LeBron James of the Miami Heat Is the Most Complete Player of All Time
Most fans, media and journalists attribute a players' greatness to the number of championships that individual has won. But how is that truly the indicator of individual greatness in a league that requires the benefit of a well-rounded team?
It is the job of the owner and general manager to assemble a team around their star players. Throughout LeBron James' first seven seasons in Cleveland, Dan Gilbert was unable to surround him with the necessary pieces to win a championship. Yet the basketball world still seems to live on the now overused adage, "Blame LeBron."
You want me to back my claims with stats? Okay, I'll throw some career numbers your way.
Player A makes 48 percent of his field goals and has 28 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals a game.
Player B makes 45 percent of his field goals and has 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and one-and-a-half steals a game.
Based on statistics alone, which player would you prefer? I'll answer that for you. Player A. No question.
Both have great numbers, but Player A has a distinct advantage in all major statistical categories. It seems as though Player A has the innate ability to create for others while also picking his spots to score. His ability to rebound also gives him an extra edge over Player B.
If you haven't already guessed: Player A is LeBron. Player B is Kobe Bryant.
Oh, you want career postseason numbers too? Fine, I shall oblige—no need for attempted obscurity this time around (these include this postseason as well; LeBron's are subject to [positive] change).
LeBron: 46.3 percent field goals, 28 points, eight-and-a-half boards, seven assists, two steals and one block.
Kobe: 44.8 percent field goals, 25.6 points, five rebounds, five assists and one-and-a-half steals.
The common misconception amongst anyone who follows professional basketball is that championships define a player. LeBron has yet to win a ring [insert LeBron-ringless joke], but his talents are undeniable.
Yes, he is partially or primarily at fault for his team's failures last season.
However, if you recall, that was the first season of the "Big Three" experiment. Miami (and everyone else) had high expectations because the last time Pat Riley completely re-landscaped his roster to complement their very own Dwyane Wade, they won the title in 2006.
Surrounded by Shaquille O'Neal, Antoine Walker, James Posey, Jason Williams, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton and Udonis Haslem (the only other Heat player with a ring), Wade led the Heat to their only championship in franchise history. So he'll always have one more than LeBron.
The media has constantly catered to James, which has bred more hate toward him than the love his game truly deserves.
Remind me please: When was the last time anyone reading this article has witnessed a player at 6'8'' and 260 pounds run the floor, rebound, score and pass the way LeBron does? Also, remind me the last time we had the benefit of watching a bona fide superstar who cares more about getting his teammates involved than padding his scoring numbers?
He has just recorded two straight games where he eclipsed 30 points, ten rebounds and eight assists, leading the reeling Heat to two very impressive playoff victories against the Indiana Pacers (sans Chris Bosh) with their backs against the wall. He is the complete player. A triple threat on both ends of the court. First-Team All-Defense. MVP.
Give credit where it is long overdue.
The only logical comparison one can conceivably make is Magic Johnson, but he was never as physically gifted as LeBron is. James has all the tools Magic had and then some.
He has yet to add a ring to his trophy case. However, that does not put a damper on his sparkling play over his first nine years in the league.
We, the fans and the journalists, have been treated to an unbelievable show over the last decade, and instead of slurping another 16-ounce Haterade, get off your high horse, and enjoy the talent while it lasts.
Sure, you are all free to hate whomever you please. There are Kobe haters, LeBron haters and even Chris Paul haters throughout the world. Hate LeBron for the "Not one, not two..", hate him for "The Decision", but you best respect him on the hardwood.
One thing everyone can agree on, however, is the brilliance of the aforementioned players. Just do everyone—most importantly yourself—a favor and realize the greatness we are blessed to witness on a nightly basis.
We are all witnesses.
