The ascension of King James

By Michael Beshara Sports Central Columnist

There has been a certainty to it that was undeniable. Whenever you get people as diverse as Bill Walton, Dick Vitale, John Lucas, and Jerry West to agree on something, then there has to be an element of truth to it.

When these four, and every other basketball pundit with access to a microphone over the last year, told us that Lebron James was the "Next Great Basketball Player," we the American sporting public had no choice but to listen.

We, they, everyone knew he would be great. There were arguments over just how great ("as good as Jordan" ... "better than Jordan"), but the greatness was assumed. The only thing the basketball world could not agree on was how soon James would achieve greatness. The answer to that question becomes clearer and clearer, as James is fulfilling his potential as the "Next Great Basketball Player" right now.

There is something magical about watching an athlete of any sport make the jump from great player to superstar, but especially so in professional basketball. The player goes from an incredible bundle of talent capable of doing anything at anytime to a superstar who you expect to dominate and win on a nightly basis. James is currently in the process of making that jump, and it is a sight to see.

To recognize the ascension of King James, you have to ignore the hype, because that was a given from day one, regardless of his performance. Forget about the Bernie Mac-led Nike commercials or the new Sprite spots. Forget about his best-selling sneaker that is modeled, in-part, on his Hummer H2. To recognize the development of James, you have to ignore the hype.

You also have to ignore the numbers, but that is a bit harder to do. It is harder because the numbers are off the charts. Well, technically not off the charts, as there are two other players who have averaged at least 20 points, 5 boards, and five dimes a game in their rookie season like James is currently averaging. Their names are Jordan and (Oscar) Robertson. But even those ridiculous numbers do not tell the story of how great James is.

To fully appreciate how great James is, how great he is right now, you have to see him for yourself. And I'm not talking about a breakaway dunk and a couple of no-look passes on ESPN's SportsCenter every night, I'm talking about watching him play his 40 minutes a night for the Cavs and being amazed at what he can do. If you consider yourself a true fan of the game of basketball, you have to watch him play, because while hype and numbers can lie, your eyes never do.

Watch and see James effortlessly turn baseline, away from the doubling defender, and knock down a fall away 15-footer. Watch James float along the baseline, flash to the elbow off of a Carlos Boozer screen, take the ball, and immediately whip the ball inside to Boozer for an easy dunk, knowing all the while that the defender who switched off Boozer to contest his passing lane would leave Boozer open. Watch James drive to the basket, put the ball on his defender's chest, and initiate contact, getting himself two freebies at the charity stripe.

That's a big-time move for big-time players. The kind whose reputations get them to the line 10 or 12 times a night. James is that kind of player.

To watch James play is to be reminded why you love professional basketball. He is at once fundamentally sound and unbelievably exciting. Imagine the kids from Princeton finishing their backdoor cuts with gravity-defying alley-oops and you understand the essence of James' game. He is everything he was supposed to be and more. And he is all of that right now.

Even in the J.V. league that is the NBA's Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers might not make the playoffs. And if they do, a long run into mid-June is not expected. That said, there is something more important going on in Cleveland than a playoff run. The Next Great Basketball Player is living up to the hype. James is making the jump to full-fledged NBA superstar, and in a league where defense and poor shooting seem to be the norm, he is an absolute joy to watch.

So if you're a fan of the NBA, do not miss a chance to catch the Cavs on television or at an arena near you, because the "Next Great Basketball Player" is in the process of becoming "The Great Basketball Player."

Article courtesy of Sports Central.