An Observation on the Development of Lebron and Melo

[manchambo]

I watched the highlights the other night of Lebron's 50 point performance, and watched the last two Nuggets games in which Melo had pretty solid performances, and something struck me: As Lebron has developed, he has skewed more towards a perimeter-type game, most obviously by developing a deadly three point shor. As Melo has developed, he has moved more and more toward an interior-type game. In fact, at this point Melo's best performances are those in which he gets in the 10-12 rebound range with a lot of activity on the offensive boards.

This kind of struck me because I would not necessarily have predicted it when the two came in the league. If anything, I would have thought that Lebron, who seemed like he was around 245 lbs in high school, might have filled out into more of a power-forward type physique and game over time. Has anyone else noticed this, and do you find it surprising?

[Buckeye-NBAFan]

Well Melo obviously isn't as athletic or quick as LeBron. And he can't pass like LeBron. He has always had a better post game though, and a mid range jumper, whereas LeBron shoots 3s and layups. LeBron needs the ball in his hands since he's a play maker. That's easier to do as a point forward on the perimeter. Melo's a pure scorer, so he doesn't need to be in the middle of the floor.

[GJense4181]

Lebron came into this league as a point guard and you thought he'd develop into a power forward? Really?

[Basileus777]

It is somewhat surprising how LeBron has never developed any semblance of a post game. Even for a perimeter player, compared to say Kobe, Pierce, McGrady, etc, his post game is nonexistent.

[manchambo]

Lebron came into this league as a point guard and you thought he'd develop into a power forward? Really?

I did not say that he would actually be a power forward, but merely that his body type and thickness at age 19 led me to believe that, as he matured, he might fill out even more and develop into more of an interior player.

And, on the other side of this equation, I think a lot of people viewed Melo as more of a potential swing-type player who might spend some time at the 2. I don't think many people think that of him anymore. In fact, he seems to me at this point to be more suited to the 4 than the 2.

[Another Brick in the Wall]

It is somewhat surprising how LeBron has never developed any semblance of a post game. Even for a perimeter player, compared to say Kobe, Pierce, McGrady, etc, his post game is nonexistent.

A lot of player development also depends on team needs. LeBron has pretty much played with teammates who can't shoot, while interior scoring was one area his teammates are good at.

[Buckeye-NBAFan]

It is somewhat surprising how LeBron has never developed any semblance of a post game. Even for a perimeter player, compared to say Kobe, Pierce, McGrady, etc, his post game is nonexistent.

He has an OK post game when he uses it. But he doesn't focus on holding position and tends to drift outside. But since he can attack the basket more effectively than anyone in the NBA, I guess he can get points in the paint without posting up.

[prekazi]

LeBron doesn't need a post game now. Posting up would take away the advantage of his explosive first step advantage. Still he can easily outpowers his opponents when he posts up so I won't say that LeBron has no post game.

I loved the fact that he's 6-9 and 260! He can easily turn into a Power Forward when he comes to his 30's.

[cdubbz]

Lebron came into this league as a point guard and you thought he'd develop into a power forward? Really?

I dont think you can claim that lebron came into the league as a point gaurd. hes not a point gaurd.

[GJense4181]

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I dont think you can claim that lebron came into the league as a point gaurd. hes not a point gaurd.

http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/lebronjames.htm
He was hyped as the next Magic Johnson, not the next Oscar Robinson.
LOL@me "claiming" anything.

I had Carmelo pegged as an athletic F tweener (can score against both positions but not really defend either) and Lebron as a point-forward, not fast enough to defend PGs and without the jumpshot to play SG on offense.

[TheOUTLAW]

I really don't think LeBrons best games are perimeter oriented at all. I think his best games are when he's attacking the basket.

[CzBoobie]

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I dont think you can claim that lebron came into the league as a point gaurd. hes not a point gaurd.

Who do you think played starting PG for the Cavs in 2003? Ricky Davis or Darius Miles?

[ubernathan]

One day, ten years from now, Lebron will be a power foward, habeeb it!

[treis]

I'm not sure why people are surprised about this. In college Melo was a guy that posted up smaller players and took bigger players off the dribble. It's no shock that he does the same thing in the NBA.

[BrooklynBulls]

I'm not sure why people are surprised about this. In college Melo was a guy that posted up smaller players and took bigger players off the dribble. It's no shock that he does the same thing in the NBA.

Why do you not post on the bulls forum anymore?

[Buckeye-NBAFan]

I really don't think LeBrons best games are perimeter oriented at all. I think his best games are when he's attacking the basket.

Obviously he's best attacking the basket. But he does that from the perimeter. So that would be a perimeter oriented game..

[GJense4181]

^Does Amare Stoudemire have a perimeter-oriented game, then?