Bleacher Report - LeBron James

Apparently, It's Official: LeBron James is Not the Best Player in the NBA—Yet

Tom Delamater — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:13:18 -0500

MVP or no, LeBron James is not the NBA’s best player.

That’s the verdict of an “expert” panel convened by The Sporting News to select the Top 50 players in the NBA today. The panel’s nod went to Kobe Bryant of the Lakers, by a wide margin.

Bryant received 62 first-place votes to James’ 34. Miami’s Dwayne Wade, third on the list, earned 11 votes for the top spot.

No surprises, there. James is more the crown prince than the king at this point, regardless of nicknames. And while the throne should be his within two or three years—maybe sooner—Bryant is the most accomplished player on the planet right now.

TSN’s collection of 107 former and current players, coaches and executives lends credibility to the process, although some of the panelists are oddly random choices: Mark Eaton? Tracy Murray? Steve Stipanovich ?

As with any list, there are plenty of selections to argue about, but let’s focus on the Kobe-LeBron debate. I enter such choppy waters more for fun than fact, since these arguments are subjective and based mostly on opinion.

It’s hard to go wrong either way, but Kobe has the hardware to back up his claim—not only league championships, but also his share of MVP, scoring and defensive awards. He remains the one player any team would like to have to take the last shot with a game on the line.

With LeBron, it’s the all-around package that dazzles. He’s willed himself to become one of the best defensive players in the league, a must for anyone who wants to be ranked among the game’s elite. His combination of strength and speed is unparalleled, and he consistently ranks among the league leaders in scoring.

Covering the Cavaliers, I see LeBron on a regular basis. From where I sit, the argument for his superiority is this: If you traded James straight up for anyone else on the list, which team would be better as a result: the Cavaliers, or the team he was traded to?

For example, if LeBron went to Los Angeles for Kobe, would the Lakers still be considered the league’s premier team? I think so. But would Cleveland be better with Bryant? Could he carry the likes of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mo Williams, and Anderson Varejao as effectively? I’m not so sure.

Make the same trade with the Heat, and LeBron’s value would likewise be evident. And so on, right down the list.

In reality, that argument supports James as league MVP, and he was the rightful selection last year. Again, it’s the all-around package that dazzles, and it’s that talent that would enable him to best offset the loss of any other team’s star, regardless of position.

Another feather in LeBron’s cap is that, when drafted out of high school, he joined a poor team. Yes, it was his hometown Cavaliers, which allowed him to be comfortable while playing in a supportive, almost family-like environment. But he almost single-handedly lifted the Cavs to championship-contender status within four years.

On the other hand, Kobe, when drafted out of high school by a poor team, refused to go there and orchestrated a trade to the Lakers. His rise to greatness came under the tutelage of a future Hall of Fame coach, Phil Jackson, and under the protective wing of a future Hall of Fame center in his prime, Shaquille O’Neal.

Despite being granted the privilege of choosing where he wanted to play, and having the advantage of playing in such a talent-rich environment, his early years did not compare to LeBron's.

James came into the league a more complete player—Bryant didn't even start until his third season—and statistically LeBron's first six years far outshine Kobe’s. Had Bryant remained with the Hornets, the team that drafted him, would we be having this discussion today?

That said, the Sporting News panel selected Bryant as the NBA’s premier player. When viewed in the context of his entire 14-year career, it’s a solid choice. His achievements have earned him the title—LeBron himself has said so—and it remains his until James, or some other successor, amasses the required body of work to inherit it.

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Is LeBron James Sideline Dancing Just Innocent Fun Or Disrespectful?

Matt Smith — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:51:31 -0500

It is obvious that LeBron James is a special talent who will go down in history as one of the greatest players to ever play this game. This is not in question.

I also think for the most part he has handled himself pretty well for a young superstar living in the spotlight. There have been a few minor questionable moments where his maturity could be questioned but he is a young guy, so he is growing up and maturing while under a the microscope. Fairly or not his every move is scrutinized...even his dance moves.

In last night's game, the Cavaliers squared off against the Bulls and after a close first half, the Cavs dominated the second half and beat the Bulls handily. During the second half beat down the camera caught LeBron doing his best Michael Jackson or maybe he was auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. Apparently this did not go over to well with some of the Bulls, so much so that Joakim Noah voiced his displeasure shouting from the bench at LeBron while the "King" was at the free throw line.

Last year LeBron and the Cavs had the best record during the regular season and he and his teammates would clown around and take the imaginary photo's each game. It's safe to say the Cavs like to have a good time, and I'm quite sure their intention is not to show up the other teams.

This season's fun looks to now include sideline choreography and again, giving LeBron and the James' gang the benefit of the doubt I will assume they do not intend to disrespect their opponent but while their intent may be just to have fun, is it appropriate?

A LeBron critic could frame his sportsmanship as a guy who dances and laughs and jokes around while kicking your butt and in the post game interview he insinuated Joakim was out of line and talking disrespectful to him. Juxtapose that to the end of Eastern Conference Finals where he wasn't having fun and walked off the court and would not speak to the media or the summer's " Dunk-gate."

I for one think a veteran or mentor needs to pull the "King" aside and advise him on being gracious in victory and in defeat. I want him to have fun but he seems to be getting a little carried away.

I truly believe he is not trying to show anyone up but it's a little unnecessary to be moon-walking on the sidelines during victory's, maybe I'm just old school and maybe this is a generational thing but save the dancing for All-Star Weekend or the off season.

As Mark Jackson would say "You're better than that."

Finally, I know LeBron and Kobe get criticized way to much and both have legions of haters but this article was not written to "Hate" on LeBron, I love to watch him, I just think he's being a little disrespectful to the game and his opponents when he celebrates in this manner.

Let me know what you think? Was this just innocent fun or was it tacky?

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LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade: Who Tops The Other Two?

Brandon Ribak — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:41:43 -0500

Click here to get sent to NBAPrimetime.com for the full article!

After a remarkable battle between Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade last night, I have decided to go ahead and write an article about who is the best player in the NBA today.

With the clear favorites being LJ, Bryant, and D-Wade, NBA Prime-time breaks down each players season highlights and performances, letting you, the fan decide who tops the other two.

Dwyane Wade (SG, MIA)

Season Averages—26.7 PPG (5th in NBA), 5.2 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG (8th in NBA), and 1.1 BPG (only guard in the league to average over 1 BPG).

Team Record: 10-9, .526 (5th in East)

Wade sets himself apart from James and Bryant for the fact that he does not have an All-Star teammate alongside of him.

While James has Mo Williams and Shaq and Bryant has Gasol, Bynum, Artest, and Odom, Wade is surrounded by inexperienced youth (aside from Jermaine O'Neal and Udonis Haslem).

With that in mind, he still manages to carry his team to victory, currently ranking fifth in the East with an above .500 overall record.

Wade proved what he was capable of doing when he had Shaq on his team and if Miami could possibly sign a Chris Bosh type of player next off-season, there is no doubt that D-Wade will once again bring his team to another NBA Finals series.

Kobe Bryant (SG, LAL)

Season Averages—29.1 PPG (2nd in NBA), 5.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 2.3 SPG (3rd in NBA).

Team Record: 15-3, .833 (1st in West)

Yes, Bryant has arguably the best supporting cast in the NBA on his squad.

But that does not stop Kobe Bryant from posting ridiculous averages and leading his team to success.

Last night's performance against the Heat is a prime example of what Bryant is really all about.

The Black Mamba possesses more killer instinct than any other player in the NBA today and at the age of 31 he is arguably playing the best basketball of his career (shooting a career-high 48.9 percent from the field).

With a team consisting of such supreme talent, is there any doubt that Kobe Bryant will win back-to-back championships?

LeBron James (SF, CLE)

Season Averages—27.9 PPG (4th in NBA), 6.7 RPG (43rd in NBA), 8.3 APG (6th in NBA), and 1.2 SPG.

Team Record: 14-5, .737 (3rd in East)

If you had to summarize LeBron's game in one word it would definitely be "unstoppable."

Standing 6'8" and weighing 250 plus lbs, James can literally do whatever he pleases on the court at his own will.

On the season he has posted five games with over 10 plus assists, including nine games with 30 plus points.

He ranks amongst the most elite point-guards in the NBA in APG with 8.3 per contest and absolutely dominates offensively, shooting a ridiculous 51.5 percent from the field.

James has the ability to take control during any point in any game, but unlike Bryant and Wade, he has the physique to overpower and outmatch any defender in the league.

And the greatest part of all is that LJ will give you a little dance at the end of the game with a big smile on his face to show you just how easy it is for him to do what he does best.

So who tops the other two in this controversial debate? You decide!

Click here to get sent to NBAPrimetime.com for the full article!

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NBA Teams Prepare For The D.J. Mbenga Free Agency Sweepstakes In 2010

Chad Waylon Pouncy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:10:16 -0500

The 2010 NBA free agent class looks to be an historical one. With the contracts of, potentially, 10 NBA Hall of Fame players expiring, no free agent class has matched the estimated impact on the league.

LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh are all set to become unrestricted free agents in the summer of 2010, but one name is at the top of most teams' wish-lists. That name is Didier Ilunga-Mbenga, better known as D.J. Mbenga.

Looking at the scouting report on Mbenga, his ceiling is unbelievably high. With a 7'6" wingspan, the Zaire born player is considered incredibly long as well. Mbenga is a rare seven-foot-center who can run the floor.

Averaging 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 points and just under a block in nine minutes a game this season. Given full time minutes, Mbenga could be a double-double guy and a league leader in blocked shots.

One league source notes, "Simply put, this guy is a proven winner," referring to his role on the bench for the 2008-09 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Mbenga showed intensity and unrivaled heart while riding the bench for the Dallas Mavericks. During the 2006 NBA Playoffs, Mbenga ran, with team owner Mark Cuban, into the stands to protect the wife of coach Avery Johnson from unruly fans. Mbenga was subsequently suspended for six games.

Teams like the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks have all but sacrificed the 2009-10 season to free up cap space in hopes of landing a talent like D.J. Mbenga.

Teams across the league will find it hard to pass up a player with his international experience.

Raised in Zaire, D.J. was imprisoned along with his family after a new regime took power of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mbenga and his mother escaped the nation and were given asylum in Belgium. His father was not so lucky and died due to "unknown circumstances".

In Belgium, Mbenga learned basketball from Belgian basketball legend Willy Steveniers. D.J. is a current member of the Belgium national basketball team.

NBA team management must also be intrigued by the financial impact of a player like D.J. Mbenga. Franchises league-wide would be placing themselves in position to fill seats and sell more jerseys.

With the difficulty in filling the center position around the NBA, rare gems like Mbenga and Dwight Howard must be pursued if and when they come available. Nearly half of the league is likely to jump at the opportunity to land a potential "face of the franchise" type of player like D.J. Mbenga.

After the NBA season is over and teams have an idea of what they have got and what they will need going forward, expect the D.J. Mbenga sweepstakes to reach fever pitch.

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BTA: Cleveland Cavaliers Overview Edition 1

Beyond the Arc Basketball — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:40:54 -0500

As Cleveland wraps up the late Oct/Nov games, we roll in with a record of 12-5 and serious contentions of winning the title. We have some major surprises, and some major letdowns. I am not surprised we lost five games this season.

With the new additions of Moon, Parker, Powe, and O'Neal, we still need time to gel. We also felt the effects of our rotations and starting roles being bumped around, as Z and Varejao took a backseat to Shaq and J.J. Hickson, and Delonte West being out with issues with the law and mood disorder.

The Cavs are looking solid, and LeBron James is set to have another yet 30/7/8 season and looks like a serious contender MVP again. Enough with the introduction, time to dig into the roster.

Where to start, so much to talk about this team. We'll start with probably the biggest surprises since Gibson's Game Six in the ECF three years ago—J.J. Hickson.

On draft night, we had screaming Cavs fans wondering who this kid from N.C. State was. We all saw his potential his rookie year and believed he could make an impact in a few years.

This man got all the vertical a power forward needs, granted he worked with a man named LeBron James over the summer, which probably is why he's such a great player, finishes strong, runs the fast break as the center, and probably is the future big man with the Cavaliers—that is, if he keeps this play up.

I expect him to keep his starting role and keep producing the kind of numbers he has. He has a nice mid-range jumper, in addition to several other strengths: his vertical; speed; and finishes around the rim. His weaknesses are catching the ball, post moves, and passing.

Delonte West

We still believe in this man. Aside from all the trouble with the law, he still manages to go out and play few games this year. Hopefully, he will recover from all this chaos and come back as a determined man. He could be our 6/7th man or start, if Mike Brown so decides. I still believe in West. Take time off to solve your problems, man.

Shaq

He's such a great guy to have on the team. He knows this is LeBron Kingdom, and he took the backseat and trying to help the King win. As we saw in the Orlando game, Shaq shut down Dwight Howard and dominated him—just what we needed him to do.

Hopefully, he recovers from the injury—he's 37 years old, and there's no need to rush him back when we have Z. I expect him to pick it up in the playoffs, just like LeBron and crew.

Parker/Moon

The people we picked up in the FA, they love it in C-town. Parker is a decent defender and one heck of a shooter. I love it when he nails it from the corner cause it's almost a gimme every time.

Parker is our key defender because he can score 20 ppg, but we need defense in our starting rotation and not all offense. Jamario Moon is also great defense; I often questioned his shot before I saw he can drain three-pointers along with Mo, LBJ, and Parker.

Moon is known for his dunks and high flying moves, but he's also that lengthy defender at the small forward spot we needed behind LeBron. I hope these guys stay here because they are excellent role players and understand their role with the rest of the team. They just need tad bit more gelling time.

Leon Powe

This man is often the unknown and huge question mark for this team. Could he come back from his injury and produce off the bench like he did in Boston? Or will his injury affect him for a long time?

He's a high award-low risk player for the fact we sign for the LLE this year and have the option next year. I hope he recovers well and comes back fired up to win another ring and the first time for Cleveland.

Took a major backseat role this year, but he clearly understood it's best for the team. He just recently passed our GM Danny Ferry's record for most games played as a Cavalier. Congrats, Z, you earned it.

He may be the most overpaid backup player this year at $11 million, but he's the only Cavalier left from LeBron's rookie year on the squad. He is willing to do whatever it takes to win a title, and, from the looks these recent weeks, his tank is emptying quickly.

I would hate to package himself, because with the additions of all these new people, they can go to Z and ask him any question about the offense or defense because he's been here since his rookie year.

I hope once Shaq gets back his numbers are limited to under 20 a game to let Varejao get more minutes at center. Something like this 24-Shaq, 15-Z, 10-15 Varejao. I really hope Z ends his career here in Cleveland.

Varejao

Great guy, if he's not on your team, you hate him. But if he is, you love him. Seems to get better every year and hopefully he'll develop more of an offensive game with a great jumper. I see him sticking around in Cleveland for a long time with that contract of his.

LeBron and Crew

Rolling great, keep it up, we need to rise up and beat the Hawks, Celtics, Magic, and, of course, the Lakers. I believe in you guys this year; we have the tools we just need to use them to the fullest potential.

Let's keep it rolling guys, we had a great win streak, and I'm loving what you're doing. Keep it up.

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LeBron James Criticizes Coach for Benching Ilgauskas on Verge of Record

Tom Delamater — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:31:05 -0500

Cleveland’s LeBron James set off a media firestorm Monday when he questioned Mike Brown’s decision not to play center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in Saturday’s game against Dallas.

Ilgauskas reportedly was devastated by the move, which came as a surprise in an easy 111-95 win for the Cavaliers. For one thing, he remains a solid NBA center, although age has slowed him and his skills have diminished since his prime.

But what was startling about Brown’s decision was that Ilgauskas was poised that night to break the Cavs’ franchise record for games played. He had tied current GM Danny Ferry for the top spot in Cavaliers history on Friday night in Charlotte, when he suited up for the 723rd time as a Cavalier.

Ilgauskas hasn’t spoken to the media since the benching, but James was clearly mystified by his coach’s actions. Saying he didn’t know who was responsible for the decision, and claiming that he wasn’t trying to stir anything up, he went on to do exactly that by expressing his disappointment in what happened and his support for Ilgauskas.

“I stand behind Z and I feel like Z not playing wasn't the right thing,” James told the media after the Cavaliers’ practice. “As a friend of his, I was very upset, and I know he was also.”

James said he thought Ilgauskas should have started against the Mavericks, to allow him to accept the cheers of Cleveland fans and his teammates for such a significant accomplishment.

Instead, Ilgauskas was treated by Brown to a seat on the bench for all 48 minutes. According to a report on the Cleveland Plain Dealers’ web site Monday afternoon, it may have been the first time in the center’s career that he did not play due to a coach’s decision.

It’s been a roller-coaster year for Ilgauskas, who accepted the loss of his starting job to Shaquille O’Neal with class and professionalism. However, he hasn’t looked comfortable coming off the bench and is averaging a shade better than seven points and six rebounds in 24 minutes a game.

For Brown to keep Ilgauskas off the floor on what should have been a personally historic night was a slap in the face to the 13-year veteran, who is one of the most popular players to ever don a Cavaliers uniform. He is also one of only two active players to have played 13 seasons for the same team, the other being the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant.

Ilgauskas overcame numerous setbacks early in his career. After a strong rookie season in 1998-99, in which he averaged 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds a game, he sat out nearly two full seasons with foot injuries. He returned for 24 games in 2000-01 before being sidelined again by foot problems.

Finally healthy in 2002-03, Ilgauskas averaged 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds a game and was selected as an All-Star. With the arrival of James the next season, the duo would form the nucleus of the Cleveland lineup for the following six seasons, reaching the NBA Finals in 2007.

Ilgauskas has averaged 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds during his career. He’s respected league-wide for his outside shooting ability and offensive rebounding prowess, and has twice played in the NBA All-Star game.

So there he was on Saturday, poised to break the team record that he had said, in the previous day's Lorain Morning Journal, meant the most to him—and Brown benched him.

It made no sense, and it’s no surprise that James spoke out. He’s been close to Ilgauskas since joining the Cavaliers in 2003, and has said on more than one occasion that it would mean as much to him to win a championship for his longtime teammate as it would for himself.

This sort of controversy is the last thing the Cavaliers need right now. Still trying to find their rhythm since O’Neal’s arrival, the team is already distracted by Delonte West’s emotional and legal struggles.

James spoke openly of the Cavaliers’ recent effectiveness when they won five of six games while O’Neal was out with a shoulder injury. Likewise, LeBron did not try to hide his frustration over the team’s inability to click after Shaq returned to the lineup against Charlotte on Friday.

The pressure is on the Cavaliers to win a championship this season. James will be a free agent in 2010, and rumors continue to swirl around what he’ll do when that time comes.

His concern over how the team is playing with Shaq in the lineup, coupled with how Ilgauskas was treated last weekend, is not a good sign in the current environment.

Mike Brown (and possibly Danny Ferry himself, since it was his record that was about to be broken) have some explaining to do about why Ilgauskas was left on the outside looking in, on what should have been a night of celebration for him, and one of recognition for his noteworthy career as a Cavalier.

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