While players such as James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Isaiah Thomas are all having themselves excellent seasons. There is one guy Mr. Frye has in mind for his MVP choice, coincidentally that guy shares a locker room with Channing too. That guy happens to be, LeBron James.
Channing Frye makes a bold statement
After Saturday nights 116-104 win over the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center, Channing Frye let his thoughts be known postgame, telling reporters: “I think he’s underrated, and I think people are just bored with greatness, don't tell him I said that, but it’s pretty ridiculous.
The guy plays three or four positions for us. He's unselfish, getting us into our offense, he’s defending very well, he shooting the three solid.”
LeBron James is underrated?
Channing's statement may sound outlandish to some, with the statement "underrated," but he does propose a good point. LeBron James is arguably having his best season of his career, averaging 26.1 PPG, 8.9 APG (career-high), 8.3 RPG (career-high), 1.3 SPG and 0.6 BPG while shooting an absurd 54% from the field and 39% from deep.
These numbers are staggering, he's shooting the ball more efficient than any other of the candidates, and putting up and impressive stat line with a lower usage rate than that neck and neck with him in the MVP race.
Not to mention, his team is 0-5 without him this season, and have a statistically terrible performance when LeBron James is on the bench during games.
Channing's comment has validity
So as crazy as it sounds, Channing's "underrated" comment might have a valid point. Because LeBron James seems to be lost in the MVP talks this season with all the other great players with great performances on a nightly basis, but like Frye said; "people are just bored with greatness". Channing ended his LeBron for MVP campaign with a short but meaningful quote: "people need to respect what he's doing for us and helping us win", putting the icing on the cake of his rant, with a very true statement.