Sunday, May 27, 2007

Let Lebron play the point

The Jordan comparisons, everyone agrees are unfair. Kenny Smith says, "Lebron would really rather be more like Magic than Jordan. His instinct is to be more of a distributor -- he's just been forced into the [Jordan] role."

As we watch Kingpin Williams literally shrug off the Stockton suit1 while simultaneously being declared part of the "new Stockton-to-Malone" by the national media, I can’t help but wonder why the Lebron controversy is also so one-dimensional.

Nobody questions his talent, but also nobody questions whether he has been put into a position to be all he can be. If distributing is what Lebron's best at, then why cram him into something else? ... Because he's a 6'9'' leaper he has to be a swingman? Maybe Lebron is better off taking over games in ways other than scoring. Why not let Lebron play the point?

He might not completely understand all the nuisances of being quarterback, but he could certainly learn ... what, he's not quick enough to beat opposing points off the dribble? Please. All the tools are there.

If you're the Cavs management, why not commit this next summer to honing Lebron's point skills? Hire Ervin to work with him three days a week. Let him know there's no going back. “Come November, Bron-Bron you’re our starting point guard. No more Eric Snow and Daniel Gibson. Sink or swim.”

If all the pressure is on Lebron, at least let him play the way he is most suited. This is where he should have been all along. He would rise to the challenge. Like Kirilenko, this man is one of the most unique talents basketball has ever seen -- and that talent is languishing before our eyes. Put him in a position (pun intended) to succeed. If Lebron is meant to live up to unconventional hype, it will take unconventional means.



1. By taking games over with his scoring ... still not sure whether Sloan has capitulated to this transformation, or Williams has gradually taken complete control over the team and there's now nothing Sloan can do about it. Through the grapevine, I hear more of the latter.

8 comments:

39&1/2feet said...

Lebron chose Jordan over Magic a long time ago. I don't think it can be undone at this point.

Anonymous said...

You cant be serious. The offence of the Jazz is no different, remember that Deron had a go at the 2 last season for zilch. Deron is playing the role as prescribed by Jerry and reaping the benefits.

In regards to AK47 - he started his career at the 3 and will probably finish at the 3-on what should have been one of the worst teams of all time, he was made to look brilliant at the 4 becuase his competition was Gugliotta and Ruffin! Put your body on the line AK - its injuries (mental and physical), not his position that is hampering his play.

Anonymous said...

This is good shit... it's totally true that Lebron could grow into another position; it's not like he's trying to play baseball...

DDD said...

I know next to nothing about baseball, so I'm going to have to take your word for it ... but thank you.

Anonymous said...

Are you ever going to post again? Or are you on a hunger strike until Jerry goes to Illinois and never comes back? Do you need some helping getting your story out, because I know some reporters...

DDD said...

Sorry for my absence. I'm planning on posting a long draft post, then a free-agency post as well . . . I'm a freelance journalist and have had to focus on work that actually pays. The Jazz obsession was getting in the way of eating, which is a problem. And, the realization that Jerry was/isn't going to retire was almost too depressing to bare … [if you have any connections send em along; you can find my email through the profile]

Dwyane Wade said...

LeBron James is the best basketplayer of the world!!





kss



GO CAVS, GO LeBRON*




by
dwyane wade, lebron james

Myrilla said...

Good words.