Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even if they are wrong. When I hear people break out the old, tired line "I don't watch the NBA. I like college basketball. They play defense and they play more team ball" Really? Save it for a decade ago. NBA basketball is back and better than it has been in this millennium and certainly better than anything that the NCAA has put on the court for the last few years. If you choose to watch the NBA Finals, you will see the most intense, competitive and well played basketball on the planet and it's not even close.
I loved college basketball too when there was actually some great players in the game and they actually hung around campus long enough to get a meal card. But these days we don't really see or appreciate the talent of these players until they are getting paid to play (legally) and they have to compete against the best. When you watch Lebron James play basketball try for a moment to forget the idiocy of his "Decision Show" to go to Miami and some of ridiculous things he said upon "taking his talents to South Beach" The guy is a phenomenal basketball player and arguably the most versatile defender to ever play the game. Lebron is a pass first, play defense force that is more Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan. (and that is not a bad thing)
But in the Finals, as great of a player as James is at the moment, the guy he is going up against is just as special while playing a very different game. I have a tough time thinking back through the history of the league and finding someone who combines the offensive skills of Kevin Durant of the Thunder. He is built like a young Kevin Garnett, but moves more like James Worthy. Yet he is known for his unreal shooting touch, getting off a perfect, pure jump shot from almost anywhere on the court. If you watch these games and do not enjoy seeing Kevin Durant play you should be forced to turn in your basketball fan card. By the way, on his team, don't buy the ESPN hype that Russell Westbrook is the 1a to Durant's 1. Westbrook has the ability to keep both teams in the game with his selfish play. It is James Harden and that awesome beard that is the key to the Thunder's run to a possible title. If you haven't seen Harden play you are in for treat
Don't think that I think the league is perfect and these teams are all filled with great guys and great stories. As much as Lebron has started to turn people around with his play, the Robin to his Batman has turned some people the other way. Remember when Dwyane Wade was a very likable young guy leading Marquette in the tournament or teaming with Shaq to win an NBA title. What happened to that guy? Yes he can still explode at any time and put up 40. But this tough guy act of scowling at the fans every time he makes a big play and his complaining to the refs on an annoying amount of calls has gotten old and tired. Of course it would help everyone if the refs stopped giving the stars some of the calls. No wonder they act so entitled.
I will say that I laugh when I see games in Miami and the joke of the crowd that they have at the games. This bunch of beautiful Hollywood wannabes arrive late and leave early. The most clever thing they do is chant "Let's Go Heat" over and over again. They make an Atlanta crowd seem intense. But when you see the people in Oklahoma City it will fire you up. The people LOVE their team. They are rocking from an hour before tap until the end of the game. Hey, its Oklahoma City, there isn't much else going on there. But they will give you that college crowd feel that so many of you crave.
You don't need the most arrogant commissioner in all of sports, David Stern, to tell you the sport has made a turn for the better. Don't let people get by with another tired line "you can turn in for the final 3 minutes and see the whole game" Really? Tell me a hockey fan thinks they can tune in for overtime and feel like they have seen the whole game. I am not telling you to watch because the games are on Channel 13/ABC. I am telling you to watch because in the NBA Finals you will see by far the best brand of basketball in the World. Watch it to root against Lebron. Watch it to get your first good look at Durant. Watch it because you are a college fan and have been wondering where all the great players have gone. Just watch. You won't be disappointed
