Summer of James

Numbers don't tell whole story of LeBron's superstardom

LeBron James wasn’t the only player who starred at this year’s NBA summer leagues. Sixers swingman John Salmons, Bulls forward Lonny Baxter, Warriors forward Mike Dunleavy Jr., and rookies Brandon Hunter (Celtics), Maciej Lampe (Knicks), Josh Howard (Mavs) and Zarko Cabarkapa (Suns) were among those impressing scouts and GMs at the league's four sanctioned tournaments.

Hunter, a 6-foot-7 forward from Ohio, might have been the biggest surprise. A second-round pick (No. 56 overall) in the June draft, he averaged 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds at the Boston summer league to earn himself a guaranteed contract for next season.

But, really, these offseason games against rookies and free agents don’t mean much. Just because a player excels there doesn’t mean he’s going to tear up the NBA next season. Generally, the rule of thumb for GMs is if a player performs well, you take it as a good sign but nothing more. If he struggles, then you break out the Rolaids.

Which brings us back to James.

James averaged a respectable 15.5 points, 4.5 assists and 1.5 blocks over his two games at the Orlando summer league. But more important, he looked entirely at ease in his new role as the Cavs’ main playmaker and leader. From running his team on the court to handling the media attention, he showed the flair of a seasoned veteran.

"I’ve never seen anything like it," says Magic senior VP Pat Williams, now in his 36th season in pro basketball. "This 18-year-old kid was in complete control of the situation."

As Sixers GM back in ’75, Williams drafted Darryl Dawkins out of high school. He says there is no comparison to the pressure James faced in his pro debut in Orlando and what any previous prep-to-pro has faced. That’s why he was watching as much to see how James handled himself off the court as he did between the lines.

Williams noted that at a postgame news conference James calmly worked a room of some 200 media members. He smiled and answered questions politely. He talked about everything from the game to his NBA future to his off-court charity work helping build basketball courts in his hometown of Akron.

"Very poised. Very relaxed," Williams says. "God has tapped this kid with special gifts, and he seems very aware of it. He can tell there is a special purpose in his life."

Williams has a particular interest in James’ potential as a superstar who also sets a positive example on and off the court. For one, he has a new book out, American Scandal, which examines what he terms a crisis of character in our society. Also, as a longtime NBA executive, Williams knows the damage done by the Kobe Bryant situation this summer and wants to avoid any such future scenario for the young James.

"He’s a refreshing kid," Williams says. "He loves to play. He’s got great enthusiasm for the game… Let’s hope he can stay strong."

Obviously the true test for James won’t come until the real games begin in October. But watching the 6-foot-8 rookie in Orlando left Williams and others convinced he has the makings to follow Dr. J., Magic, Larry and Michael as the NBA’s next transcendent star. James might not have been the only story at this year’s summer leagues, but his success in handling this next step in his pro career was the biggest.

Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.

 

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