LeBron James VS Kevin Durant 2011: Which predicted stats would be more impressive?

[doinitbig06]

in the Bill Simmons article (i hate this guy) he made some predictions or LeBron VS Durant 2011, which would be more impressive?

Kevin Durant
2010: 30.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 20.3 FGA, 10.2 FTA, 47.6 FG%, 36.5% 3FG%, 90% FT, 50 wins.
2011: 33.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 21.8 FGA, 11.0 FTA, 50.1 FG%, 42.2 3FG%, 91% FT, 61 wins.

Now LeBron:

2010: 29.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.6 APG, 20.1 FGA, 10.2 FTA, 50.3 FG%, 33% 3FG%, 77% FT, 61 wins.
2011: 26.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 18.2 FGA, 9.1 FTA, 52.1 FG%, 34% 3FG, 78% FT, 68 wins

And now, I ask you: Which 2011 season would be more impressive? There's Durant averaging 33.5 a night (only Jordan and Kobe have done it in the past 35 years) but with 50-40-90 percentages (only Larry Bird, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki have done that AND made an All-NBA team). And there's LeBron putting up a 27-9-11, the closest anyone's come to averaging a triple-double since Magic Johnson in 1982 (18.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 9.5 APG). So here's my advice: You're right to get excited about Durant potentially becoming the best player of his generation. Just don't forget that LeBron isn't going anywhere. Just the fact that we're talking about this stuff is fantastic. I knew it would happen eventually, but when Durant was still 21?????

my choice iS KD

[Nelson14]

Lebron almost triple double

[catch24]

Just about equal, IMO.

[Willkill24]

Durant if he gets 5 apg and lol @ 61 wins

[RaceBannana]

Link to that article?

I want to read it..... thnks in advance.

[Flamboyant]

I doubt LeBron will average those numbers (IMO all pts, rebs, and asts will be lower), but if he does I'd say LeBron takes this.

[evilmonkey]

Jesus Christ man, ofcourse Lebron? A near freakin triple double.

I think he wont average close to 30 ppg anymore though.

It will be more like around 25 or maybe even under, considering the scoring duties that will be split around Bosh, Wade aswell.

Also considering that Riley & Spoelstra said Lebron will be having lots of time as a Point-Guard also..... and with the offensive caliber around him i expect his assists to skyrocket..... but his points will drop very low.

It will be more similar to Magic Johnsons numbers with a bit more points maybe... like 24 - 7 - 10.


And dude i dont think Kevin Durant will shoot that damn good!! Haha, 52 - 42 - 91, the only ones ive seen shoot that were the best pure shooters in NBA history like Reggie Miller and so on.... and Durant aint that kindof shooter.

[Dresta]

Bron's are far more impressive, but he won't average that much imo.

[RaceBannana]

ok.... just found the article.
Lebron won

[beermonsteroo]

I don't think Lebron's numbers can be that high.
He has to share with Wade and Bosh.
His numbers will more likely be

24ppg 8 apg 8 rpg

[doinitbig06]

yes i think both predictions are a little far fetched his expectations are a little too high

[barbaroi]

Neither one seems all that realistic.

[BlueandGold]

There's no way Lebron is averaging close to those numbers on a loaded Heat team. If he averages more than 25 there's something wrong in south beach.

[Samvt]

I take Bron.


Q. how many 15+ assist games do you think lebron has this year?

[Papaya Petee]

[QUOTE=RaceBannana]ok.... just found the article.
Lebron won

[artex]

KD for MVP

[Papaya Petee]

Jokes aside, neither one of them is gonna come close to the numbers you listed, except LeBron averaging 27 points and winning 68 games.

[DC Zephyrs]

Lebron. But neither of them will come close to those numbers. I think it will be more like this.

Durant: 30 PPG, 8 RPG, 3 APG, 49% FG, 40% 3PT, 88% FT
Lebron: 24 ppg, 7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 52% FG, 35% 3 PT, 78% FT

[Papaya Petee]

Lebron. But neither of them will come close to those numbers. I think it will be more like this.

Durant: 30 PPG, 8 RPG, 3 APG, 49% FG, 40% 3PT, 88% FT
Lebron: 24 ppg, 7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 52% FG, 35% 3 PT, 78% FT


If that. I see something like

Durant- 29 PPG 7.5 RPG 3 APG 48% FG 40% FT 92% FT

LeBron: 25 PPG, 7 RPG, 7 APG, 50% FG, 32% 3PT, 78% FT

[thejumpa]

You are predicting that LeBron will basically average a triple double. If you don't say that's more impressive, then you obviously don't know shit about basketball:confusedshrug:

But let's be real, here. LeBron probably won't average a triple double, Durant won't shoot that well, and the Thunder won't win 61 games.

[doinitbig06]

If that. I see something like

Durant- 29 PPG 7.5 RPG 3 APG 48% FG 40% FT 92% FT

LeBron: 25 PPG, 7 RPG, 7 APG, 50% FG, 32% 3PT, 78% FT

umm... i dont know if u really follow basketball, but why would the youngest scoring champ of all time and the scoring leader for the FIBA Team USA score LESS after winning the championship this summer?

Kevin Durant 33.1 ppg 7.4 rpg 3.0 apg 51.0%FGs 40.3%3ptFGs 90.1% FTs
LeBrob James 23.4 ppg 7.1 rpg 10.1 apg 50.1% FGs 34.5% 3ptFGs 78% FTs

Dwayne Wade 25.2 ppg 5.2 rpg 5.1 apg 48.2% FGs 36.7% 3ptFGs 84.3% FTs
Chris Bosh 17.5 ppg 11.2 rpg 2.0 bpg 53.4% 31.2% 3pFGs 79.3% FTs

[Papaya Petee]

umm... i dont know if u really follow basketball, but why would the youngest scoring champ of all time and the scoring leader for the FIBA Team USA score LESS after winning the championship this summer?

Kevin Durant 33.1 ppg 7.4 rpg 3.0 apg 51.0%FGs 40.3%3ptFGs 90.1% FTs
LeBrob James 23.4 ppg 7.1 rpg 10.1 apg 50.1% FGs 34.5% 3ptFGs 78% FTs

Dwayne Wade 25.2 ppg 5.2 rpg 5.1 apg 48.2% FGs 36.7% 3ptFGs 84.3% FTs
Chris Bosh 17.5 ppg 11.2 rpg 2.0 bpg 53.4% 31.2% 3pFGs 79.3% FTs
Don't you realize he has very young teammates who are improving as well, and what you're basically saying is he's gonna be more efficient then a Prime Michael Jordan. What's next? 36 PPG on 58% FG? The kid basically cannot get much better on offence then hew as last year, and if you think he will be improving every year until 25 you're horribly wrong.

He is not a good enough playmaker, so teams will double him and he won't be scoring 33 points game, not even close. Plus, to get 33 points per game he's gonna have to shot jack like crazy. It's not like he doesn't get a ton of bullshit fouls already.

Lol@ LeBron averaging 23 points per game. The guy is the more efficient\best scorer in the league. No matter what teammates play with him he won't average less then 25 points per game, he just won't.

Lol@ Wade. He's my favorite player, but no ****ing way in the world will he shoot 37% 3 PT and 85% FT. He's a 35% 3 PT 80% FT person at max.

[jlip]

yes i think both predictions are a little far fetched his expectations are a little too high

^This^

[Batz]

What year does this guy think it is? 1960?

[YouCallILose]

Neither of these are happening. These would arguably be the 2 greatest seasons in NBA history adjusted for league averages

[OnceInADECADE]

Neither of these are happening. These would arguably be the 2 greatest seasons in NBA history adjusted for league averages
:cheers:

[branslowski]

What year does this guy think it is? 1960?

this.



And lol@ the guy who said LeBron would avg something like "20 6 6"...:hammerhead:

You telling me his ppg, ast, and reb will go down playing on this team?..:facepalm

IMO...LeBron- 25ppg 9.3reb 9.4ast...63wins...MVP...Would be sick for LBJ and his fans.

[Papaya Petee]

this.



And lol@ the guy who said LeBron would avg something like "20 6 6"...:hammerhead:

You telling me his ppg, ast, and reb will go down playing on this team?..:facepalm

IMO...LeBron- 25ppg 9.3reb 9.4ast...63wins...MVP...Would be sick for LBJ and his fans.


Yeahhh, not happening neither.

[RaceBannana]

whats the problem with my 20-6-6?

oh common guys.... he will be playing next to wade and Bosh.... he won

[Willkill24]

Yeahhh, not happening neither.
:cheers:

[thejumpa]

IMO...LeBron- 25ppg 9.3reb 9.4ast...63wins...MVP...Would be sick for LBJ and his fans.

:oldlol:

Why do people keep expecting LeBron to average a triple double? Yall are acting like he's going to be the starting PG for the whole season. He's the SF and will most likely be played off ball moreso than in Cleveland. No way he finds time to average a triple double with Wade and Chalmers on the floor. Think people.

[Doranku]

lol @ people thinking Bron will even come close to averaging a triple double. Dude is gonna average less assists than he did this past season...

[Papaya Petee]

Guys, LeBron basically had the ball in his hands all the time and averaged 8.5 APG. He also averaged 7.5 rebounds per game the highest. This year he is playing with slightly worse rebounders but he has Dwyane Wade being just as good a playmaker as him, and Chris Bosh to share the ball with.

I think he will stay in 7 APG and 7 RPG region, but anything past 26 PPG is not realistic.

[doinitbig06]

lol @ people thinking Bron will even come close to averaging a triple double. Dude is gonna average less assists than he did this past season...

i disagree, i think the biggest difference in the Heat LeBron is gonna be his assists, he is still gonna score well, he is not gonna have to rebounds as much with Chris Bosh down there, so he is gonna play decoy and assist to Wade and Bosh A LOT, i think with his passing skill and these teammates, there is no way he averages single-digit assists, and i dont even like LeBron

[ILLsmak]

The only thing that stands out to me is the 68 wins. I think all of the stats and win projections are off base, but I'd be extremely surprised to see that team get 68 wins their first year together...

-Smak

[doinitbig06]

Don't you realize he has very young teammates who are improving as well, and what you're basically saying is he's gonna be more efficient then a Prime Michael Jordan. What's next? 36 PPG on 58% FG? The kid basically cannot get much better on offence then hew as last year, and if you think he will be improving every year until 25 you're horribly wrong.

He is not a good enough playmaker, so teams will double him and he won't be scoring 33 points game, not even close. Plus, to get 33 points per game he's gonna have to shot jack like crazy. It's not like he doesn't get a ton of bullshit fouls already.

Lol@ LeBron averaging 23 points per game. The guy is the more efficient\best scorer in the league. No matter what teammates play with him he won't average less then 25 points per game, he just won't.

Lol@ Wade. He's my favorite player, but no ****ing way in the world will he shoot 37% 3 PT and 85% FT. He's a 35% 3 PT 80% FT person at max.

:oldlol: i can tell ur a LeBron stan

first of all, how is the kid NOT gonna improve year-after-year from 21? improvement doesnt mean more PPG it means basketball situational wisdom, decision making and skill-size use-advantage on the court, Kevin Durant has only scratched the surface of his potential, his teammates are also improving but he is the undisputed leader everywhere he plays, Durant is gonna get the hot hand ALOT and dont think his teammates wont feed him, if u think this kid WONT IMPROVE every year until AT LEAST 25 (27 is considered absolute prime) UR CRAZY

Kevin Durant is a fine playmaker, not as fine as his scoring ability but he knows when to pass and when to shoot as well any anybody if not better, he is not gonna "shot jack like crazy" and if u think Durant gets more bullsh!t calls than LEBRON JAMES AND DWAYNE WADE u are an self confessed HATER

i think ur gonna be unpleasantly suprised at your "hero" LeBron he has gotta sacrifice shots to get assists ull see

[barbaroi]

Miami plays at an even slower pace than Cleveland did, so unless that changes these predictions of double digit assists for Lebron just aren't going to come true. 25/7/7 sounds about right, but even 25 ppg might be a bit high because that would mean 18-19 FGA for him, and with Wade and Bosh both needing shots I don't know if that will happen. In Boston each of the Big 3 have seen about a 25-35% reduction in FGA since joining up. I don't see how things will be different in Miami.

[che guevara]

There's no way either guy puts up those stats. I wouldn't be remotely surprised if Durant had a less impressive scoring season this year. 25-7-7 55% for Lebron and 30-8-3 49% for Durant is way more realistic.

[EnoughSaid]

LeBron's going to score less, but get more assists and boards. So I say he averages like ALMOST a triple-double.

Durant, will average more points and more boards.

[ShaqAttack3234]

umm... i dont know if u really follow basketball, but why would the youngest scoring champ of all time and the scoring leader for the FIBA Team USA score LESS after winning the championship this summer?

Kevin Durant 33.1 ppg 7.4 rpg 3.0 apg 51.0%FGs 40.3%3ptFGs 90.1% FTs
LeBrob James 23.4 ppg 7.1 rpg 10.1 apg 50.1% FGs 34.5% 3ptFGs 78% FTs

Dwayne Wade 25.2 ppg 5.2 rpg 5.1 apg 48.2% FGs 36.7% 3ptFGs 84.3% FTs
Chris Bosh 17.5 ppg 11.2 rpg 2.0 bpg 53.4% 31.2% 3pFGs 79.3% FTs

I don't see why Lebron's shooting percentage would go down while taking fewer shots and playing with much better players like a legit superstar in Wade and another perennial all-star in Bosh.

I see 26/7/8 for Lebron or 27/7/7 on something like 52% from the field. I hope he cuts down on the 3s and if he does, he could shoot an even better percentage.

I also don't see Bosh averaging just 17.5 ppg, particularly if he shoots 53%. That'd mean he was getting less than 12 shots per game, and despite playing with Lebron and Wade, I really don't see that happening.

And I don't see 33/7/3 on 51/40/90 for Durant either.

[EnoughSaid]

:oldlol:

Why do people keep expecting LeBron to average a triple double? Yall are acting like he's going to be the starting PG for the whole season. He's the SF and will most likely be played off ball moreso than in Cleveland. No way he finds time to average a triple double with Wade and Chalmers on the floor. Think people.

LeBron's a great passer with amazing court vision. So with 2 top players, how is his assist average not going to go up?

[barbaroi]

I don't see why Lebron's shooting percentage would go down while taking fewer shots and playing with much better players like a legit superstar in Wade and another perennial all-star in Bosh.

I see 26/7/8 for Lebron or 27/7/7 on something like 52% from the field. I hope he cuts down on the 3s and if he does, he could shoot an even better percentage.

I also don't see Bosh averaging just 17.5 ppg, particularly if he shoots 53%. That'd mean he was getting less than 12 shots per game, and despite playing with Lebron and Wade, I really don't see that happening.

And I don't see 33/7/3 on 51/40/90 for Durant either.
There's no way Lebron scores 27. That would mean something like 19-20 FGA for him. If he and Wade both take 19-20 FGA, and Bosh takes 15-16, there would be practically no shots left, particularly in Miami's slow paced system. Last year Miami averaged only 80 FGA per game. If they go with a 8-9 man rotation that would leave like 3.5-4.5 shots for each of the rotation players. And if we assume Miller will be taking 6-8 shots, there's only 3 left for each of the others. I mean even Jordan Farmar averaged 6 shots a game last year and he was the 8th man on the Lakers. There aren't enough posessions for Miami's big 3 to each stay near their last season's scoring output.

[Younggrease]

The only thing that stands out to me is the 68 wins. I think all of the stats and win projections are off base, but I'd be extremely surprised to see that team get 68 wins their first year together...

-Smak

Id honestly be surprised if they break 60 wins tbh. Everyteam in the league is gonna be gunning for them and they are gonna sell out everywhere they go...The teams will be hyped, the crowd will be bumpin...

Mavs
Lakers
Bulls
Jazz
Nuggets
Celtics
Blazers
Hawks
Orlando

These teams can easily take multiple games from the Heat...I wouldnt be surprised if they end up with 58 wins...The person whose game is gonna suffer the most imo is Chris Bosh...he is gonna turn into more of a jumpshooter than he already is and its gonna negatively effect his game.

[seoerizer]

You guys are thinking too high out of Kevin Durant, he is not that good yet.

[EnoughSaid]

Id honestly be surprised if they break 60 wins tbh. Everyteam in the league is gonna be gunning for them and they are gonna sell out everywhere they go...The teams will be hyped, the crowd will be bumpin...

Mavs
Lakers
Bulls
Jazz
Nuggets
Celtics
Blazers
Hawks
Orlando

These teams can easily take multiple games from the Heat...I wouldnt be surprised if they end up with 58 wins...The person whose game is gonna suffer the most imo is Chris Bosh...he is gonna turn into more of a jumpshooter than he already is and its gonna negatively effect his game.

But still, the Heat are STACKED. It will be really hard for teams to defend 3 guys and double up on some.

[Younggrease]

But still, the Heat are STACKED. It will be really hard for teams to defend 3 guys and double up on some.

It all looks good on paper but I dont know how its gonna fit on the game to game basis. They are gonna have to get used to playing each other and at least one of the big 3 is gonna be hurt for a significant period of time if history stays true.

[ShaqAttack3234]

There's no way Lebron scores 27. That would mean something like 19-20 FGA for him. If he and Wade both take 19-20 FGA, and Bosh takes 15-16, there would be practically no shots left, particularly in Miami's slow paced system. Last year Miami averaged only 80 FGA per game. If they go with a 8-9 man rotation that would leave like 3.5-4.5 shots for each of the rotation players. And if we assume Miller will be taking 6-8 shots, there's only 3 left for each of the others. I mean even Jordan Farmar averaged 6 shots a game last year and he was the 8th man on the Lakers. There aren't enough posessions for Miami's big 3 to each stay near their last season's scoring output.

Who says Bosh gets 15-16? And Lebron averaged almost 30 a game on 20 shots, if his efficiency is the same, he'd need just 18 shots to average 27 and if his efficiency improves, then even less and that's certainly possible with Wade and Bosh as his 2 best teammates instead of Mo Williams and a past his prime Shaq or Jamison.

Wade and Lebron could each get around 18 shots per game and Bosh could get around 14.

Hell, a past his prime Glen Rice got over 12 shots per game playing alongside Shaq(21 shots) and Kobe(18 shots). That's 51+ shots per game between them. Bosh is a hell of a lot better than Rice circa 2000 too.

Hell, look at the Wizard's trios. Arenas took 19 shots in 2005, Hughes took 17.8 and Jamison took 17.5 Or in 2006, Arenas took 21, Jamison took 18 and Butler took 14.5 and in 2007 Arenas took 21 and Jamison/Butler each took around 16.

Bosh getting 11-12 shots per game just makes very little sense to me.

[Younggrease]

Who says Bosh gets 15-16? And Lebron averaged almost 30 a game on 20 shots, if his efficiency is the same, he'd need just 18 shots to average 27 and if his efficiency improves, then even less and that's certainly possible with Wade and Bosh as his 2 best teammates instead of Mo Williams and a past his prime Shaq or Jamison.

Wade and Lebron could each get around 18 shots per game and Bosh could get around 14.

Hell, a past his prime Glen Rice got over 12 shots per game playing alongside Shaq(21 shots) and Kobe(18 shots). That's 51+ shots per game between them. Bosh is a hell of a lot better than Rice circa 2000 too.

Hell, look at the Wizard's trios. Arenas took 19 shots in 2005, Hughes took 17.8 and Jamison took 17.5 Or in 2006, Arenas took 21, Jamison took 18 and Butler took 14.5 and in 2007 Arenas took 21 and Jamison/Butler each took around 16.

Bosh getting 11-12 shots per game just makes very little sense to me.

I dont see where his shots are gonna come from tbh. The only way I see him effective is if they run the offense through him at times and I dont know if thats gonna happen. If they dont force Bosh into the post his is just going to turn into an athletic lefty jumpshooter and his efficiency is gonna drop alot and is gonna linger further and further away from the basket.

I just dont see how the heat can go from running the offense through Lebron, Wade and Bosh all in the same games...Someone is going to have to be content not being apart of the primary offense at times; that person must also be efficient in that rule. I see Bosh at about 12 shots per game, similar to what Gasol averaged some years in Memphis as a 1st option

[ShaqAttack3234]

I dont see where his shots are gonna come from tbh. The only way I see him effective is if they run the offense through him at times and I dont know if thats gonna happen. If they dont force Bosh into the post his is just going to turn into an athletic lefty jumpshooter and his efficiency is gonna drop alot and is gonna linger further and further away from the basket.

I just dont see how the heat can go from running the offense through Lebron, Wade and Bosh all in the same games...Someone is going to have to be content not being apart of the primary offense at times; that person must also be efficient in that rule. I see Bosh at about 12 shots per game, similar to what Gasol averaged some years in Memphis as a 1st option

Wade and Lebron can run the pick and roll with Bosh, I'm sure he'll run the floor pretty frequently due to his mobility for a power forward and lets not pretend that he won't get a decent amount of post ups/isolation because he is their best post player.

Bosh just averaged 24 points per game and he's been over 22 per game each of the last 5 seasons, I think they'll find more than 12 shots for him. There are easily enough possessions in a game for Wade and Lebron to get 18-19 each and Bosh to get around 14.

[barbaroi]

Who says Bosh gets 15-16? And Lebron averaged almost 30 a game on 20 shots, if his efficiency is the same, he'd need just 18 shots to average 27 and if his efficiency improves, then even less and that's certainly possible with Wade and Bosh as his 2 best teammates instead of Mo Williams and a past his prime Shaq or Jamison.

Wade and Lebron could each get around 18 shots per game and Bosh could get around 14.

Hell, a past his prime Glen Rice got over 12 shots per game playing alongside Shaq(21 shots) and Kobe(18 shots). That's 51+ shots per game between them. Bosh is a hell of a lot better than Rice circa 2000 too.

Hell, look at the Wizard's trios. Arenas took 19 shots in 2005, Hughes took 17.8 and Jamison took 17.5 Or in 2006, Arenas took 21, Jamison took 18 and Butler took 14.5 and in 2007 Arenas took 21 and Jamison/Butler each took around 16.

Bosh getting 11-12 shots per game just makes very little sense to me.
The 2000 lakers and 2007 Wizards both had far higher pace factors than the Heat of last year. If Miami speeds up they could probably manage 18 18 14. But 18 FGA at Lebron's current efficiency would still only bring him up to 25.1 points.

[Penny37]

You guys have all played basketball before, some at a fairly high level. Imagine in your high school league or whatever you were playing in, that you were the best player on the team.
Now imagine two of the best players from another team join yours.
So you, as an elite player in your league, are playing with two other players who are near the top as well.

I don't think you'd worry about how many shots you'll get or your numbers dropping. All you'd be concerned about is running over opposing teams and I'm sure on most nights it'd be a blowout.

[Younggrease]

Wade and Lebron can run the pick and roll with Bosh, I'm sure he'll run the floor pretty frequently due to his mobility for a power forward and lets not pretend that he won't get a decent amount of post ups/isolation because he is their best post player.

Bosh just averaged 24 points per game and he's been over 22 per game each of the last 5 seasons, I think they'll find more than 12 shots for him. There are easily enough possessions in a game for Wade and Lebron to get 18-19 each and Bosh to get around 14.

yeah, that pick and roll is gonna be what turns him into a jumpshooter. Bosh has always, from what I have seen, had that propensity to become a jumpshooter...Lack of post up opportunities is just gonna exacerbate that....And yes, I dont think Bosh is gonna get very many post up opportunies(albeit I may be wrong)

[ShaqAttack3234]

The 2000 lakers and 2007 Wizards both had far higher pace factors than the Heat of last year. If Miami speeds up they could probably manage 18 18 14. But 18 FGA at Lebron's current efficiency would still only bring him up to 25.8 points.

Regardless, I think Bosh getting shots is a little more important than 2000 Glen Rice getting them. And Rice's shots didn't come all off of isolations either, he posted up and did score off the dribble.

Also, Lebron averaged 1.48 points per shot or 1.478 to be technical, multiply that by 18 and you get 26.6. And his efficiency has not only gotten better each of the last 4 years, but again, he'll be playing with 2 much better offensive players than anyone he's ever played with so I can see his efficiency going up.

[evilmonkey]

[QUOTE=RaceBannana]ok.... just found the article.
Lebron won

[evilmonkey]

Regardless, I think Bosh getting shots is a little more important than 2000 Glen Rice getting them. And Rice's shots didn't come all off of isolations either, he posted up and did score off the dribble.

Also, Lebron averaged 1.48 points per shot or 1.478 to be technical, multiply that by 18 and you get 26.6. And his efficiency has not only gotten better each of the last 4 years, but again, he'll be playing with 2 much better offensive players than anyone he's ever played with so I can see his efficiency going up.

Yea exactly, both Wade & Bosh aswell will increase in efficiency. Lebron or Wade were a one man army before, now they can just relax and pick the best attacks, they wont have to force anything more.... it will be lower averages, but higher efficiency, i think both FG & 3PT percentages will be higher for Lebron & Wade.

[barbaroi]

Also, Lebron averaged 1.48 points per shot or 1.478 to be technical, multiply that by 18 and you get 26.6. And his efficiency has not only gotten better each of the last 4 years, but again, he'll be playing with 2 much better offensive players than anyone he's ever played with so I can see his efficiency going up.
That's not exactly the right way of going about it:

25.4% of Lebron's shot's are 3 pointers, and he shoots .507 FTA/FGA.

So, given 18 FGA, 4.56 would be 3PA, and 13.44 would be 2PA, and he would generate 9.1 FTA. At his current percentages that would lead to 4.56 points off of 3 pointers, 13.51 points off of 2 pointers, and 7.01 points off of FT for a total of 25.08ppg.

Naturally his shot selection will shift around a bit and his free throw attempts will differ, but going by last year if he were given 18FGA he would have averaged 25.1 ppg.

[AirJordan&Magic]

Kevin Durant 28-30 ppg 8 rpg 3apg on 49% shooting

LeBron James 24.8 ppg 7.5 rpg 6.5 apg on 50% shooting

[branslowski]

:oldlol:

Why do people keep expecting LeBron to average a triple double? Yall are acting like he's going to be the starting PG for the whole season. He's the SF and will most likely be played off ball moreso than in Cleveland. No way he finds time to average a triple double with Wade and Chalmers on the floor. Think people.

Umm...

OK, A SF. with Mo Williams at point, vs a SF with Chalmers at point...:confusedshrug:

The same SF who avg 8ast pg with less talented players vs what he has now...Also adding that his shots will go down, meaning he'll pass alot more...TO BETTER PLAYERS.

Not saying he's gonna avg an actual triple double, but I can see him avg about 9+...Vs 8+ last year with lesser talent and taking more possesions to shoot the ball aswell..

[no pun intended]

For Durant:

32/8/3.3

With 57 wins.

For LeBron:

25/7/8.7

With 65 wins.

[kabalcage]

Does anyone believe that LeBron's assists will probably be around where it is now? Keep in mind that his other two options are not prototypical finishers. Wade and Bosh score a lot of their points unassisted.

He'll get a lot of his assists from the Mike Millers, Eddie Houses, and Udonis Haslems of the world. I think it's more reasonable that LeBron splits PG duties with Wade and each player's assists total will level out. He'll probably put up the same stats too, look for a 28-8-8 season from LeBron.

[Soundwave]

Does anyone believe that LeBron's assists will probably be around where it is now? Keep in mind that his other two options are not prototypical finishers. Wade and Bosh score a lot of their points unassisted.

He'll get a lot of his assists from the Mike Millers, Eddie Houses, and Udonis Haslems of the world. I think it's more reasonable that LeBron splits PG duties with Wade and each player's assists total will level out. He'll probably put up the same stats too, look for a 28-8-8 season from LeBron.

Possible ... then again, LeBron has never played with athletes like Wade or Bosh.

Expect a lot of fast break alley-oops and behind the back feeds.

The best athlete he ever honestly played with in Cleveland was Jamario Moon.

Especially if he does embrace the "Magic Johnson" role, that will allow him to basically have the ball in his hands as much as he did in Cleveland, just in a tweaked role.

[ShaqAttack3234]

That's not exactly the right way of going about it:

25.4% of Lebron's shot's are 3 pointers, and he shoots .507 FTA/FGA.

So, given 18 FGA, 4.56 would be 3PA, and 13.44 would be 2PA, and he would generate 9.1 FTA. At his current percentages that would lead to 4.56 points off of 3 pointers, 13.51 points off of 2 pointers, and 7.01 points off of FT for a total of 25.08ppg.

Naturally his shot selection will shift around a bit and his free throw attempts will differ, but going by last year if he were given 18FGA he would have averaged 25.1 ppg.

You're making it more complicated than it needs to be and the end result isn't correct. Taking away 2 shots and ending up with a reduction of 4.6 ppg doesn't sound right with a guy who averages 1.48 points per shot.

Lets put it this way, with 18 FGA, if he shoots 50% like last year then he'd get a bare minimum of 18 points on FG, and that's just 2s. And to be exact, it'd be 18.1 ppg, but add on the 1.5 from 3s if he took 4.6 and shot them at the same percentage and you're at 19.6 ppg from FG and of course the 7 points he'd get on free throws with him getting 9.1 if he got to the line at same rate prorated to 18 FGA rather than 20.1.

So again, 19.6 ppg from FG and 7 from FT and you get 26.6 ppg. That

[the_wise_one]

Both predicted stats would be very impressive.

Don't hate on Bill Simmons, he's the greatest NBA writer of all time.

[barbaroi]

You're making it more complicated than it needs to be and the end result isn't correct. Taking away 2 shots and ending up with a reduction of 4.6 ppg doesn't sound right with a guy who averages 1.48 points per shot.

Lets put it this way, with 18 FGA, if he shoots 50% like last year then he'd get a bare minimum of 18 points on FG, and that's just 2s. And to be exact, it'd be 18.1 ppg, but add on the 1.5 from 3s if he took 4.6 and shot them at the same percentage and you're at 19.6 ppg from FG and of course the 7 points he'd get on free throws with him getting 9.1 if he got to the line at same rate prorated to 18 FGA rather than 20.1.

So again, 19.6 ppg from FG and 7 from FT and you get 26.6 ppg. That
How do you get 19.6 ppg from FG? He shot 33.3% from 3 which is pretty much exactly like shooting 50% from 2. Then he shot 50.3% from 2. So he ends up with just slightly over 18 ppg from FG (18.07 ppg). He would have to shoot 44% from 3 to earn 19.6 ppg from 18 FGA with a shot selection of 25% 3PA.

[ShaqAttack3234]

How do you get 19.6 ppg from FG? He shot 33.3% from 3 which is pretty much exactly like shooting 50% from 2. Then he shot 50.3% from 2. So he ends up with just slightly over 18 ppg from FG (18.07 ppg). He would have to shoot 44% from 3 to earn 1.5 extra points off of 4.5 3PA.

Once again, if he were only shooting 2s then he'd end up with 18.1 ppg from FG then consider there's the 1.5 threes which is 1.5 extra points on top of the 18.1 so once again, 19.6 aside from free throws. And he'd actually be getting 4.6 3PA, but for arguments sake lets say 4.5, regardless, 2 threes a game would require he shoots 44%, not 1.5.

Lets put it this way. A guy takes 6 field goal attempts in a game, but he shoots 50% from the field, that's 6 points right there, but now 2 of his made field goals were 3s, so it's actually 8 points.

[barbaroi]

Once again, if he were only shooting 2s then he'd end up with 18.1 ppg from FG then consider there's the 1.5 threes which is 1.5 extra points on top of the 18.1 so once again, 19.6 aside from free throws.

Lets put it this way. A guy takes 6 field goal attempts in a game, but he shoots 50% from the field, that's 6 points right there, but now 2 of his made field goals were 3s, so it's actually 8 points.
Lebron takes 13.5 2 pointers at 50% = 6.75 2 pointers made = 13.5 points.
Lebron takes 4.5 3 pointers at 33% = 1.5 3 pointers made = 4.5 points

13.5 points + 4.5 points = 18 points.

There is no extra 1.5 points.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Lebron takes 13.5 2 pointers at 50% = 6.75 2 pointers made = 13.5 points.
Lebron takes 4.5 3 pointers at 33% = 1.5 3 pointers made = 4.5 points

13.5 points + 4.5 points = 18 points.

First of all, Lebron doesn't shoot 50% on 2s, he shot 56% on 2s last year(639/1141) and of course 33.3% on 3s(129/387).

Once again, we'll use the method I was using. He made 10.1 FG per game so 20.2 ppg there, take on 1.7 extra ppg for the 3s he made so that's 21.9 ppg on field goals. He made 7.8 FT so an extra 7.8 points there brings him to his season average of 29.7 ppg.

You'll see that's the exact same method I used when we scaled back his FGA to 18 and had him at the same efficiency and it's all consistent with his points per shot scaled back to 18 FGA. I see where you made the error, but I hope this clears it up.

[barbaroi]

First of all, Lebron doesn't shoot 50% on 2s, he shot 56% on 2s last year(639/1141) and of course 33.3% on 3s(129/387).

Ah you're right. I was using FG% instead of 2P FG% my bad man :cheers: . That makes all the difference.

[bdreason]

KD - 32/8/4 on 50%
LBJ - 26/8/9 on 54%

[ShaqAttack3234]

Ah you're right. I was using FG% instead of 2P FG% my bad man :cheers: . That makes all the difference.

Actually, that's precisely why I don't understand why Lebron shoots so many 3s. As we know, 33.3% on 3s is equal to 50% on 2s, but it sure as hell isn't equal to 56% on 2s like he shoots. The point of shooting 3s is for extra points, yet his eFG% only ends up at 54.5% compared to his 2P% of 56%.

Your eFG% shouldn't be significantly lower than your 2P%, it kills the whole purpose of taking 3s. I can't name any other player who had a comparable scoring season and posted an eFG% lower than their 2P%.

[j3lademaster]

Durant- 31/8/3 on 47/38/90

LBJ- either 26/8/9 on 49/35/75 or 22/6/9 on 53/35/75 depending on if he sits and limits himself to 25-30 minutes in blowout games(which i see Miami having quite a bit of) or plays more to pad stats.

[thejumpa]

Umm...

OK, A SF. with Mo Williams at point, vs a SF with Chalmers at point...:confusedshrug:

The same SF who avg 8ast pg with less talented players vs what he has now...Also adding that his shots will go down, meaning he'll pass alot more...TO BETTER PLAYERS.

Not saying he's gonna avg an actual triple double, but I can see him avg about 9+...Vs 8+ last year with lesser talent and taking more possesions to shoot the ball aswell..

You said 28/9/9. That's as close to a triple double as we have ever seen. That kind of line is literally unheard of. The guy dominated the ball a lot in Cleveland and I would expect that to decrease in Miami. You are acting like he's going to have the same role in Miami as he did in Cleveland.

Having better players means little in this situation. Wade can handle the ball very well and is essentially a 6'4 combo guard. It's his team so you know he'll get his touches. As the starting PG, Chalmers will get his. I can't imagine how Lebron will get to average 8+ assists as the SF on a team with that many ball handlers. Sure, he'll have those 26/9/12 nights, but not through 82 games. Don't get me started on him averaging 8+ rebounds:oldlol:

20-25ppg/7rbg/6rbg seems more realistic to me.

[All Net]

I think 26, 7 and 7 is realistic for Lebron this season, however if he does get close to a triple double then that will clearly beat KD if he averaged 33 and 8, Hell if Lebron does average close a triple double he will win MVP again. seems doubtful but how can you not give him it?

[moe94]

KD - 38/9/4 on 55%
LBJ - 28/10/9 on 84%

[Yung D-Will]

KD - 38/9/4 on 55%
LBJ - 28/10/9 on 84%

84%?

[moe94]

Because the KD line wasn't retarded enough?

[Yung D-Will]

Because the KD line wasn't retarded enough?

Lol I didn't even read the KD statline. The first thing I saw was 84%

[Papaya Petee]

:oldlol: i can tell ur a LeBron stan

first of all, how is the kid NOT gonna improve year-after-year from 21? improvement doesnt mean more PPG it means basketball situational wisdom, decision making and skill-size use-advantage on the court, Kevin Durant has only scratched the surface of his potential, his teammates are also improving but he is the undisputed leader everywhere he plays, Durant is gonna get the hot hand ALOT and dont think his teammates wont feed him, if u think this kid WONT IMPROVE every year until AT LEAST 25 (27 is considered absolute prime) UR CRAZY

Kevin Durant is a fine playmaker, not as fine as his scoring ability but he knows when to pass and when to shoot as well any anybody if not better, he is not gonna "shot jack like crazy" and if u think Durant gets more bullsh!t calls than LEBRON JAMES AND DWAYNE WADE u are an self confessed HATER

i think ur gonna be unpleasantly suprised at your "hero" LeBron he has gotta sacrifice shots to get assists ull see

First of all, I'm a Wade fan good try. Second of all, you're stupid end of story.

The kid will not be improving every year until 25. Especially because he came in the league so young. I'm sure he's gonna average 33 PPG on 52% FG :rolleyes: keep dreaming.

[All Net]

First of all, I'm a Wade fan good try. Second of all, you're stupid end of story.

The kid will not be improving every year until 25. Especially because he came in the league so young. I'm sure he's gonna average 33 PPG on 52% FG :rolleyes: keep dreaming.

HE could average 33 a game but overall his game isn't going to change much over time stats wise. lebron will always be a better all-round player than KD but KD should be a 30,8 and 3 player most of his career if he stays healthy.

What Durant needs to improve on is taking the big shots and being and doing what a superstar does. That part of his game is not there yet.

[Dave3]

Bumped from the summer. Pretty interesting thread, with people predicting everything from 20/6/6 for LeBron to 23/11/8. Almost everyone expected Durant to exceed 30 ppg, but he's at 29 ppg atm.

[Lebron23]

I think 26, 7 and 7 is realistic for Lebron this season, however if he does get close to a triple double then that will clearly beat KD if he averaged 33 and 8, Hell if Lebron does average close a triple double he will win MVP again. seems doubtful but how can you not give him it?

Nice prediction.

[Lebron23]

[QUOTE=RaceBannana]ok.... just found the article.
Lebron won

[Papaya Petee]

26\7\7 on 51% and 58-24
VS
28\7\2 on 46% and 55-27

Where is Joyner saying Durant will put up 32 PPG on 52%?

[Eat Like A Bosh]

in the Bill Simmons article (i hate this guy) he made some predictions or LeBron VS Durant 2011, which would be more impressive?

Kevin Durant
2010: 30.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 20.3 FGA, 10.2 FTA, 47.6 FG%, 36.5% 3FG%, 90% FT, 50 wins.
2011: 33.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 21.8 FGA, 11.0 FTA, 50.1 FG%, 42.2 3FG%, 91% FT, 61 wins.

Now LeBron:

2010: 29.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.6 APG, 20.1 FGA, 10.2 FTA, 50.3 FG%, 33% 3FG%, 77% FT, 61 wins.
2011: 26.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 18.2 FGA, 9.1 FTA, 52.1 FG%, 34% 3FG, 78% FT, 68 wins

And now, I ask you: Which 2011 season would be more impressive? There's Durant averaging 33.5 a night (only Jordan and Kobe have done it in the past 35 years) but with 50-40-90 percentages (only Larry Bird, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki have done that AND made an All-NBA team). And there's LeBron putting up a 27-9-11, the closest anyone's come to averaging a triple-double since Magic Johnson in 1982 (18.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 9.5 APG). So here's my advice: You're right to get excited about Durant potentially becoming the best player of his generation. Just don't forget that LeBron isn't going anywhere. Just the fact that we're talking about this stuff is fantastic. I knew it would happen eventually, but when Durant was still 21?????

my choice iS KD
Who ever predicted those stats is going way off, it's just not realistic a modern day player can do that anymore.
Both LeBron and KD have regressed slightly in the stats sheet between their 3rd and 4th year.

[sh0wtime]

Lebron, there is just to much all-round productivity.

[kaiiu]

No one could have predicted Lebron would have took stat padding to this magnitude or take 20 shots a game with Wade and Bosh.:applause:

[Simple Jack]

No one could have predicted Lebron would have took stat padding to this magnitude or take 20 shots a game with Wade and Bosh.:applause:

He's not even at 19.

[pegasus]

in the Bill Simmons article (i hate this guy) he made some predictions or LeBron VS Durant 2011, which would be more impressive?

Kevin Durant
2010: 30.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 20.3 FGA, 10.2 FTA, 47.6 FG%, 36.5% 3FG%, 90% FT, 50 wins.
2011: 33.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 21.8 FGA, 11.0 FTA, 50.1 FG%, 42.2 3FG%, 91% FT, 61 wins.

Now LeBron:

2010: 29.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.6 APG, 20.1 FGA, 10.2 FTA, 50.3 FG%, 33% 3FG%, 77% FT, 61 wins.
2011: 26.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 18.2 FGA, 9.1 FTA, 52.1 FG%, 34% 3FG, 78% FT, 68 wins

And now, I ask you: Which 2011 season would be more impressive? There's Durant averaging 33.5 a night (only Jordan and Kobe have done it in the past 35 years) but with 50-40-90 percentages (only Larry Bird, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki have done that AND made an All-NBA team). And there's LeBron putting up a 27-9-11, the closest anyone's come to averaging a triple-double since Magic Johnson in 1982 (18.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 9.5 APG). So here's my advice: You're right to get excited about Durant potentially becoming the best player of his generation. Just don't forget that LeBron isn't going anywhere. Just the fact that we're talking about this stuff is fantastic. I knew it would happen eventually, but when Durant was still 21?????

my choice iS KD

I don't usually do this, but :lol :lol :lol

[madmax]

No one could have predicted Lebron would have took stat padding to this magnitude or take 20 shots a game with Wade and Bosh.:applause:

how would you explain that Kobrick Cryant takes 2 more shots per game while playing 6 less minutes then?:confusedshrug:

[King Lebron LBJ]

Nice prediction.
Wow he was spot on

[Colby Brian]

lol kevin durant - career 2.7 assists per game

[YouCallILose]

lol kevin durant - career 2.7 assists per game

He's a forward...LOL @ Kobe, career 45% shooting

[kaiiu]

He's a forward...LOL @ Kobe, career 45% shooting
I dont get why they hold Durant to Lebron standards with assist anyway. Durant is a pure scorer who scores off the ball:confusedshrug:

[YouCallILose]

I dont get why they hold Durant to Lebron standards with assist anyway. Durant is a pure scorer who scores off the ball:confusedshrug:

LeBron basically plays PG, he always has the ball. It's because they don't watch Durant play that often..

[kaiiu]

LeBron basically plays PG, he always has the ball. It's because they don't watch Durant play that often..
Lebron is just a ball hog who only passes for assist. The way ppl bring up Durants assist u would think he was selfish or something. If Durant did what Lebron does it would take away from Wesbrook.

[YouCallILose]

Lebron is just a ball hog who only passes for assist. The way ppl bring up Durants assist u would think he was selfish or something. If Durant did what Lebron does it would take away from Wesbrook.

LeBron is definitely a great passer, especially for his size, but if Durant plays like LeBron he would average 5 assists per game quite easily.

[asdf1990]

Lebron is just a ball hog who only passes for assist. The way ppl bring up Durants assist u would think he was selfish or something. If Durant did what Lebron does it would take away from Wesbrook.

smh he is a ball hog but he passes a lot .. wtf?

[Lebron23]

smh he is a ball hog but he passes a lot .. wtf?

:oldlol: :oldlol: :oldlol:

[Trigg]

Lebron is just a ball hog who only passes for assist. The way ppl bring up Durants assist u would think he was selfish or something. If Durant did what Lebron does it would take away from Wesbrook.

You need to go away and rethink your argument with the bit I've bolded but you're right about Durrant would take away with Westbrook if Durrant was to play a similar game to Lebron.

Lebron is brilliant at what he does and thats why I think personally he's the best player in the NBA. Thats not taking anything away from Durrant either, who is a fantastic young player.

[kaiiu]

smh he is a ball hog but he passes a lot .. wtf?
U seen wat I posted :rolleyes: he ballhogs and when he wants to pad averages he passes for assist.