NBA | Not much to argue about after witnessing Warriors-Cavs rematch

by Jack Kerwin  |  ydkjack1@gmail.com

So, you wanna argue …

► That LeBron James is overrated?
Nothing to debate there. Frankly, can’t think of a single athlete considered a superstar, in any sport, past or present, who isn’t or hasn’t been. Even a guy such as Tim Duncan, whose understated, fundamentally based excellence in two decades of NBA action, is overrated because so many go to such great lengths to emphasize how he is underrated … that he no longer is, but just the opposite.

► That LeBron is lesser than Michael Jordan?
Won’t agree, but certainly see your case. On numbers alone, His Airness trumps King James in so many ways it’s hard to keep track. Just spare me the most ridiculous stat of all – championships won … in a team sport. It’s moronic, now and forever, just as was pointed out here a couple days ago. If that’s the case, Jordan wouldn’t crack an all-time lineup for the Boston Celtics never mind the NBA, as Bill Russell (11), Sam Jones (10), K.C. Jones (8), Tom Heinson (8) and Frank Ramsey (7) all top MJ’s six crowns … and Bob Cousy ties ’em.

► That LeBron is lesser than Steph Curry?
Sorry. Can’t go there. Just don’t buy it. Even the coach of the Golden State star guard kinda cleared the air on that one, following the Warriors’ series-commanding 108-97 victory Friday night in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Inadvertently maybe, but he still did. In stressing how special his guy is, Steve Kerr went on to excuse Curry’s stats-lacking efforts in the first three games against Cleveland because the reigning MVP doesn’t have the size and strength to physically dominate a game, that he has to rely on his shot-making skills … and if his shot isn’t falling, oh well. Imagine the heat anyone would take for suggesting such silliness to bolster LeBron’s case.

► That Dramond Green is the NBA’s most versatile player?
If we’re counting cheap shots and jabs at opposing players’ nuts, OK, then would buy it. Otherwise, no. He’s a solid player who serves as a good third, fourth or even fifth option for the Warriors, depending on who else on the floor might be out outside of Curry and Klay Thompson, but, c’mon. Even if you want to credit him for giving Golden State at least one tough presence, the guy too often gets gassed or athletically overmatched to be labeled anywhere close to among the league’s elite.

► That the Cavs did the best thing having Kevin Love come off the bench?
As suggested here last week, yeah, him coming off the bench all the time, not just Game 4 of this series coming off a concussion, is a good idea – along with Kyrie Irving. Not for nothing, but Tyrone Lue isn’t utilizing his team all that well if he has LeBron, Love and Irving all on the floor the majority of the time. That’s three premier scorers on the floor at once. All need the ball in their hands to be effective. With only one ball in play at a time, ain’t gonna have much success spreading it around there. LeBron needs no one for offensive help, and, put bluntly, would be more prone to take over as most want if he had no other big-time scorers on the floor with him. Irving and Love, both of whom need another scorer on the floor with them, have a good connection, in real life and commercials. Let it come to fruition on the floor.

► That Thompson is a all-timer in the Robin, Sundance Kid, sidekick role?
Well, yeah, especially when he’s gifted enough to be Batman, Butch Cassidy or the Big Man whenever need be. That he’s willing to accept being second banana to Curry is an astounding testament to his grasp of the situation, including his real value to the Warriors – which is being locked and loaded, ready to take over at a moment’s notice, but not forcing the issue.
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► That the 2016 Warriors are the best team in NBA history?
​Umm, case closed. Gonna have to agree ...

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That Thompson is a all-timer in the Robin, Sundance Kid, sidekick role? Well, yeah, especially when he’s gifted enough to be Batman, Butch Cassidy or the Big Man whenever need be. That he’s willing to accept being second banana to Curry is an astounding testament to his grasp of the situation, including his real value to the Warriors – which is being locked and loaded, ready to take over at a moment’s notice, but not forcing the issue.