Yeah, I said it. I'm calling out the guy who has averaged 8.6 assists-per-game over his career. In fact, he's on track to record the ninth highest assists-per-game average in the history of both the NBA and ABA. But he's also on track to lose in the NBA playoffs and fall short of his goal once again. I know what you're thinking. You're crazy Mark. Cleveland is nothing without LeBron. That's true, but give me a chance and I'll tell you why they'll never win until LeBron changes.
Now, before I incriminate myself, I think it's important that I note that Charles Barkley hinted at this in TNT's post-game show. I want to take what he said a step further.
Now, before I incriminate myself, I think it's important that I note that Charles Barkley hinted at this in TNT's post-game show. I want to take what he said a step further.
This has been going on for over a year, but I think we saw a good example of it in last night's game against the Chicago Bulls. LeBron had 40 points on 16-23 shooting. On top of that, he had eight rebounds and eight assists. He was hotter in the fourth quarter than asphalt in the middle of a Florida summer. He couldn't be stopped. But it's important to remember that there were two people who also took notice to this: The Bulls and LeBron's own teammates. That, is where the problem lies.
As good as LeBron is, let's face it, he won't be that good every night. Nobody is, and when LeBron isn't, he's going to need his teammates to make plays. He's going to need Jamison and Williams and Delonte West to step up. The Cavaliers don't want to become the LeBron show when they are in close games. Right now at the end of close games, LeBron takes the ball down the court, passes off, gets it back, and then jostles inside the three-point-line for five second before pulling the trigger on a low-percentage shot. When he does that, what are Williams and Jamison thinking? I guess I'll just try and get the rebound. Where should I stand? What exactly is that tattoo on Delonte's neck?
With LeBron doing everything, the rest of his teammates will not feel their pressure to perform or much individual importance on the team. Barkley said LeBron needs to be building the confidence of his teammates and he's absolutely right.
Last year the Cavaliers lost to a better Magic team, and LeBron needs to understand that he can't win without his teammates. Could Jordan win without Pippen? Could Kobe win without Shaq or Gasol? No. And the analogy stretches beyond basketball. Jimmie Johnson can't win a NASCAR race without a great pit crew. Peyton Manning can't break any NFL passing records without receivers there to catch his passes. In almost every sport, it's a two-way street.
The great ones become great because they lead team's to championships. They don't win them themselves. If I'm Cleveland, I want LeBron taking the last shot every time, I just don't want him taking almost every shot before that.
As good as LeBron is, let's face it, he won't be that good every night. Nobody is, and when LeBron isn't, he's going to need his teammates to make plays. He's going to need Jamison and Williams and Delonte West to step up. The Cavaliers don't want to become the LeBron show when they are in close games. Right now at the end of close games, LeBron takes the ball down the court, passes off, gets it back, and then jostles inside the three-point-line for five second before pulling the trigger on a low-percentage shot. When he does that, what are Williams and Jamison thinking? I guess I'll just try and get the rebound. Where should I stand? What exactly is that tattoo on Delonte's neck?
With LeBron doing everything, the rest of his teammates will not feel their pressure to perform or much individual importance on the team. Barkley said LeBron needs to be building the confidence of his teammates and he's absolutely right.
Last year the Cavaliers lost to a better Magic team, and LeBron needs to understand that he can't win without his teammates. Could Jordan win without Pippen? Could Kobe win without Shaq or Gasol? No. And the analogy stretches beyond basketball. Jimmie Johnson can't win a NASCAR race without a great pit crew. Peyton Manning can't break any NFL passing records without receivers there to catch his passes. In almost every sport, it's a two-way street.
The great ones become great because they lead team's to championships. They don't win them themselves. If I'm Cleveland, I want LeBron taking the last shot every time, I just don't want him taking almost every shot before that.
