Stats Lie: LeBron No Closer to Greatness than Rondo Is to Mediocrity

Is so-and-so a great player because he racks up numbers? Can one justify all-time greatness by using a figure, say, scoring percentage? Is it possible to argue quality by throwing out numbers? Are stat sheets blueprints to superstardom?

Using statistics to justify greatness is just wrong.

Stats can't measure heart.

Stats can't measure clutchness.

Stats can't measure leadership.

Stats can't measure desire. Drive. Intensity.

Stats lie.

It's intangibles that make you a better player. Or a worse one. Intangibles are reality.

Stats give you LeBron James as MVP , stats tell you he is comparable to Magic Johnson, to Oscar Robertson .

Reality is, LeBron's performance in Eastern Conference Semi's game 5, Cavaliers vs Celtics .

Reality is LeBron isn't anywhere close to them .

Stats say Rajon Rondo is a mediocre point guard .

Reality is, Rondo's contributions to two Celtic runs to the Finals .

Reality is Rondo is far from mediocre .

Stats don't measure Derek Fisher's heart, Jason Kidd's leadership, Robert Horry's clutch shots, or Kevin Garnett's intensity.

Stats don't measure Allen Iverson's talent, Ron Artest's toughness, Ronny Turiaf overcoming adversity, or David Robinson's selflessness.

Stats don't measure Derrick Rose's speed, Lamar Odom's versatility, Jamal Crawford's embracing his role, or Manute Bol and Dikembe Mutombo's humanity.

Stats don't measure Grant Hill's relentlessness, Charles Oakley's tenaciousness, Kevin Durant and Reggie Miller's loyalty, or T.J. Ford's courageousness.

In short, stats tell you LeBron James is MVP and that Rajon Rondo is mediocre.

Stats lie.