4. Kevin Durant vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have redefined what it means to be a 7-footer in the NBA.
The former is a scorer extraordinaire with guard-like handles and an untouchable jump shot. The latter is a point forward built like a tank who can get from halfcourt to the rim in just a single dribble.
Their highlight reels are mixes of plays never imaginable just a decade ago, and they’re pulling off such unique shots and dunks as two of the best players in the league.
Unfortunately, since Giannis was drafted in 2013, the two NBA unicorns have faced of sparingly, only twice a season due to their place in opposing conferences.
The basketball community was only given a taste of the battles between these two heavyweights, but all of that has now changed. Durant now finds himself a member of the Brooklyn Nets while the Greek Freak is a Milwaukee Buck until further notice.
They will face off three times a year at the minimum with four outings a possibility, and playoff battles seem inevitable. The Bucks won a league-best 60 games last season on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
For a team coming off a surprise postseason outing, KD, along with Kyrie Irving, has the Nets dreaming of a potential run to the championship.
Of course, whatever potential rivalry between Durant and Antetokounmpo rests on the recovery of KD’s right Achilles, which will likely require all of the coming season to recover from. For arguments’ sake, let’s assume the best for a player who has recovered from injuries before.
Both Giannis and KD have been thrown around as the heir apparent to LeBron James’ claim as the best player in the world.
James doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, but Father Time loses to nobody, and the three-time champion is 34 coming off the first major injury in an otherwise flawless career — health-wise.
His slight downfall has provided an opening that will only grow larger this coming year. Neither former MVP has been shy about their desire to be the best, and in due time, they’ll get the chance to play each other for that title.