LeBron James is one of the greatest talents of all time, and in his 15th season in the league, he is once again putting up incredible numbers. So far through 23 games this season, James is averaging his most points per game (28.3) since 2010, averaging a career high in assists (8.7), FG% (58.3), 3PT FG% (41.3) and blocks (1.2), to go along with 7.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals. His consistent excellence has put him in the same category as many great players including the greatest players in history. Due to his historic career, he has received many compliments and a lot of appreciation for being at the top of his game through almost age 33.
One person who has shared his appreciation for James is Philadelphia 76ers sharpshooter J.J. Redick. Most active players don’t feel the need to compliment any other players in the league other than their own teammates, but the respect the former three-point contest participant has for Lebron is evident.
Redick compliments LeBron’s knowledge and athleticism
Before the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers over a week ago, J.J. Redick discussed how his team would match up against Lebron that night. And J.J. paid a lot of respect to LeBron, and talked about how great of a player James is, and not only crediting it to his athletic abilities and skill but also his knowledge of his game, by saying:
“He’s one of, if not the smartest player to ever play the game.
The way he understands the game sees the game, it’s all because of how smart he is. He is the definition of a basketball genius.”
This IQ of his game combined with his unique and unguardable athleticism, Is a huge reason why he has dominated the game for the last decade and a half. Redick added:
“His size, and the ability to handle and pass.
They are both very dangerous in transition. I’m trying to think, is there anybody besides LeBron that has had that combination of speed and size and athleticism, and strength.”
JJ picks his choice for GOAT
There has been a lot of talk in recent years about who the greatest player of all time is, with most people deciding between Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan and Cleveland Cavaliers legend LeBron James.
It has been a hot topic due to the great performances and incredible seasons that Lebron keeps having, even at age almost 33 and in his 15th season. Jordan had a legendary career, but the more accolades Cleveland’s own achieves, the more he will be talked about in the same conversation as MJ, and the more people will start to see James as the greatest to ever do it. JJ Redick recently chimed in with his opinion on the debate and said:
“LeBron is, I think the greatest player to ever play.”
Redick was asked to compare the 76ers rookie to LeBron James, as Ben Simmons has started his rookie season in great form, and has had a lot of people talking about him being like Lebron, but Redick did not want to give his young rookie teammate that type of praise right now, saying:
“It’s a tough comparison to make for someone who’s played 17 games.
LeBron is obviously in a different category, but I think it’s a valid comparison from where LeBron was early in his career to where Ben is now.”
Jj Redick obviously has high hopes for the 21-year old Philadelphia rookie from Melbourne, Australia but he knows the youngster has a long way to go before he can be discussed in the same breath as LeBron James, a man who will go down as one of if not the greatest to ever do it.
