The true test of how good he is will be after the season is over and this year's ratings for the NBA season come up.
First professional game and he comes four boards and one assist away from a triple-double. Yikes... Besides that, yes, he looked like everything a franchise would want in a team leader. Takes smart shots (12-20 from the floor), knows when he's in a jam and to pass it off, knows to keep the squad in sync on the floor, etc. Ok, it's one game, and yes, they still lost. But, man, he sure looks impressive out there. They should win tonight, will be real interested in seeing how he responds against the Suns.
What a game!!! I saw James play at the EA Sports Roundball Classic and was a believer then and last night made me want to jump on the King James bandwagon. However, time will time if James can have more than one good game. I think that ultimately he will have good, but a not a great, season. I was just so impress how he moved around the court and was able to handle the NBA level speed, moves and composure. Predictions: Points: 12.4 Rebounds: 4.7 Assists: 4 Steals: 1.9
Predictions! I love 'em - OK after one game's worth of watching him: PPG: 16.5 RB: 5.5 AST: 5.5 ST: 1.8 I think he's going to develop more quickly than you think Bag man. And he could exclipse these numbers.
I don't think Sacramento was all too concerned with stopping James in his first game out. Whomever gears their gameplan at stopping James first rather than Ricky Davis might give us a better barometer as to how he'll fair. It seems like ages since we've had a rookie average anywhere near 20ppg doesn't it? I think 15 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and are you ready for this? 6.5 apg. Passing most definitely will be his saving grace this season. Name anyone on his team capable of running the offense and getting the assist. Bremer is a combo guard, and Ollie, veteran that he is, barely saw the light of day.
lil, great point. once he gets the double-team, we'll see how he stacks up....at the same time, that's a veteran star measuring stick.
I'll believe until he stops performing well for my fantasy basketball team.
I watched the whole game last night, and while my jaw dropped at some of the shots that he made (like that fall-away jumper at the baseline with Miller in his face), there are going to be days where he won't have his first six or so shots fall (the outside shot is still the weakest part of his game, for what that's worth). Nevertheless, as vito90 said, the main thing was his poise and his leadership ability. He made some fine passes thanks to some tremendous court vision. Also, the fact that on the breakaway he turned around and passed the rock for Ricky Davis to slam speaks volumes to his maturity and recognition that he has to keep his teammates happy, especially Davis. I've lived in Cleveland for several years, and the only games that I've attended were when my Spurs would make their annual visit, but I will certainly take in a few more games. The city continues to buzz.
Oh, and here is an article about LeBron's maturity from the always excellent Terry Pluto.
