Lebron James is without question the most explosive and dynamic player in the league we’ve seen in a long time, some would even say possibly all-time. His productivity in the league has been astonishing since graduating from St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron, Ohio, and entered the league. Since his first year in the NBA (’03-’04) he has never averaged less than 20 PPG. He boasts a 6’8, 250 pound frame, with the ball handling and feline quickness of a point guard. That equation of speed x strength (power); essentially makes him the same breed as a high speed monorail. Once he gets in the open court and gains momentum, good luck to that player standing in his way. He is so strong that he will always get a field goal attempt while drawing the foul because he cannot be contained.
After “The Decision” was televised nationally to let the entire world know he would ultimately be “taking his talents to south beach” he will always have a stigma associated with his name. The most important implication of this decision to play for the Miami Heat is that he joined forces with two premier players in the league. The first player being Dwayne Wade, who led the Heat to their first ever NBA Finals Championship and was deemed the MVP. However, he did not do it by himself. He had Shaquille O’Neal, perhaps one of the best and most dominant centers to ever play the game. He boasted a 7’1, 325 pound frame and has been named one of the greatest 50 players in NBA history; also won four NBA championships (3-peat with Kobe Bryant 2000-2002, and in 2006 with D.Wade). Then you have Chris Bosh, who completes “The Big Three.” He was also a part of the same free agent class as Lebron, but not as highly sought after of course. However, he has been extremely productive for this team to date. In his second season with the team, he’s averaged over 18 PPG both years. He has good length at 6’11 and shoots 48% from the field.
For the other pieces that make up this Eastern Conference powerhouse, they have a few notable veterans that can make a difference. First, there is former Blue Devil Shane Battier. He is 33 years old and can really help Head Coach Erik Spoelstra with teaching the younger guys the small forward position. Then there is Udonis Haslem; he’s spent all 9 seasons with the Heat. He is not a big-time scorer but can definitely provide a presence on the inside on the boards. Finally, Juwan Howard almost has more NBA seasons (18) played than years I have existed. This guy may be borderline fossil status, but he is still apparently good enough to be given a contract. In his earlier years, this man was a great scorer and fairly good rebounder. He does have a lot of mileage, he averaged 35+ minutes for 10 seasons. But similar to what was mentioned of Battier, he can really teach the young guys and be a great mentor. Then there are guys such as PG Mario Chalmers; who can shoot the ball very well. This season, he is shooting the 3-ball at 43%. It will be interesting to see if the Miami Heat pursue 5-time NBA Champion Derek Fisher to take over, as he was shockingly traded to Houston recently and then agreed to a buy-out agreement with the team. Other notables are Eddy Curry and Mike Miller, they play their role alongside the big three.
As it is well documented, Lebron James does not have a ring. Whether this Miami Heat team wins a championship or not, they will be ridiculed. Hypothetically, if he were to win two titles, it will always draw back to the fact that he did not do it alone; but instead with one of the top five players during this decade. However, it is evident Lebron is hungry for a title and is showing no signs of letting up. He has wised up and learned to shut his mouth, let the critics say what they please, while he does what he is paid to do; play the game of basketball. It will be very interesting to see what happens next month as the NBA wraps up the shortened 66 game season and begin playoffs. Miami or Chicago are undoubtedly one of the two teams expected to represent the East in the finals this season.