It's Too Soon, LeBron
By Donald Christopher

June 7, 2007

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have advanced to 2006-07 NBA Finals.

For the first time in the 37 year history of the franchise, the Cavs, coached by the relatively unknown Mike Brown, have reached the league's biggest stage and are only four games away from winning it all. Yes, I know, it doesn't sound right to me either. But it's true -- King James has done the unthinkable in leading the Cavs to the promised land.

Now, allow me to be the first to say this: I do not welcome the idea of LeBron making it to the finals this early in his career. It's too unexpected. It is only his second trip to the playoffs, and his postseason voyage completely lacked any suspense. Sure, I've known the moment would inevitably arrive when the name LeBron James would become synomonous with the NBA Finals. By all accounts, it was destined to be. And yes, we have been in full anticipation of perhaps a string of finals appearances, a few Larry O'Brien trophies, and a couple of finals MVPs for some time now. Of course. LeBron is an amazing talent who was groomed for the throne from the very moment a camera lens was focused upon him.

But the expected birth of LeBron James hasn't been as spectacular as onlookers and advertisers would have you believe. It does not give the same "climbing the mountain feel" that you would expect. Sure, LeBron rescued a Cavs franchise which sported a 17-65 record the season prior to his arrival. He nonchalantly proceeded to carry a roster of relatively average teammates into the glorious spotlight four years later. However, his romp through the Eastern Conference this postseason wasn't exactly filled with powerhouse or dynasty teams awaiting in the wings.

"This is the first step to greatness," a dazed James said during a quiet moment sitting in front of his locker. "It feels like a fantasy."

While the saying "greatness cannot be denied" is true, as of now, that statement has been diminished by the Cavs' less-than-glorious road to the finals. Let's face it. The defeated playoff teams hardly compare to the ones which awaited other playoff rags-to-riches superstars like Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, and Michael Jordan. In the first round, Cleveland was clearly better than the Gilbert Arenas-less Washington Wizards squad. They were arguably more complete than the crutch-aided New Jersey Nets team that they sent packing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. And the Detroit Pistons, the team Cleveland beat in the Eastern Conference Finals, shared no resemblance to the well-rounded unit that won the 2004 title. These Pistons were hardly similar to the Pistons squad that provided cab fare for Bron-Bron during the playoffs last year. Compared to the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and Chicago Bulls that roamed the Eastern Conference during the coming-of-age moments for Erving, Thomas, and Jordan, the declaration of LeBron James was without struggle. And every hero needs a certain amount of resistance.

Contrare to what may become popular belief, this conclusion isn't meant to place a damper upon the Cavs' parade or to take anything away from LeBron's defined greatness. I am not hating on LeBron. Really, I'm not. Any player or team vying for an NBA championship is a most outstanding acheivement, regardless of the circumstances. Most superstar players haven't even experienced the divine feeling that being on the verge of immortality gives. Take the Minnesota Timberwolves' statsheet-filling superstar Kevin Garnett for example. Having completed his 11th season in the league, the Big Ticket has yet to step foot into the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, LeBron, who in only his fourth season, is poised to bring a title to the city of Cleveland -- a city which hasn't had a major sports championship since 1964. Clearly, it's a beautiful day for the town and the kid from Akron, Ohio. Even with suspect competition, LeBron has graciously earned the promotion.

But let's not overrate the level of difficulty here -- a level which stands between easy and easier. Before anyone begins to falsely compare LeBron's plight to the more-storied plights of the big-name players beforehand, I am suggesting you take into account the obstacles each player faced throughout their respective journeys. No, LeBron shouldn't be punished for simply playing the cards that have been dealt or the fact that the Eastern Conference isn't as strong as it once was, but at the same time, never fail to remember that the truth isn't good or bad -- it is simply the truth. And I speak the truth.

For LeBron, there have been zero scoring titles or MVP awards, and there is not a single mention of him being considered for an NBA All-Defensive team. Since the arrival of the Chosen One at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland has yet to even win its own division. Under those circumstances, the confetti which filled the air moments after Cleveland defeated Detroit to advance seemed void of that engaged and emotional atmosphere that is usually present upon such a groundbreaking celebration. There was no need to check for tears.

Perhaps the test the upstart Cavs will face in the finals -- the San Antonio Spurs, a team led by two-time league MVP and three-time NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan, will prove to be that lacked thorn in the side of LeBron. A one-time assistant of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, Coach Brown and his team appear to be no match for the Spurs' big three of Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Maybe this will be the initial agony of defeat that LeBron desperately needs before the thrill of victory can be truly felt by basketball purists. Like me.

Hopefully, it will. Because as of now, it's too soon, LeBron. You are not supposed to be here.

http://www.nykfanpage.com/editorials/viewarticle.php?articleid=234

LeBron making it to the Finals without the benefit of a secon option or a scoring big really says something about

1) His talent level
2) The level of competition in the EC
3) Both

LeBron making it to the Finals without the benefit of a secon option or a scoring big really says something about

.....luck running good this season, mane

LeBron making it to the Finals without the benefit of a secon option or a scoring big really says something about

1) His talent level
2) The level of competition in the EC
3) Both

I'd say both. It's a very good point. But if somehow, LeBron were to pull this out, then obviously it would be Lebron. The real key in this series though is the fearlessness of Tony Parker. Every championship team has one to go along with the franchise player.