LeBron James: 2009 NBA MVP
13 May 2009
What separates a great player from a Most Valuable Player? After breaking countless individual scoring records and winning gold in Beijing, this season, LeBron found the answer.
His stats speak for themselves-28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Now, had LeBron put up those numbers on an average team, he would be in the discussion, but it wouldn't be a lock. Not without the team he's built bonds with out there in Cleveland.
Lebron's name topped every list even before the midseason break because he stuffed the stat sheet within the team concept. Everything he's done this season-- on both ends of the court-has been totally within the framework of the Cavs, exactly as it's been discussed in the locker room and on the practice court. His level of devotion to his squad is unrivaled in the league right now. His unique ability to inspire and lift his teammates perform better has also moved legions of fans around the world to do the same.
There are a several good players in Cleveland, and they're all better because of LeBron. Not just because his presence occupies so much of the opponent's attention, creating opportunities for them to shine. From the moment the bus leaves for the airport to the moment the final buzzer sounds, something of LeBron is rubbing off on each of those players-advice on a subtle way to defend the pick-and-roll, working on the best angle to cut so that LeBron can get them the rock, or working on a pre-game routine that helps break up a long and sometimes exhausting season.
That's what a leader does, that's what a great teammate does. He changes the game with a clutch shot, an impossible pass, a cheer from the sidelines, or a cloud of chalk. It's why he's considered one of the greatest of all time. It's why in 2008-2009, he's the most valuable.
His stats speak for themselves-28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Now, had LeBron put up those numbers on an average team, he would be in the discussion, but it wouldn't be a lock. Not without the team he's built bonds with out there in Cleveland.
Lebron's name topped every list even before the midseason break because he stuffed the stat sheet within the team concept. Everything he's done this season-- on both ends of the court-has been totally within the framework of the Cavs, exactly as it's been discussed in the locker room and on the practice court. His level of devotion to his squad is unrivaled in the league right now. His unique ability to inspire and lift his teammates perform better has also moved legions of fans around the world to do the same.
There are a several good players in Cleveland, and they're all better because of LeBron. Not just because his presence occupies so much of the opponent's attention, creating opportunities for them to shine. From the moment the bus leaves for the airport to the moment the final buzzer sounds, something of LeBron is rubbing off on each of those players-advice on a subtle way to defend the pick-and-roll, working on the best angle to cut so that LeBron can get them the rock, or working on a pre-game routine that helps break up a long and sometimes exhausting season.
That's what a leader does, that's what a great teammate does. He changes the game with a clutch shot, an impossible pass, a cheer from the sidelines, or a cloud of chalk. It's why he's considered one of the greatest of all time. It's why in 2008-2009, he's the most valuable.
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