounding the two powerhouse teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Golden State Warriors. They have already played two games in arguably the most anticipated NBA Finals series of all time, and the Warriors have defended their home court by winning the first two games.
The small forward matchup of 4-time MVP LeBron James going up against the 2014 MVP, Kevin Durant has been an exciting one, both players putting up huge numbers already during the series. A lot of people are focusing on this matchup instead of the Stephen Curry - Kyrie Irving or Draymond Green - Kevin Love matchups.
And one person who has spoken up about LeBron vs. KD and given his opinion is Paul Pierce.
Paul Pierce recently retired from the NBA and professional basketball and had taken his career route to the television, speaking about the NBA and giving his opinions on a nightly basis. During his 19 seasons in the NBA, 'The Truth' was a 10-time NBA All-Star, made the All-NBA second team in 2009 and won the coveted NBA championship trophy in 2008, along with winning the Finals MVP award for his spectacular performance in the series.
Pierce says LeBron isn't the best in the world
Paul Pierce watched the first two games of the 2017 NBA Finals and has jumped forward to make a huge statement on who he believes to be the best player in the world.
Pierce spoke up, saying, “[Durant] may be the best player in the world today. We’re on the final stage. LeBron has given you good numbers." Pierce continued on Durant, "What can’t he do? What can’t he do on the court?”
Mr. Pierce sees no weaknesses in Kevin Durant's game right now during the NBA Finals, which is enough to have him seeing Kevin as a better player than LeBron.
But this pick from Paul seems to be more of a shot at LeBron James than praise for KD.
Pierce is blatantly wrong
Whether Kevin Durant looks to be playing better in the NBA Finals or not, the best player in the world is still LeBron James. LeBron is not underperforming in any way shape or form, averaging a 29-point triple double with almost two blocks and two steals per game.
While KD, on the other hand, is scoring a bunch of points, adding in decent numbers in the other statistical columns. Looking at the statistics in the Finals so far, they're pretty similar; both players are shooting a high field goal percentage also.
But...
Kevin Durant is playing with 2-time MVP Stephen Curry, inevitable DPOY Draymond Green, an elite shooter, and defender in Klay Thompson, former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, and former COY Steve Kerr. The fact of the matter is, the game comes much easier to him. Cleveland won't double team Durant; they wouldn't want to leave the splash brothers open for a three or a player open for a cut to the rim. KD can do what he does, and that scores the basketball.
On the other hand,
On the other hand, LeBron James is getting almost zero help from his teammates, allowing him to get double teamed and gets enveloped on offense, and still is averaging a triple double and scoring at a high percentage. At the end of the day, if you switched their positions, there is no doubt that LBJ would be flourishing at a higher level than KD right now, and Durant would be struggling without all the superstars he is used to. I see no reason for Kevin Durant to be labeled 'the best player in the world' when LeBron is still playing at such a high level.
