For the first time in 15 years, Durant and James won't be in the second round of the NBA playoffs. James and the Lakers had a bad season because they missed the playoffs. Durant and the Nets were swept 0-4 by the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, becoming the first team to be eliminated in the playoffs.
NBA legend Isaiah Thomas believes that this year's playoffs have shown a change in the league and that the top players are changing. He noted that while James and Durant dominated for most of their careers, either missed the playoffs and one was swept in the first round. Thomas believes that the conversation about the top players is outdated.
"After this year's playoffs, we're going to have to reconsider who the top players are. We had James and Durant at the top of the list. Now one is swept, one doesn't even make it to the playoffs. So we're going to have to reconsider who are the top stars in the league. ”
Thomas was referring to players like Luka Doncic, Jason Tatum, Joel Embiid and Ingram, who are young stars in the league who shine throughout the playoffs. Many fans agree with Thomas that Durant and James' days of dominating the NBA are over and now, it's time for the league's young players to take their place.
Of course, LeBron James and Kevin Durant won't just stick to it. James has vowed that he will never miss the playoffs again. Durant also said he would be involved in the Nets' team building work in the summer. Next season, whether these two will be able to return to the king, let's wait and see.