Emergence

I've always thought the NBA's marketing line "Will you be watching when", or whatever it is was very weak. Last night, it was spot on. King James was spectacular last night, scoring the last 25 points for his team. It's particularly interesting for Wolves fans, because it once again illuminates how a true superstar puts a team on his back in key situations and can lead the club to victory. The excuse here has always been we never could win a playoff series or get farther because we didn't have the talent, and that KG needed help. That's true over a season perhaps. But I don't think there's anyone who could say the Pistons aren't a deeper, more talented team than the Cavs. Yet Cleveland's star was better than anyone else on the court, and literally carried them to victory. KG fans, this is as clear of an example as it gets.

For two seasons in a row, we have seen the emergence of two young stars--D Wade and James. They have snatched victory from defeat. Wade had Shaq, but James is the only certifiable star on his team. The Cavs may not win this series--they're in the same position they were last year, when they lost--but there are moments where you see a player rise above everything, perform, and WIN a tough game. As great of a player as KG is, we've seen little of that from him, especially in playoff action. KG is closer to Pippen than to Jordan. Both fabulous players, but only one real superstar.

That is simply why players like Duncan will be ranked ahead of KG, and until KG can put together a performance like we saw last night, he will be paid well and highly considered, but never be mentioned in the same fashion and reverence that James was last night. Even more unfortunately, KG's time may be over to be able to prove he belongs in that category. With last night's performance, the bar is certainly higher.