Dude! It's not about "10 years" exactly. It's anytime from now until whenever. He will be a threat for the whole league!!!! Not just us. Heck, even in 3 or 4 he will be tearing up the league. But in terms of reasonable finals appearance, that might take 7 to 10. And that's reasonable. Unless you think he has no chance. Heh...
Did I say Lebron would stay at 20ppg? Your ignorance never ceases to amaze me. He's needing 20 shots a game to get 20 points per game NOW. That's all i'm addressing, not what he'll average in the future. Here you go with your predictions....lol. Noone really cares what your predictions are man, the more you go on with that crap, the more it seems you're trying to pull a "I TOLD YOU SO" and resurrect this thread in the future.
I wont have too. But, why would you say that? Not unless you think what I'm saying has a high-probability of occurring... You do, don't you!
In all seriousness, you really are an idiot. I'm not saying that because i'm angry, in fact, i'm saying it with disbelief that someone who has been reading this thread for the past hour cannot hold a logical conversation. Do you even read other people's posts before you post?
Well, it just might come down to Peak Value vs. Career Value. It simply takes less talent to build around a dominant big man than a smaller guy. Duncan's supporting cast aren't exactly world beaters. Many times you'll see dominant big men almost singlehandedly carry their teams thru the playoffs. But very rarely does it happen with guards. Iverson and Kidd comes to mind(0 championships, though), as well as Jordan of course. But even Jordan had one of the top 50 players of all time by his side. If I had to bet on who will have more championships by the end of their careers, I'd pick Yao Ming. It's just easier to build around him. Probably need a secondary scorer, and several good role players who play their roles. On the other hand, it's kind of hard to build around a LJ. Sure, LJ would be great in Dallas or Sacramento with plenty of surrounding talents. But what's the likelyhood that Cleveland can come up with such a supporting cast? I can easily see a T-Mac/Orlando situation in the future.
Actually, I don't know what you are addressing. So, because LeBron shoots 20 shots per game (with his current team), that is supposed to mean what? That he's going to be little threat now? Come on tell me your point...
Bingo. Right outta your own mouth. That's why I'm not wasting my time "feeding the trolls" on this thread. In case you're wondering what I mean by that, that troll would be YOU. Your reading comprehension is on a 3rd grade level and there's just no point in trying to reason with you. Sorry.
Of couse you're angry...and I know why...Because I'm discussing what's good for the TEAM as opposed to how great Yao is. Look at your post below... See how you completely discount the threat of Lebron? All you are saying is that he's "jacks up 20 shots, no one will want to play with him except 30 year olds" blah, blah, blah...Wishful thinking on your part! No one said that he will be another "Jordan." But he will make his own name, and will be a dominate force. No one is doubting Yao. But you ARE doubting LeBron. Read your post below and tell me you aren't discounting LeBron. Could it be that you dislike LeBron? That you are just tired of the hype? That you are jealous of the attention he's getting? Just wondering... I mean, even if all you are saying is that he's just "good/average" now, but will improve later. What difference does it make? He still ends up being a major threat regardless of what you think of him now. And that's my point! And here's your comment about Melo... More shortsightedness? Again, back to MY POINT. Which is, how good these players are at this age, how they have grown over this season, AND what they will do in the future. All you can do is just discount their performance in a recent game, and say they aren't very good statistically? Big deal! What does it matter if they are just "good" now, but "great" later? It just proves my point that much more. I mean, who cares about "my stats are better than yours?" Again, big deal! NBA careers don't happen in the span of a year. Even if Yao beats LeBron this next game, does it really mean anything? Not in the big picture it doesn't.
Nice reply...but you didn't even answer my question: "20 shots" implies what? That he's less efficent than Yao now? Ok, and your point? Yet, you say that he will improve latter. What does it matter what his stats are now? It doesn't matter. That's not the point. It's looking at his potential threat in the next few years. That's what's important to look at. Look above also...
Is there actual proof in this? I actually think guards would have shorter careers because once they lose their speed, they could be finished. Big men, on the otherhand, will always have their height and girth. Just 5 random great players at each position: Kareem 20 seasons Hakeem 18 seasons Ewing 17 seasons Russell 13 seasons Thurmond 14 seasons Zeke 13 seasons Clyde 15 seasons CMurphy 13 seasons Oscar 13 seasons Cousy 14 seasons I'm not going to make the conclusion that big men have longer careers than guards with this small sample size but I do believe they stick around just as long.
Oops, forgot to elaborate on this. I think Yao Ming has better peak value, as his best years are much more likely to influence the team success(i.e. deep into the playoffs, championships). But Lebron will likely end up with better career stats, play longer, and therefore provide a longer-lasting impact. But I doubt his best seasons will match Yao's. Of course, I'm assuming that both players will develop normally and w/o serious injuries.
I think we are just tired of lebron james period, i know i am. Its amazing what he is able to do as a 19 year old rookie, becoming the leader of the Cavs and all, but he is getting on my nerves. Lebron will become a better player, but right now he is a teenager using his athleticism. From the games i see him play his ballhandling seems a little sloppy, or not as fluid as the better ball handlers. His jumpshots going to need some improvement because hes not going to become the next jordan in the age of the zone defense.
Why are we even arguing about LeBron James? First of all, his stats are not that impressive. He takes 20+ shots per night just to get that score. I don't think that's very efficient. The reason he's overhyped is that the Cavaliers let him play his game. Now imagine where Yao would be if he takes 20+ shots per game? Ranks #14 in the NBA in Points Per Game(20.6) Ranks #16 in the NBA in Assists Per Game(5.7) Ranks #6 in the NBA in Minutes Per Game(39.9) Ranks #13 in the NBA in Minutes Played(2115.0) Ranks #12 in the NBA in Field Goals Made(417.0) Ranks #5 in the NBA in Field Goal Attempts(1017.0) Ranks #16 in the NBA in Assists(303.0) Ranks #14 in the NBA in Points(1092.0) Ranks #11 in the NBA in Field-Goal Attempts Per 48 Minutes(23.08) Ranks #3 in the NBA in Total Turnovers(191.0) Ranks #4 in the NBA in Turnovers Per Game(3.6) Ranks #7 in the NBA in Turnovers Per 48 Minutes(4.33) If you were to let any decent player to take that many shots, their stats will start to look like LeBron's. I rather have someone who knows when to shoot instead of "throw and pray" type of player. I'm not saying that the Rox are not giving Yao the same opportunity (although sometimes it seems like it) that the Cavaliers give LeBron James. I'm saying is that Yao doesn't waste shots when he's not comfortable shooting (double/triple team) and instead kick it out to our guards. The major problem that we have as a team this year is that our perimeter shooters can't convert. (Except for JJ. He exceed my expectations). The double/triple team brings up another interesting observation. How many teams actually double/triple Lebron they way they do to Yao? So LeBron James and Yao Ming are basically apples and oranges. But if I were to choose right now, I'd pick Yao over Lebron James any second.
Well, I said the same thing on multiple occasions yet the DavidS guy still can't understand that simple point. You just opened a can of worms, now he's gonna post about 50 posts directed at you asking you what you mean.
You're a "stat guy" aren't you? Read this.... IT WONT MATTER!!!!! Stats don't win games!!!! They don't win championships. They are only used to paint a generalized picture of efficiency. In the long run (next few years) it wont matter!!! Each player will improve. And that's what is important. I mean, is this year all you care about? Geeesh! Who cares about the next game? It wont mean jack in terms of "Who's better, and who's not." What's important is the big picture: the growth of this team, the players, the coaching, chemistry, offense, defense, and a lot of other things! Preparation for the play-offs and future battles is key. You don't just throw up a few stats and say, "my player is better than your player." P.S. And if it's any consolation...the only thing we have in common is that we both want Francis traded. My feeling is that he's not good for this TEAM.
I know I will be branded as YOF for this arguement. Stats do matter. How do you suppose teachers grade their students? If stats don't matter, why would people spend billions of dollars collecting data on a daily basis? There are so many flaws in your argument, I don't know where to start. While I do agree that LeBron James is a good player, he, by no mean, has surpassed Yao in term of efficiency. As I mentioned before, I rather have a player who, when is not comfortable to shoot, kicks it out to his guards, instead of a "shoot-and-pray" type of player. This argument is flawed. No one is being held back. While LeBron improves, so does Yao. While Yao improves, so does LeBron. Yes, I really do care about stats because it says how effective a player is performing. Without stats, how do we know Steve's shooting is off this year? Let's say that you;re going to the store to buy a television set. There are two brands, A & B in the store that you like. With your experience, you know that bran B went bad on you 5 times compare to brand A, which failed on you twice. So you're going to be smart this time and choose the right brand. What would you choose? Do you think that the Rockets involve Yao Ming more than the Cavaliers involve LeBron James? End of arguement! Yes you do. Bill Gates is richer than me because he has a lot more money
That's true. But you're taking about the point I was trying to make. The future. Some posters here didn't want to discuss that (especially about other players potential) daRox, Come on man...I'm talking about stats ALONE. Sure, they are important. But they are not an end in itself. And then to expand on that, you can't just use them this year, and not expect them to mean less (in comparison to other players later), if those other players do in fact improve, like you said. I mean, this is the same aurgument that a lot of Francis fans were using to debate how much "production" he was doing with 20/6/6. But those stats ALONE didn't tell the whole story. And that's my point about LeBron and Melo. They do things on the court that don't show up on the stat board. The TEAM is being held back because of Francis. At the same time Yao can't do it alone. The question is: What will CD do in the off-season?
I think its healthy for the NBA. As for Lebron vs. Yao, its hard to compare the two positions. MJ was the best player in the game during the 90s. Hakeem was the best center during that span as well. Go with Yao, and he adds yet another legacy onto our Center-rich history.
Take a look at these stats...... .....Min FG% 3PT% FT% Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PPG 1) 39.8 41.0 28.2 76.8 5.7 5.7 3.6 1.5 0.7 20.6 2) 40.2 39.8 28.3 76.2 5.6 6.0 3.6 1.4 0.5 16.6 and tell me which one is Steve Francis and which one is Lebron James. Well, if you answered 1) LJ and 2) SF you were right! What does that win you, you ask? How about knowing that Lebron is putting up almost exact numbers as SF. But he's doin it in his 1st year! SF is in his 5th. Interesting huh? So that pretty much says a couple of things. First, Lebron is gonna be 10 times better than SF when it's his 5th year, cause he seems to be maturing and putting up great stats at a faster rate. He has superstar written all over. Second, he's on a team that's similiar to that of the Rox 1999. They're rebuilding and he's been annointed the rookie leader, just like SF was his rookie year. Third, they play similiar roles and styles, which is why their numbers are pretty much the same. Uncanny. However, I believe that LJ will surpass SF, who seems to have plateaued. But what the hell am i talking about SF and Lebron?!? This is about Yao and Lebron. Yao hands down. What they said.
