Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

Some players in the NBA have taken some crazy stances over the years. Kyrie Irving claims the Earth is flat, and now Steph Curry said the U.S. never actually went to the moon. Both of these statements are pretty ridiculous, but neither compare to the statement made by Kevin Durant this week.

Durant is without a doubt one of the best players in the NBA right now — definitely not the best, but one of them. His presence on the court would be welcomed by any team in the league, but man, he really says some questionable things.

This week Durant said something so out of this world, it made my head spin. He talked about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Kyrie Irving being on the same level…

Kyrie. Irving.

Okay, I’m probably overreacting a little. The fake moon landing and flat Earth theories are probably worse takes than this, but come on. He’s going to talk about the best players ever, not even mention Lebron James, and then toss Irving in there?

Look, I get it — Durant is probably just trying to take a jab at Lebron, but for Pete’s sake — Kyrie Irving?!

I understand the argument between Jordan and James. I can even see an argument for Kobe and Lebron, granted it’s not really in question anymore.

Before Lebron came back to the Cavaliers, Kyrie was hardly a difference maker. Always injured, while the Cavs still barely competed for a spot in the East. Enter Lebron, the Cavs immediately go to the Finals. Kyrie leaves, Cavs still go to the Finals. Kyrie goes to Boston, gets injured and the Celtics still nearly win the East without him. Now Lebron leaves the Cavs and how many games are they going to win this season, maybe 20?

Why are people so afraid to embrace Lebron? Imagine being so stubborn that you waste Lebron’s entire career cheering against him. I tried to be a hater when he first entered the league; it was exhausting. Can’t we all just embrace him and enjoy watching arguably the very best player to ever step on a court play his game?

A couple more things before I end: the Earth is round and we’ve been to the moon. In fact, six missions have landed on the moon and 12 people have walked on it. Don’t buy into the conspiracies being thrown out there.

Tyler Julson is the Tribune sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.