Joe Chacon's Blog
NBA Finals: Who do you build around; Kevin Durant or LeBron James? 
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 02:52 PM.
Photo Credit: Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Imagine this scenario for just a second...
The NBA as we know it has folded. Every single player that was in the NBA is now unemployed. That is until a group of 30 people purchased franchises for a new professional basketball league.
The pool of former NBA players are waiting to be selected and it just so happens that you have the number one pick. You need to choose one player to build your franchise around.
For the sake of this debate, let's assume you've narrowed it down to two players; Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
You're on the clock; the foundation of your franchise is at stake. Who do you select?
Last week I wrote about the hate people have for the Miami Heat. It turned into a hate-fest for LeBron James, which we now understand is the main reason people dislike Miami.
I ask that everyone look at this from an "on-the-court" perspective. Look at their skills and what they can contribute to your franchise. If you choose LeBron over Durant, tell us why, and try to use more than blaming it on LeBron's "Decision".
Keep it clean and respectful, and enjoy Game 1 of the NBA Finals between these two exciting teams.
Now back to business:
With the first selection in the inaugural league draft, [insert your team name here] selects...
Joe Chacon is a Staff Writer for Operation Sports and a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.
# 16
gausec @ Jun 11
While I like Durant more as a person and his personality, I would take lebron. Both are good rebounders and for those who say Durant is only a scorer look at the numbers he lead his team in rebounds. But Lebron can guard almost every position and can post up better IMO. Lebron may not be as clutch but he is not terrible as some would say.
# 17
Joe Chacon @ Jun 12
Current tally:
Lebron James - 12
Kevin Durant - 7
Are there any OKC fans who would choose LeBron as their first pick? How about any Miami fans that would choose Durant?
Great points being made stating the cases for both players. Good work!
Lebron James - 12
Kevin Durant - 7
Are there any OKC fans who would choose LeBron as their first pick? How about any Miami fans that would choose Durant?
Great points being made stating the cases for both players. Good work!
# 18
SkillzKillz719 @ Jun 12
Looks pretty split 
I'd take Durant, ONLY for his age. Otherwise the nod goes to LeBron who's.... 27? Around 32/33 he'll decline. That leaves 5-7 years left. KD has at least 10.
But I LOVE LeBron and am rooting for him.
I'd take Durant, ONLY for his age. Otherwise the nod goes to LeBron who's.... 27? Around 32/33 he'll decline. That leaves 5-7 years left. KD has at least 10.
But I LOVE LeBron and am rooting for him.
# 19
boomhauertjs @ Jun 12
I'd rather have a pure basketball player than a self-described "Global Icon".
# 20
DBMcGee3 @ Jun 12
Pains me to say it but LeBron is the clear choice. He may not be the pure scorer Durant is, but he's still every bit as potent offensively considering his driving and passing abilities. Then there's defense, in which no other player in the NBA is even in the same ballpark as LeBron. Sure he disappears from time to time in the 4th quarter, but he's becoming more reliable down the stretch and he's really starting to utilize his size and strength in the post. I will always remember MJ routinely posting up in the 4th quarter, guaranteeing himself quality, makeable shots on virtually every possession.
# 21
KSOR24 @ Jun 12
I would build around Durant because he's already up there in talent with LBJ and he's only 23. As his defense continues to grow this guy will be scary good.
# 22
Kentucky_Wildcat23 @ Jun 12
@boomhauertjs Telling by your picture I feel your making your choice based on your dislike for LeBron rather than really looking at the two of them and make a fair decision.
But I can understand where your dislike is stemming from.
But I can understand where your dislike is stemming from.
# 23
eye guy @ Jun 14
With the first selection in the inaugural league draft, Brandon Roy of the Portland Trailblazers selects... : )
Kevin Durant...
Why?
Kevin Durant can go about his business without the heavy expectations. His demeanour on the court is something I most appreciate about him. He respects his team-mates and the coaching staff and understands his role within the team.
He will mature into his role as a superstar and grow with each added expectation. He will continue to lead with action and will rise to the occasion if need be and continue to praise the efforts of his team in good and bad outcomes, whatever his personal stat-lines read.
He is and will continue to be on of the best servants to the sport and the organisation and be the true definition of Loyal.
This is why I choose Durant!
Kevin Durant...
Why?
Kevin Durant can go about his business without the heavy expectations. His demeanour on the court is something I most appreciate about him. He respects his team-mates and the coaching staff and understands his role within the team.
He will mature into his role as a superstar and grow with each added expectation. He will continue to lead with action and will rise to the occasion if need be and continue to praise the efforts of his team in good and bad outcomes, whatever his personal stat-lines read.
He is and will continue to be on of the best servants to the sport and the organisation and be the true definition of Loyal.
This is why I choose Durant!
Joe Chacon
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