I've done very little bandwagon-jumping on the LeBron James Express here at Wizblog. So let this be an exception. The Kid tonight became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points. He threw in a career high 41, along with a career high 13 assists. Based on everything I've read, the voting for NBA Rookie of the Year is a mere formality.
He has been as billed. A rare talent. Humble, charismatic, well schooled in Media 101, a model teammate. Respectful of officials, coaches and fans. Appreciative of his immense good fortune and now, great wealth. No fan can be disappointed. And that says a lot, given the sky-high expectations. Cleveland sports fans are pinching themselves.
Posted by dan at March 28, 2004 12:00 AMPinching indeed! From what I hear, Carmelo (Lebron's only competition for ROTY) really took a hit when he refused to play in the final 6 minutes of a game the other night. He apparently had an off night shooting, and his teammates started complaining about his shot selection. Should be interesting to see how this plays out and who's team, if either, makes the playoffs.
On that note, I'm concerned that the strength of schedule in the remaining games for the Cavs may get the best of them, especially when compared to that of Boston. The Cavs go up against the likes of the Spurs, the Mavericks, the Bucks, the Griz. Boston gets the Hawks, the Wizards, and the Warriors. I'd say the Heat, which are currently at number 6 have to have a really bad couple of weeks for the Cavs to make it. The Heat's final 3 games are against the Celtics followed by 2 against the Cavs! Who says the NBA is boring . . . other than Atlanta fans???
Posted by: jj at March 29, 2004 01:06 AM