NBA Playoffs 2011: 5 Reasons Why LeBron James Is the Best Player in the NBA

The 2011 NBA Finals will feature arguably the best player in the NBA.  

LeBron James, love him or hate him, is a great player.  His development in the NBA has culminated into one of the most intriguing players and characters in the world of sports.  

He is the best player in the NBA for five reasons. 

1. Athleticism

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 24: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks on Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 24, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User

James’ level of athleticism has rarely, if ever, been seen in the NBA. 

Listed at 6'8", 250 lbs,  he has the size of a power forward combined with the speed and quickness of a guard. 

He may be the league’s fastest player end-to-end.  He can finish at the rim as well as anyone else in the league.  

2. Passing

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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 18: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks to pass against Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2011 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO U

James has averaged seven assists per game throughout his career.  His vision on the court is superb and he excels at creating shots for his teammates. 

His height and strength allow him to make passes most players cannot make.  

3. Versatility

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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 26: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks to pass as he is defended by Ronnie Brewer #11 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2011 at the United Center in Chicago, I

James can do it all.  He can shoot the three or take the ball to the rim with authority.  The Miami Heat often has him run the offense as the point guard.  

He can guard four positions on defense. 

James handles the ball like a point guard and rebounds like a big man (7.1 RPG).  He is an absolute nightmare matchup for the opposition.  His versatility is a tremendous asset for the Heat.  

4. Defense

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 22: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives for a shot attempt against LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 22, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami,

Anyone who watched the Eastern Conference finals saw that James had MVP Derrick Rose locked down and utterly confused.  The only position he cannot guard is the center.  

James is also a great help defender, chasing down the opposition with blocks from behind and altering many more shots.    

5. Takeover

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 22: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat drives for a shot attempt against Carlos Boozer #5 and Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 22, 2011 at American Airl

Witness James' takeover of a 2007 playoff game vs. Detroit, in which he scored 24 consecutive points in the fourth quarter. 

James can take over a game, shutting down the opposing team’s top scorer on defense and on the other end carrying the team offensively. 

When he’s shooting well from outside, James is almost impossible to defend.