Legends weigh in on MVP debate; Hakeem Olajuwon picks LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar goes for Kevin Durant – NBA Update
The NBA season end is approaching and the question on everyone’s mind is who will win the Most Valuable Player award. Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose won it last year, but he isn’t in the running this season. Instead, the competition is between Oklahoma
City Thunder’s Kevin Durant and LeBron James of the Miami Heat.
Two former greats of the game have now given their opinions on the matter and opinion is divided. Hakeem Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are two of the best centres of ever play the game, indeed two of the best players to grace an NBA court.
They both won multiple NBA Championships during their time in the league and both won MVP awards. So it is pertinent to say that they are in a position to comment on the debate going on today.
The two legends however, could not form a consensus. Former Los Angeles Lakers great Abdul-Jabbar, when posed the question, leaned towards Kevin Durant. He explained that Durant has done a lot for his team and was the main reason behind their superb performances
this season.
“I think that this year’s MVP award will end up in the hands of Kevin Durant,’’ Abdul-Jabbar said. “Durant is my choice as front-runner due to the success of his team. Yes, he is on a young and talented team, but his presence has been the catalyst for their
recent dominance.’’
Hakeem Olajuwon however had a different opinion. Hakeem, who won two NBA World Championships whilst at the Houston Rockets, backed James for the award because of his more complete all round game.
“There’s no question LeBron deserves the MVP, with his performance playing a complete game and for a successful team,’’ said Hakeem Olajuwon. “When you look at his contribution to his team and their record, there’s no question he deserves it.’’
There is no question that James and Durant are two of the best basketball players in the world today. LeBron is a two time NBA MVP already, while Kevin has won the last two NBA scoring championships.
Kevin is leading LeBron in terms of scoring this year again, but James has an edge in other areas. It is also a fact that LeBron is the more accomplished defender between the two, in fact one of the best in the NBA.
In terms of individual game, LeBron looks the more solid candidate. However, he does play with more established superstars in the form of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. On the other hand, Durant stars for a talented but young side, where he is the leader of
the pack and a main reason for their marked improvement from yesteryear.
It is indeed a tough choice to make.
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