To believe that any of 2023’s neo-contenders can become bonafide champs over the next few months is to believe that a once-in-a-quarter-century occurrence is about to transpire. The reality is there are only four real contenders.
Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram will play outsized roles in how their respective teams close the season.
Duality underpins practically everything about the brief existence of the KD, Harden and Kyrie Nets. They were a massive disappointment, yes, but also so transcendent for brief moments. The reasons for their failure may have been inherent to the whole project.
Lonzo Ball was the rare player who made it all work for the Bulls. He provided both ballast and seasoning to a dish that, without him, really just looks like some ingredients.
