Lebron James

[Jadaki 0]

I just feel like James has done much more in his career with much less.

Mo Williams isn't an all star...Oh wait. The supporting cast on the Cavs is far from horrible and much better than a lot of the Laker teams post Shaq.

[Jadaki 0]

Also, you know what the bulls were doing, when MJ was 24? Getting swept out of the first round of the playoffs. But Lebron isn't competing against Michael Jordan for MVP anyway. Did I mention he's leading the team with the best record in the league in every statistical category? Doesn't that seem insane to anyone else?

When the Cavs face Larry Bird's Celtics in the first round shoot me a memo. The Cav's wouldn't be able to keep a game with those 80's Celtics teams even close.The only part that shocks me about him leading the team in all stats is rebounds, that's pretty pathetic he gets more boards than anyone on that team because his numbers aren't that good on the glass for a guy with his physical dominance at his position.

[BigDMcGee 3,355]

When the Cavs face Larry Bird's Celtics in the first round shoot me a memo. The Cav's wouldn't be able to keep a game with those 80's Celtics teams even close.

Yeah, so the eight seeded bulls would have won this years east, hmmm?

[Jadaki 0]

Yeah, so the eight seeded bulls would have won this years east, hmmm?

Nope, but they would probably be better than an 8 seed in this years east too. They would be more like what the Heat are.

[BigDMcGee 3,355]

Nope, but they would probably be better than an 8 seed in this years east too. They would be more like what the Heat are.

Also, I don't concede that this cavs team would lose to that Celtics team. Not because the Cavs are greater than that Celtics team, because clearly they aren't. But players are so much bigger/stronger/faster now, plus this Cavs team plays way better defense than those celtics teams. I honestly think the Celtics would get beat up, if you shipped them into Doc Brown's Delorian. That's why I think comparing eras is dumb. Compare Lebron to his contemporaries, it's absurd to compare him to historical figures, particularly since he's, you know, 24. His place in history will be determined in 12 years. His place in the MVP voting, however, should be locked up.

[Jadaki 0]

Also, I don't concede that this cavs team would lose to that Celtics team. Not because the Cavs are greater than that Celtics team, because clearly they aren't. But players are so much bigger/stronger/faster now, plus this Cavs team plays way better defense than those celtics teams. I honestly think the Celtics would get beat up, if you shipped them into Doc Brown's Delorian.

And aside from Lebron no one on the Cavs can compare skill wise in any way shape or form to those Celtic teams. How would he guard McHale, Parrish, & Bird frontcourt? I don't care how physical they are, those are hall of fame players who the Cav's wouldn't be able to guard in any era. They can get away with in in an East filled with win very few dominate centers, but when you get lit up by Ken Perkins and Leon Powe, not to mention what Howard did to them, then there is no way they come close to stopping those teams.

[BigDMcGee 3,355]

And aside from Lebron no one on the Cavs can compare skill wise in any way shape or form to those Celtic teams. How would he guard McHale, Parrish, & Bird frontcourt? I don't care how physical they are, those are hall of fame players who the Cav's wouldn't be able to guard in any era. They can get away with in in an East filled with win very few dominate centers, but when you get lit up by Ken Perkins and Leon Powe, not to mention what Howard did to them, then there is no way they come close to stopping those teams.

I'm not saying they are as skilled as the cavs, but I think it would be shocking how small that celtics team was, if you transported them to today, and they were considered a big team for that era.

[keith crime 8]

Lebron near unanimous ESPN MVP pick todayI'm worried about the Wallace situation - i think they really need him even to make the finals

[Poppy_Hillis 11]

Lebron near unanimous ESPN MVP pick todayI'm worried about the Wallace situation - i think they really need him even to make the finals

Wallace is a non-factor. I would prefer him and Varejao get as many minutes as possible if the Lakers get to the Finals and play the Cavs.

[fleung22 1]

you know what I just noticed? there's actually a Cleveland Cavaliers thread but this one has literally 20 times as many posts. damn, Lebron even leads the team on FCP

[keith crime 8]

you know what I just noticed? there's actually a Cleveland Cavaliers thread but this one has literally 20 times as many posts. damn, Lebron even leads the team on FCP

they are the Cleveland Lebrons

[BigDMcGee 3,355]

As good of seasons as Kobe and Wade have had, I don't think there's been a clearer MVP since Jordan in the 72 win bulls season. You replace Lebron with a league average small forward, and this team doesn't sniff the playoffs. With him, they have 66 wins. I don't know if this team can win a championship ( LA is a better team, and the playoffs are a different animal), but Lebron's been extremely impressive.Also, Dwade should be second in MVP voting, if Kobe steals it, it's a joke.

[keith crime 8]

Simmons - although he seems to think the cavs have already won the game they are going to throw tonight1. LeBron JamesAnd not just because he finally put together that insane package of skills. LeBron submitted the most convincing MVP season since Shaq's 2000 campaign. Four things to consider beyond all the obvious stuff:1. Only seven teams won 67-plus games and the title: the '96 Bulls (72 wins), '97 Bulls (69), '72 Lakers (69), '67 Sixers (68), '86 Celts (67), '92 Bulls (67), '00 Lakers (67). Each of those teams had at least two HALL OF FAMERS. LeBron played with Mo Williams, who made the All-Star Game only as an injury replacement. Same goes for Cleveland's record-tying 40-1 mark at home; the '86 Celtics did it in a more imposing building (the old Boston Garden) with five Hall of Famers (I'm including DJ, who should be in there). Will you be bouncing your grandkids on your lap and telling them about the time you saw Mo Williams play? What about Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Those 67-15 and 40-1 marks happened because of the day-to-day competitiveness of a player whose drive can only be described as "Jordanesque." Maybe he's not as ruthless -- and really, nobody will ever be as ruthless as Jordan -- but from a consistency standpoint, LeBron is right there.2. Defensively, he improved to such a startling degree that he's also my Defensive Player of the Year. Considering that LeBron defended the other team's best scorer every night, played the free-safety role better than anyone since Scottie Pippen, defended four different positions, allowed his team to play small or big, and always seemed to have one momentum-altering block per game ... I mean, what more do you need?3. Offensively, only four players since 1974 led their teams in total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks: Dave Cowens (1978), Scottie Pippen (1995), Kevin Garnett (2003) and LeBron (2009). He also became the first top-three scorer to crack the top 25 in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks as well: 28.4 ppg (second), 7.2 apg (ninth), 7.6 rpg (25th), 1.69 steals (seventh), 1.15 blocks (23rd). Since Feb. 1, he's averaging a 29-8-8 and approaching the 50-40-80 Club in percentages (49 percent FG, 40 percent 3FG, 78 percent FT). Let's just say his statistical chops are in place.4. And this is my favorite reason ...Not since Magic Johnson has a superstar doubled as such a galvanizing teammate. If there's an enduring image of the '08-09 season, it's the way LeBron stamped his personality on everyone around him. They orchestrate goofy pregame intros (my favorite: the team snapshot), trade countless chest bumps, giggle on the sidelines, hang out on road trips and support each other in every way. What's telling about LeBron's in-traffic dunks -- and he unleashes them more frequently than anyone since Dominique -- is how he seeks out his bench for feedback, and even better, how they give it to him. It makes the forced camaraderie of the Lakers seem glaring. If you want to watch a team that pulls for each other and follows the lead of its best player, watch Cleveland.And if you're a Cavs fan trying to talk yourself into LeBron staying after 2010, your best chance is this: Through 24 years, LeBron has proven to be an inordinately devoted guy. When you're with him, you're with him. The upcoming documentary (supposedly superb) about his high school years bangs this point home. So does the fact that he jettisoned his agents and surrounded himself with high school buddies. So does everything that happened this season. He's as good of a teammate as a player. The more I watch him, the more I wonder if such an intensely loyal guy would ever say, "Thanks for the memories, everybody," dump his teammates, dump his hometown and start a fresh life elsewhere. Although he isn't surrounded by the most talented players right now, collectively, it's a team in the truest sense, with a devoted set of appreciative fans, and maybe that's all LeBron James will need in the end.I thought he was a goner four months ago. I think he's staying now. Regardless, he's our Most Valuable Player for 2009. It won't be the last time.

[Jadaki 0]

2. Defensively, he improved to such a startling degree that he's also my Defensive Player of the Year. Considering that LeBron defended the other team's best scorer every night, played the free-safety role better than anyone since Scottie Pippen, defended four different positions, allowed his team to play small or big, and always seemed to have one momentum-altering block per game ... I mean, what more do you need?

Without nitpicking too much, I completely disagree with this. He isn't even all NBA first team defensively, I'll give him second team, but defensive player of the year is ridiculous.

[CindyLou 11]

Without nitpicking too much, I completely disagree with this. He isn't even all NBA first team defensively, I'll give him second team, but defensive player of the year is ridiculous.

Go ahead and nitpick.What parts of the quoted statement do you disagree with?

[Jadaki 0]

Go ahead and nitpick.What parts of the quoted statement do you disagree with?

That he is the best defensive player in the league, he is 4th-5th among the other top MVP candidates.Kobe is better one on one and as a roaming defender. Wade is better one on one, beats him in steals and blocks and is better roaming too.Howard is a beast in the paint, so what if he can't guard a guy chucking up 3's he owns the lane and makes every player on his team a better defender by presence alone, and he is a beast on the defensive glass which signals the end of the other teams possession as opposed to 95% of Lebrons blocks which give the ball right back to the other team.Paul is probably the closest to Lebron in defensive impact. He just does it by breaking league records in steals he obviously doesn't get the blocks but they average out. The are equally effective as roaming defenders. I may give Lebron the edge here just because of his height compared to Paul allowing him to guard more positions.Which brings me to the thing that irritates me most about that Simmons article (aside from ignoring Wade's defensive impact). Saying he can guard four positions is bull shit. Any good PG is gonna get buy him, but he doesn't have many to deal with in the eastern conference and he doesn't exactly match up with them often so Simmons just assumes this. He can match up effectively with most 2's and 3's, but any good 4 is gonna eat him alive in the paint. Again though I'm not getting off my first hand if I start counting up the good Power Forwards in the east. You really think he can guard Rasheed Wallace in the paint for a whole game... I don't.Also his block shots are not impressive. I have yet this year to see him look a opposing player in the eye, shut down his dribble penetration both directions then block his jumper as hie goes up for the shot. Great one on one defenders do that, he just goes for help blocks which he usually puts in the 15th row and hands possession right back. He needs to watch some Russel or Hakeem clips to see how to control blocks to his teammates. Hooray for highlights being > all though.

[CaneBrain 95]

Wade is better one on one, beats him in steals and blocks and is better roaming too.

ok, I love Wade, but he is not better one on one. Roaming for steals, sure. One on One I got Lebron by a lot. And no one on this forum likes Wade more than me. They stick Wade on the other team's worst perimeter threat so he can grab steals and grab rest. Lebron covers Pierce, Kobe, etc. Once in a while, in an important game, they put Wade on a great offensive player.I think Simmons made a pretty good case for Lebron. Open and shut really. I disagree with him about Chris Paul being above Wade, though. Wade is the clear #2, imo.

[Jadaki 0]

You mean like how he guarded Pierce in game 7 last year. The only really talented player who Lebron seems to successfully give a real hard time to guarding heads up is Anthony.

[CindyLou 11]

My favorite thing about Kobe's defense is how he lets himself get picked and just lets his teammates cover for him.

[keith crime 8]

He may block a lot of shots out of bounds, but you also have to consider that most of the shots he blocks are shots that if they wouldn't be blocked have like a 99% chance of going in - lay ups etcI don't think he's the defensive player of the year but give him some credit he's improved incredibly over the last few years and who else in the leaguecan guard 1-4 s in the fourth quarterhe took paul on heads up on the fourth the last time they played and shut him down

[Jadaki 0]

I don't think he's the defensive player of the year but give him some credit he's improved incredibly over the last few years and who else in the leaguecan guard 1-4 s in the fourth quarter

I think he has improved a lot. I think he is legit all 2nd team defender (and he has an argument for 1st team) mostly because he does play good help defense and because of his size speed he can cause problems for a lot of guys. I just think calling him the best defensive player in the game is ridiculous. He can work guarding guy like Paul in small spurts, but I guarantee he can't guard Paul all game. Tossing him on him as a change of pace is probably a good coaching move. I can't think of a good power forward in the league I'd be comfortable with him guarding in the 4th quarter. The only one I think he could give problems too who is Dirk because he plays like a 3 and Lebron has an athletic/speed advantage. Dirk can still get his shot off over him any time he wants.

[keith crime 8]

people are going to overhype him because that's what people dohow much he's hyped isn't his fault - I just honestly have no complaints with where he is now as a 24 year old - I've never heard anyone say that he could be working harder or that he doesn't have the desire (maybe he doesn't have michael jordan's desire but face it - no one ever did that dude had a psychotic need to win)and as a person - it's amazing that he's so well liked by his teammates and he's such a family manif it was me I would be banging chicks across the country and living at the bellagio

[keith crime 8]

During his pregame remarks, James addressed a sore spot with Cleveland fans, who have booed the Cavs when they've failed to hit 100 points -- a total that wins the crowd a free food giveaway. "We want to bring you a championship," he said. "Not a taco."

[keith crime 8]

HollingerFirst team: LeBron James, Cavaliers (-7.60)James' defense has improved as much as any player's in the league over the past two seasons. He's always been impossible to post up against, but now he is a lockdown one-on-one guy, too. And he's using his ridiculous athleticism to run down opposing layups and turn them into spectacular blocks. Most of all, he shrinks the court as much as any player in the league with his size and quickness -- he has learned how to use this to his advantage and become a dominating help defender too. Plus cavs #1 D in pts fg pct and 3 pt fgp

[keith crime 8]

CLEVELAND -- The voice on the radio was booming, coming at its listening audience with full force, imploring fans to enjoy this. To cast aside all fears of the dreaded 2010, to put aside all doubt that the locals can go all the way, and to simply enjoy what they are witnessing at this very moment.The voice belonged to a Cleveland broadcaster, and he was addressing fans of the Cavaliers. But as I watched LeBron James rip the not-so-Bad Boys of Detroit to shreds, 102-84, on Saturday afternoon, I realized that the words I heard on my drive from the airport to "The Q'' apply to all us basketball fans:Let's do ourselves a favor and enjoy this.What we are watching is historic. This is not just a perennial All-Star, not merely the greatest player of his era, not even the next Kobe.LeBron James is better than all that.Once he starts winning rings -- which could be in two months or so -- he'll replace Bird as the best small forward ever. If he and Kobe meet in the dream Finals and the Cavaliers win, he'll forever be listed ahead of Mamba in the rankings of all-time greats. (Why? Because Kobe has the much better supporting cast, what with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and history's winningest coach not named Red Auerbach.)And for as much as we hear about the great Oscar Robertson's triple-double season of 1961-62, LeBron's current numbers dwarf the Big O's when adjusted for pace of play. Back when Oscar got his 3D, teams averaged 118 points and 71 rebounds per game. Today, they average just 99 points and 41 boards.Back in March, when ESPN's brainiacs in the Stats & Information department compared LeBron's stats to Oscar's, they told me LeBron would average 40 points, nearly 15 rebounds and 9.6 assists in the up-tempo, shot-happy game of 1961-62. Oscar, on the other hand, would average 21.7 points, 8.4 assists and 6 rebounds today.But that's not the scary thing. This is: LeBron's getting better.