Official LeBron James NBA debut thread

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torpid

Lifer
Sep 14, 2003
11,631
11
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You do know that the Kings allowed the least amount of points of any team in the NBA last season, and were (and still are) considered the best defensive team in the NBA?

considered the best by whom? sacramento fans? san antonio was widely regarded as a much better defensive team. but of course, a much worse offensive one. Sacramento was 17th in points allowed last year According to ESPN. It was 2nd in point differential, true. It was considered a 'much improved' defense, but other teams, like san antonio, were considered to be the best defensively (which makes sense, because they didn't have much offense and yet won the title).
 

First

Lifer
Jun 3, 2002
10,518
271
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Originally posted by: torpid
You do know that the Kings allowed the least amount of points of any team in the NBA last season, and were (and still are) considered the best defensive team in the NBA?

considered the best by whom? sacramento fans? san antonio was widely regarded as a much better defensive team. but of course, a much worse offensive one. Sacramento was 17th in points allowed last year According to ESPN. It was 2nd in point differential, true. It was considered a 'much improved' defense, but other teams, like san antonio, were considered to be the best defensively (which makes sense, because they didn't have much offense and yet won the title).

Yes, sorry, 2nd and not 1st (in point differential). Still, the point reminds; Sac was widely regarded as the best defensive team last year. Yes, so was San Antonio, you could say they were tied even, but that fact really is not worth making because now San Antonio doesn't have Drob anymore, who was underrated for his defensive prowess in the lane last season. Instead, the Spurs throw in Rasho at the 5, who is known for his offense but most definitely not for his defensive, considered by most as a cream puff in that regard.

That is the reason I say LeBron played the best defensive team in the league yesterday (Sac), whose starting five hasn't changed for the worst, unlike the Spurs. Yeah, Webber's out, but he has never been a huge contributor on the defensive end, merely average to good.
 

Pretty Cool

Senior member
Jan 20, 2000
872
0
0
Actually, the Kings were 17th in points allowed per game(Oops, this was already mentioned). If you're a high scoring team, then by definition, you will give up points. To their credit, though, they did lead the league in FG% defense. Personally, these all-defensive teams don't mean much to me as writers casts their votes almost solely based on what others say or reputation. Anyway, I thought James had an impressive game last night. What I was noticed most was his unselfish play. He created opportunities for others. Contrast that to that other high schooler who would have gone 1 on 4. James does need to improve his shot as his jumper is not a thing of beauty. But what do you expect from a kid? With his size and athleticism, he can probably put decent numbers even if he does airball a few here and there.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
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wow, thats the thing every one KNEW he was not selfish. i just hope he isnt selfish off the court with his money, but like he is on the court, likes to donate to others who need some help.

MIKE
 

Dacalo

Diamond Member
Mar 31, 2000
8,778
3
76
Sac Kings allowed lowest opponent FG % and lowest 3 point FG %

If that is not a good defense, I don't know what is
 

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Lifer
Jun 3, 2002
10,518
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Originally posted by: jjsole
We'll learn alot more about LJ tonight when silas puts him on marbury. :)

Ooooh, I forgot about that, should be exciting. :D
 

NeoV

Diamond Member
Apr 18, 2000
9,504
2
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say what you want about the Kings as a team defensively, but Doug Christie certainly has a reputation for being an excellent defensive player, and he was quite impressed with LeBron.

I think I know a lot about basketball, and it seems like some of you think you know a lot about basketball, but the fact is that NBA players know more about basketball than any of us do, and everyone that has played against him thus far says he is for real.

The haters here that say "its only one game" are the same people who were saying "he can't shoot" during the pre-season, or "all he does is dunk" before the pre-season started, never having even seen him play.

Let him be..don't hate him for all of the attention and money he has already received...as you can now see, the kid can play.

The most impressive part, for me, in the game last night was the way he took leadership of the team over - not just playing the point, but yelling out "tighten up on D" when they rallied late in the game - very impressive for a kid to be the leader of an NBA team already.

Bremer was great - he will get lots of open looks all season, a great pickup - Jumane Jones for him? What is Ainge smoking up there in Boston?

Big Z is a quality center, by the way, and all-star last season. Ricky Davis will be fine too, he will enjoy LeBron passing him the ball all season as well...Boozer looks tough too.

Why did they sign Ollie to a 5 year deal again?

If you guys want to see an over-rated NBA player, check out Darius Miles tonight....
 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
7,845
13
81
Damn, he almost put up a triple double tonight. Turnovers hurt though but I'm still impressed. Gonna have to get more production out of Miles, Davis, and the bench if the Cavs expect to win.

As for the Kings, well, they're following the trend set forth by teams like the Mariners, the Braves (except for 95), the post-Mac A's, the Kemp/Payton era Sonics, etc. Great regular season record and stats, but they don't have what it takes to get over that hump and win a championship.
 

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Lifer
Jun 3, 2002
10,518
271
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Racks up 21 pts on 8-17 shooting (47%) with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. However, he was sloppy with the ball with 7 TO's, though a couple were fumbled by his teammates.

Another great all around night for LeBron.
 

Miramonti

Lifer
Aug 26, 2000
28,651
100
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The most impressive part, for me, in the game last night was the way he took leadership of the team over - not just playing the point, but yelling out "tighten up on D" when they rallied late in the game - very impressive for a kid to be the leader of an NBA team already.

Agreed.

Why did they sign Ollie to a 5 year deal again?
I thought this was a great pickup to have to help teach lj and help stabilize the offense if needed. He lead the nba in assist/turnover ratio last year so even if he didn't work out well, his contract would be easily tradeable. Probably one of the best backup pg's in the league.

If you guys want to see an over-rated NBA player, check out Darius Miles tonight....
The word is already out so I don't think he is overrated anymore. ;) If he could learn to shoot the ball he could still be good - maybe he will since he's only 22 but it probably won't be with the cavs if he doesn't produce soon.

Originally posted by: Evan Lieb
Racks up 21 pts on 8-17 shooting (47%) with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. However, he was sloppy with the ball with 7 TO's, though a couple were fumbled by his teammates. Another great all around night for LeBron.

I was impressed too. The 7 TO's was deceptive considering the passes he made, which a few were excellent passes (decisions) that didn't work out. I think he needs, or his team needs, to find ways to get him more offense in the 4th qtr tho because when the jumpers don't fall for anyone, he's going to be needed to go inside/get fouls/create etc. Davis seems unreliable as a go-to guy because he doesn't go to the line much.

Too bad there aren't a lot of cavs games natl'y televised, he's fun to watch - only 2 more TNT games and 6 ESPN games scheduled for the rest of the season :( (I'll fortunately get 4 bulls-cavs games).
 

NeoV

Diamond Member
Apr 18, 2000
9,504
2
81
Melo shot 6-17, a day after a 1-13 performance, or something like that....I have concerns about Melo being athletic enough to get off his shots all the time...he had 4 or 5 shots rejected tonight...he is a good player, but no where near as athletic as James..

Cavs hardly had the ball in LeBron's hands in the 2nd half - not sure what is going on, I assume there is some adjustments going on, but even the announcers were very puzzled as to what was going on...

 

Miramonti

Lifer
Aug 26, 2000
28,651
100
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Very frustrating 2nd half. Noone wanted to help get James involved.

I'd expect some trades in the near future. James needs teammates that compliment him and who appreciate what he brings, not ones that compete against him for the ball, like davis and bremmer.

bremmer, 17 minutes, 1-10 shooting. :disgust: Its going to be scary when wagner gets off the injured list too.

At the same time, James has to improve his outside shot.
 

SteveGrabowski

Diamond Member
Oct 20, 2014
8,633
7,254
136
Still remember that HS game of LeBron's that ESPN broadcast and expecting this guy would be a first ball Hall of Famer after leading a team of terrible players over Oak Hill who is practically an NBA factory. Funniest part of that year was the daily articles from Chad Ford on ESPN saying the Cavs would regret not drafting Darko Milicic instead of Bron.