These superstars are leading and contributing in ways that few could have imagined.
A lot of unexpected things happened in the NBA this off-season. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony were traded to OKC. Gordon Hayward left the Jazz to reunite with Brad Stevens. CP3 was traded to the Rockets.
Courtesy: NBA.com
And, of course, there was the LeBron and Kyrie breakup. Kyrie said he wanted to lead a team and be its franchise player. He got that by being traded to the Cavs’ Eastern Conference rival, the Boston Celtics.
And how well things have turned out … at least so far! Both teams are doing well and both players are playing well for their respective teams.
Boston is 22-5 (as of Dec. 8)–best in the East–and Kyrie, who made a quick chemistry adjustment to his new team, is getting better as a facilitator point guard in Brad Steven’s system. He’s averaging 23.5 points, 3.2 rebounds. and 5.0 assists per game with +6.5 +/- per 100 possessions. It’s hard to imagine anybody doing any better.
No adjustment needed for Kyrie? LeBron at the point?
LeBron, on the other hand, is leading the 18-8 Cavs (as of Dec. 8) in typical style–averaging 24.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. With Kyrie gone, Thomas hurt, and Rose away for personal reasons, LeBron is playing the point. And while we expect LeBron to be great, he’s showing a unique form of excellence this year.
It’s still too early in the season to make conclusive judgments, but it’s clear that these superstars are leading and contributing in ways that few could have imagined.
How huge! And how great for NBA fans everywhere!
