THE NEXT ONE

Kobe & LeBron better make way.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Do you believe in David and Goliath stories and legends? You know the kind where a big, strong force is moved by something much smaller? Where a skinny man, shows what's buried deeper inside? The ability to develop and stand next to the big boys of the nation a-la Captain America? Sure in the league of the NBA there are two perennial stars of stars to marvel at; Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Still, however as the debate between who is better rages on, these two corners of the association will have to make room for one more like 'Bron's teammates in South Beach. Right now not much touches the NBA's puppets, except the man who'll be pulling the strings in years time as the next Godfather of the association; Kevin Durant.

Kevin Durant is the future. Now, just like rap's greatest Jay-Z and the late, great Notorious B.I.G. we 'aint saying Durant's better then the leagues two biggest talents, but he's the closest one. LeBron may be the MVP with a valuable team, closer to playing for the NBA's most high award, but Kevin can outscore the King and he and the Thunder may just be able to get to his throne quicker with his lightening, fast play. Kobe may have the rings and the legend, but Kevin's next in line for a championship as he lays the path of his own, unique legacy. Durant and his Oklahoma City Thunder almost caught the Lakers two playoffs ago and Kobe can't keep up with Durant's youth much longer. They almost showed this years champion Dallas who the real Mavericks are. Just wait, with franchise partner and one of the strongest points in the league; Russell Westbrook and a great team of players,(from former Celtic Perkins to Africa's Ibaka) coaches and fans behind him behind him there really is a storm coming, with a forecast of 'reign' and we aren't talking about Seattle's Storm. This is Oklahoma's team and time now.

Kevin has taken this former Seattle team from the bargain basements of sale to the top of peoples 'League Pass' expense accounts at super Sonic speed. Motoring this Oklahoma, 'Ford Centre' inhabitants forward with his keys in the ignition. Affecting change like he had shares in Starbucks (they still did the Sonics and the city of Seattle wrong by the way). Waking up a city that missed it's one-year rental Hornets like strong coffee, stinging the notion of a one and done year. This 'Durantula' has climbed up the leagues web, keeping his smooth as silk team right with him as his spindly arms string together all sorts of powerful, hammer-of-Thor dunks for his Thunder team when he runs the break like a gazelle and no one else in the NBA kingdom. The points, wins and newspaper headlines keep on pouring out for Oklahoma City. Special K is more then a basketball serial killer, or scoring machine. He's the complete, franchise player and leader like fellow, former scoring champ Allen Iverson before him. Unquestionably this guy is answering the critics and showing fellow top scorers that 30 points per game is the new 20.

Durant shares more with Kevin Love then a first name. He's part of an exciting breed of next generation players who are going to take the worldwide league to more Magic/Bird, Kobe/LeBron popular heights. He's already proven his global worth, leading the charge in last years World Championships, just wait to see him carry the flag for Team USA in the Olympic Games next year in London. The globe is listening to more then just his brand of headphones. We don't even know this guys ceiling yet, but right now it's looking as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel. The sum of Kevin's part add up to something huge. With some Kob' and 'Bron in him, and the scoring and competitive killer instinct of Mike, this guy really is an heir apparent. Still, however with the addition of a cool, calm, but fire-inside, Tim Duncan demeanour in him and a body and versatility type of a young Kevin Garnett this guys multiplying talents can he'll divide double teams and subtract the opposition. On the whole however-despite the influences-Durant is his own man and a one-of-a-kind player. He is an establishing legend, who is already being the benchmark that younger, drafted players are being compared to and this guys only 22.

This do it all, all-star guy is the kind of player that on his best day could win the 'Slam Dunk', three-point and skills contest at the All-Star weekend. He's already won the quickly defunct game of 'H.O.R.S.E.' showing this top scorer can do more then just outscore everybody, he can shoot from anywhere too. Still Kevin Durant's not concerned with February like jilted lovers and broken hearts. This lone man wants to still be in the heart of NBA partners come late Spring and right now him and his Thunder are in matrimony with Dirk and his dangerous Dallas team for the West and leagues best once Kobe and the Lakers dynasty retires. Then all that will be left is the king and his men and although LeBron James really is the best, Durant will have no problem taking his talents to South Beach and seeing what he can leave with.

It may take a few more years for this man to show the league that the real heat belongs in Oklahoma-besides he has the Texan titans to deal with-but right now one thing is clear, Kevin Durant is here and his legend is here to stay as his legacy continues. We are witnessing someone before his time, take the league by storm. The opposition better stay in doors, K.D.'s got more then a foot in, he's kicking it in like the Notorious one and everyone knows his name. The Thunder's top man has hit the league with a lightening bolt and he's about to strike once again.

See Also

RUSSELL WESTBROOK-'I AM THE WEST'

http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-am-west.html

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER-'THERE'S A STORM COMING'

http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/2011/02/theres-storm-coming.html