On Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to trade superstar big man Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that is sure to have a major impact on the legacy of one LeBron James.
In fact, some are already changing the way they are looking at James’ career so far.
On ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday, Max Kellerman asserted that Davis is going to be the best teammate James has ever had.
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Is AD the best teammate LeBron's ever had?@maxkellerman thinks so. pic.twitter.com/kzkCtVvsn0
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 17, 2019
Obviously, to Heat fans, this sounds like sacrilege.
For years, it has been agreed by consensus that Dwyane Wade was the greatest teammate that James has ever had. With a career average of 22.0 points per game on 48 percent shooting, 13 All-Star Game appearances, a scoring title and three NBA championships (two with James), it’s hard to argue with that consensus.
Kellerman’s argument is that Wade, who had recently won a Finals MVP when he was joined by James and Bosh in 2010, was already on the downside of his career. After averaging 30.2 points and 7.5 assists a game in 2008-09, Wade’s high-water mark alongside James was 25.5 points per game in their first season together.
The former Marquette University star saw his scoring average dip to 22.1 the next season, then 21.2 and finally 19.0 per game in 2013-14, his last season with the Akron, Ohio native.
Kellerman noted that when Wade was playing with James, he wasn’t considered one of the five best players in the NBA anymore, while Davis has consistently been a candidate for the NBA MVP award. In addition, Davis has been an impact player on the defensive end and on the boards, another point that Kellerman talked about.
Wade managed three All-Defensive Second Team selections during his legendary career. By comparison, Davis has made two All-Defensive Second Teams and one All-Defensive First Team in just the last four seasons.
Davis, 26, has career averages of 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in his seven seasons, including 26.3 points and 11.1 rebounds the last five seasons.
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