The Lebron Thread (Pt. 2)

[PCProductions]

If Indy wins Game 6, then in game 7 what they should do is always have 2 guys on Lebron. Maybe not from the beginning of the game by after half time if the game is close that way it would be difficult for Miami to adjust.

Doubling LeBron is the dumbest thing a team can do.

One of LeBron's best skills is finding the open man.

Wouldn't you rather his teammates shoot than give Lebron whatever?

If he's being doubled then that means one of his shooters is wide open, which is always worse than making Lebron shoot a contested jumper.

[NaturalThunder]

He is so far above the rest of his generation that it is frightening. Lebron generates significant open shots for teammates simply because the defense has no choice but to collapse on him due to his athleticism and now solid jumper.

It's frightening because he might be the last legendary player for awhile...

I think Durant has the potential to at leas get really, really close to legendary. I guess it jut depends on your definition of legendary, but Durant has top 20, or maybe even top 15, all-time potential. It'll obviously come down to how many rings he wins.

Of course with LeBron we're talking about someone who may finish top 5 all-time, and there's a decent sized gap between that and top 20 or top 15. Maybe/hopefully Wiggins will come along and live up to the hype.

[SideshowBob]

Miami Offensive 4 Factors Breakdown

Code: Select all

Games        eFG%      ORB%      TOV%      FT/FGA         ORTG

1-5          51.9%     26.0%     11.1%    .229            115.3

Not one of them is exceptional, its just a good balance of the 4 leading to insane overall results. 115.3 against a 99.8 DRTG defense is insane.

[PCProductions]

Don't want to make too much of this, but ever since Lebron turned the left ankle late in the 3rd quarter of game 4 his attack has been more perimeter oriented than it has basically been all season. Good thing they've been falling though. Also, when he had the open breakaway dunk yesterday he elected to jump off his right leg. Be nice for Miami to close this in 6 and get the extra rest heading into the finals just in case this is even a minor issue

If Lebron wins this title, history will do these events a major disservice if the name power of Wade and Bosh lead people to believe this was some awesome supporting cast. He is carrying these guys right now

Lebron beating the Spurs if the team remains this centric reliant on him, would be amazing and underappreciated forever. Lebron against the Spurs looks like it's going to be the elephant trying to survive with 8 cougars hanging off him.

I have no idea what the Heat are going to do after 13-14. They'll be in a situation where keeping all of Lebron, Wade and Bosh would take a massive financial commitment because of the repeater luxury tax. If you're Lebron, is it really appealing to play on a Heat team after eg. they cut Bosh loose, leaving just old broken down Wade and role players? Or do the Heat keep Bosh and make the hard decision by pulling the plug on Wade instead? I think that's the better decision but not the sentimental one. Really starting to think Cleveland is a threat next summer.

I know it sounds weird to say this at this moment, but do you really think Kyrie is better than Wade? Lebron and Wade have proven to play phenomenal basketball together and I don't think a healthy Wade could easily be replaced by any other second option, especially not Kyrie.

Bosh, as it stands, seems to be the odd man out of the three. When you look at lineup data, Bosh seems to struggle without Lebron on the court and this series hasn't helped his case at all either. He spaces very well for Lebron's brand of basketball which doesn't show up on the stat sheet, so his value isn't as small as the rebounds/points serve to show. However, these guys are big money and there's going to be some tough financial decisions to made at the end of next year. Cleveland, to me, is still but a pipe dream for nostalgic fans of the old Lebron.

[PCProductions]

Miami Offensive 4 Factors Breakdown

Code: Select all

Games        eFG%      ORB%      TOV%      FT/FGA         ORTG

1-5          51.9%     26.0%     11.1%    .229            115.3

Not one of them is exceptional, its just a good balance of the 4 leading to insane overall results. 115.3 against a 99.8 DRTG defense is insane.

Their ORB% is actually remarkably average considering how bad they look in the paint when you watch games. The turnover rate would be the league's lowest, so that I would say is at least remarkable.

[Dr Positivity]

He is so far above the rest of his generation that it is frightening. Lebron generates significant open shots for teammates simply because the defense has no choice but to collapse on him due to his athleticism and now solid jumper.

It's frightening because he might be the last legendary player for awhile...

I think Durant has the potential to at leas get really, really close to legendary. I guess it jut depends on your definition of legendary, but Durant has top 20, or maybe even top 15, all-time potential. It'll obviously come down to how many rings he wins.

Of course with LeBron we're talking about someone who may finish top 5 all-time, and there's a decent sized gap between that and top 20 or top 15. Maybe/hopefully Wiggins will come along and live up to the hype.

The guy that stands out to me as potentially the next generational talent is is Karl Towns, Jr. based on what I’ve seen. He’s a 7 footer that looks to have a feel for the game and fluidity that’s arguably once or twice a generation caliber for a big and has freakish skills for his age - post play, 3pt range, handling. The only thing missing is he doesn’t look like a dominant athlete but it's hard to tell based on the footage. But it's pretty early to judge, sometimes these high school bigs can't translate that skill to the next levels

[ronnymac2]

It's frightening because he might be the last legendary player for awhile...

I think Durant has the potential to at leas get really, really close to legendary. I guess it jut depends on your definition of legendary, but Durant has top 20, or maybe even top 15, all-time potential. It'll obviously come down to how many rings he wins.

Of course with LeBron we're talking about someone who may finish top 5 all-time, and there's a decent sized gap between that and top 20 or top 15. Maybe/hopefully Wiggins will come along and live up to the hype.

The guy that stands out to me as potentially the next generational talent is is Karl Towns, Jr. based on what I’ve seen. He’s a 7 footer that looks to have a feel for the game and fluidity that’s arguably once or twice a generation caliber and has freakish skills for his age - post play, 3pt range, handling. The only thing missing is he doesn’t look like a dominant athlete but it's hard to tell based on the footage. But it's pretty early to judge, sometimes these high school bigs can't translate that skill to the next levels

With his length and touch from the inside, it probably won't matter.

He's a good kid, too. Interviewed him earlier this year, he belongs on the PC board. Great knowledge of the history of the game. Very smart.

[ronnymac2]

Anybody notice LeBron leaning into some of those pull-up mid-range shots last night?

His 3's looked balanced, but some of the mid-range shots seemed almost rushed, like he couldn't wait to just shoot the ball.

[colts18]

Anybody notice LeBron leaning into some of those pull-up mid-range shots last night?

His 3's looked balanced, but some of the mid-range shots seemed almost rushed, like he couldn't wait to just shoot the ball.

Ray Allen does the lean in jumper all the time. I assume he is more confident leaning in.

[ardee]

He is so far above the rest of his generation that it is frightening. Lebron generates significant open shots for teammates simply because the defense has no choice but to collapse on him due to his athleticism and now solid jumper.

It's frightening because he might be the last legendary player for awhile...

Umm, a 'legendary' player was drafted 6 years before him in Duncan. 5 years before that was Shaq. 8 years before that was MJ. 4 years before that was Larry/Magic.

There's always a generational talent for each generation. You can't say that we haven't seen evidence of a new one because until the guy is in the pros you can't say. You think at the time people thought Jordan was the GOAT? Or that Duncan would be arguably the most ideal franchise player ever?

It could be Wiggins, it could be Davis, it could be some kid in the second round whom we have no clue about yet, the gap will never remain empty.

On a side not, I personally think it's going to be James Harden.

[E-Balla]

He is so far above the rest of his generation that it is frightening. Lebron generates significant open shots for teammates simply because the defense has no choice but to collapse on him due to his athleticism and now solid jumper.

It's frightening because he might be the last legendary player for awhile...

Umm, a 'legendary' player was drafted 6 years before him in Duncan. 5 years before that was Shaq. 8 years before that was MJ. 4 years before that was Larry/Magic.

There's always a generational talent for each generation. You can't say that we haven't seen evidence of a new one because until the guy is in the pros you can't say. You think at the time people thought Jordan was the GOAT? Or that Duncan would be arguably the most ideal franchise player ever?

It could be Wiggins, it could be Davis, it could be some kid in the second round whom we have no clue about yet, the gap will never remain empty.

On a side not, I personally think it's going to be James Harden.

It usually takes 4-6 years for that taken to come. KD's gonna be great but not that level.

And the evidence is usually there by now. When Magic/Bird were in their 10th seasons Jordan was averaging 33/8/8 and was the best in the league. When Jordan going to be in his 10th year Shaq averaged 29/13/2. When Shaq was in his 10th year Duncan was averaging 26/13/4. By Duncan's 10th year Lebron was averaging 27/7/6 (and Wade, who many thought was going to be that generational talent averaged 27/5/8). It might be KD but that seems kinda weak IMO.

[toodles23]

Anybody notice LeBron leaning into some of those pull-up mid-range shots last night?

His 3's looked balanced, but some of the mid-range shots seemed almost rushed, like he couldn't wait to just shoot the ball.

Yeah, I noticed it too. I've never really seen him shoot midrange shots like that, his form and technique are definitely different right now than I've ever seen from him. I wonder if it was a conscious decision or not, his jumper has been off all playoffs, so it could've been an intentional adjustment. Last night was easily his best jumpshooting game of the playoffs, hopefully it continues.

[Dupp]

Anybody notice LeBron leaning into some of those pull-up mid-range shots last night?

His 3's looked balanced, but some of the mid-range shots seemed almost rushed, like he couldn't wait to just shoot the ball.

Yeah, I noticed it too. I've never really seen him shoot midrange shots like that, his form and technique are definitely different right now than I've ever seen from him. I wonder if it was a conscious decision or not, his jumper has been off all playoffs, so it could've been an intentional adjustment. Last night was easily his best jumpshooting game of the playoffs, hopefully it continues.

He did it in cleveland too when he got really hot with his jumpshot. Its just a confidence thing. He kinda pulls up and shoots with whatever form because he knows its going in. Seen it a bit when he's gone on streaky shooting runs.

[PCProductions]

It reminded me of Game 1 vs Orlando 2009. Man his jumper was so wet that game.

[Greatness]

It reminded me of Game 1 vs Orlando 2009. Man his jumper was so wet that game.

IMO that's the best I've ever seen him play, not taking into account pressure, situation etc because then I choose game 6 vs Boston last year by far. It's just too bad the Magic couldn't miss that series.

[GSP]

With birdman out im expecting a big rebounding game from Lebron allaround something like 34, 14, 6

[Dupp]

It reminded me of Game 1 vs Orlando 2009. Man his jumper was so wet that game.

IMO that's the best I've ever seen him play, not taking into account pressure, situation etc because then I choose game 6 vs Boston last year by far. It's just too bad the Magic couldn't miss that series.

Agreed except replace game 1 with game 5.

All things considered it is game 6 last year though. Doubt he'll top that for his career.

[SideshowBob]

IMO that's the best I've ever seen him play, not taking into account pressure, situation etc because then I choose game 6 vs Boston last year by far. It's just too bad the Magic couldn't miss that series.

Game 5 in that same series was better.

[Greatness]

IMO that's the best I've ever seen him play, not taking into account pressure, situation etc because then I choose game 6 vs Boston last year by far. It's just too bad the Magic couldn't miss that series.

Game 5 in that same series was better.

Game 5 was an amazing all around performance for sure, but the efficiency (20-30!) along with the career high in the playoffs with 49 points, and defence (blocked two Dwight dunks that game) do it for me.

Remember I'm not taking into account situation or who won/lost, etc. Just the performance and that's why game 1 vs Orlando was his highest game score ever in the playoffs with a ridiculous 44.7. Another game I rate very highly is game 3 vs Atlanta.

[Dupp]

Game 1 - 49pts 6 rbds 8 assists 2 steals 3 blocks 2 TOV 66% shooting

- close loss, should of taken the final shot instead delonte missed a wide open one (if i remember correctly) Not holding the pass agianst him either

Game 5

37 pts 14 rbds 12 assists 1 stl 1 blk 4 tov 45% shooting

- Closed the game out on fire, scoring or assisting on like the last 27 points of the game or something crazy like that

Stats are probably close but game 5 is the best ive seen him play