With his defeat in the first round at the hands of an injured Suns team in the year of our Lord 2021, the 14 year reign of Lebron James over the NBA has officially ended. If nothing else, it was an exciting era. A spectacular if uneven start, controversial moves that redefined how the NBA works, ultimate failures, ultimate successes, a decade long run of what it meant to rule over big moments. But we must find a new king now. Who will it be going forward? Devin Booker – Kingslayer. Does this signal he is ready to move into the upper echelon? Luka Doncic – for many, he is the prince who was promised by the 3-pointed Bird. Giannis Antetokounmpo – I realized I don’t know enough about Game of Thrones to make any more references. Nikola Jokic – one MVP down, how many more to go? In a world of small ball, who will stop him going forward? Kawhi Leonard – more machine than man, does he shake off last season and continue to add to his FMVP total? Joel Embiid – if you can’t trust The Process to stay healthy, can he ever truly lead a franchise? James Harden – the Beard is feared, but he’s 31 and still looking for ring #1, can he rule for a few years? Steph Curry – should try making the playoffs first, but clearly isn’t done as a player Kevin Durant – the king in waiting for many years, can he finally take over? Anthony Davis – can he lead the Lakers going forward as Lebron declines? Jayson Tatum – dropping 50 left and right at age 23, can he ever be consistent and reach the top spot? Damian Lillard – Dame Time is fun to watch, but he’s getting older and has never been Top 5. Lebron James - the King ain't dead. Poll could only include 10 options.
Denver’s coach mentioned after their win tonight that they could win with even Ryan Bowen (not kidding he said it) in the lineup if Jokic is there also. If that is the case Jokic is clearly taking over because that would be pretty hard to do.
I was really digging the GoT analogies. I absolutely lost it after you gave up after two haha. That was great.
King Jontro ded? And Merlin was more powerful in his craft than Arthur so being the king doesn't say much. Dragons greater than Baratheon, Joffrey, Cersei, Kingslayer and so on.
The playoffs will decide. If Bucks or Mavs ir Clippers win it all — it will be Giannis or Luka or Kawhi. If Nuggets then it has to be Jokic. Durant didn’t become the “king” when the Warriors won two, and it won’t happen for him or Harden this year if the Nets win it all.
LeBron removed his crown and left it on the court. Someone has to take it and he'll try and get it back next season.
