Dwight Howard has some interesting theories about the fabric of reality. He can’t hit a free throw but is working on his three-point shooting (career 5-of-56 shooter) to extend his longevity. That’s one crazy thing he’s up to these days.
Now here’s another.
Howard says Kevin Durant, not LeBron James, is the best player in the NBA.
Seriously.
Howard interestingly thinks the Cleveland Cavaliers will win in Game 3 over the Golden State Warriors. But it’s not about James. He thinks Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love will be the difference. Of course, this coming from a big man isn’t shocking.
But here’s what he said about Durant versus James, which is a bit shocking.
“KD is seven feet. He’s doing things that no seven-footer has ever really done. That’s what sets him apart from a lot of players in this league — his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, he has great handles. And the thing he’s doing this year, better than any other year, he’s blocking shots. His defense is crazy this year.”
Fair points, all. Nothing crazy about any of that.
Howard then said you can’t really pick one player over the other. But then he was pressed by the First Take crew to make a statement about whether there is a changing of the guard. He was put on the spot to pick one or the other — LeBron or Durant.
“Okay, alright. Hold up. So, I can only pick those two players?”
Howard then said he’d choose himself, at which point coffee was spit all over the keyboard. After wiping said coffee off said keyboard, we hit the play button once more to hear Howard make his final pick.
“I love LeBron, and I, and man, I love KD. I love KD. Imma go with KD.”
The pro-Cleveland crowd wasn’t exactly excited in a good way to hear that. And to be honest, neither are we.
The thing is, sure, Durant is having a better series right now, and he’s owned James a few times. But he’s also on the best team, and it’s not close.
James is having to work twice as hard to do anything right now. He can’t leave the court, because when he does the Cavs can’t do a darn thing right. If the two players’ roles were reversed — James playing with the Warriors and Durant with the Cavs — James would own Durant.
Durant is a phenomenal player, and he’s a future Hall of Famer. But there is no doubt James is the best player on the planet right now. To say otherwise is to take a narrow-minded look at the facts.