Antrim wrote:Chalky White wrote:LBJ is only one of a handful of Miami players experiencing career high averages in efficiency, and I think that's more a testament to the system and talent level of the team rather than LBJ's individual brilliance.
Only if you lack the basketball knowledge to recognize the fact that the whole system revolves around him, offensively and defensively.
I And-1'd Chalky's post because of what he said about LeBron's post game, even if I disagree with the rest of what he said along the same lines as what you're saying here, Antrim.
I think anyone who has swallowed the "LeBron's game will decline as he loses his athleticism" line might want to examine how he is playing in the post these days. Or take a look at his improved jump shot.
Playing in the post is something many perimeter players seem to do as they age/get more experience and improve their game. When Jordan became more of a post player later in his career, I still regarded him as a perimeter player. Same with Kobe and his apparently-increased post-up game.
LeBron is becoming increasingly good at playing from the post. But I think there is still substantial room for improvement, which should be a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Additionally, his jump-shooting form has apparently improved dramatically. His balance on his shot just looks way, way better to me than it has in the past. He finally seems to have worked on this issue, it seems, and the results seem pretty clear.
LeBron's fadeaway also appears much improved, smoother.
I think LeBron is also on track for his best-ever free throw shooting season, as well, if he can keep up his current pace.
Finally, if LeBron has another 30.0+ PER season this year, he would become the first player in NBA history to have five seasons with a 30.0+ PER. He is currently tied with Jordan for four such seasons. Shaq and Wilt had three each.
I do think there could be a "give it to someone else" push among the NBA media as regards LeBron potentially winning another MVP this year. However, if the Heat win 60 games and LeBron is anything close to the player he has been early in the season over the full 2013-14 campaign, I can't see any way he doesn't win the award. Even if, say, the Heat win 60 games and Indy wins like 64 games.
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Someone asked about Wade -- He still is apparently dealing with the bone bruise issue (knees), Shock Wave treatment recovery (knees), and tendonitis in at least one of his knees, I believe. I think I heard he's not supposed to be fully recovered from the Shock Wave treatment for several months yet. Thus, he apparently is not up to full speed at this time.
Still, he looked great the last few games, I thought. Or at least very good. 27/4/4 with some big dunks in the second ORL game, and 21/6/12 against PHX with at least one big dunk. He looks like he is slowly rounding into form and definitely appears to still be a serious force when and if he's feeling healthy that night.
