Skip to main content

Are We Losing Sight of LeBron's Value?


It's certainly not hard to take shots at LeBron James. Many have been doing it for years now, and with Steph Curry becoming the favored darling of the league and it's fans (myself included - how can you not be?), LeBron's latest comments surely will not sit well with a few. 

Is Steph Curry the MVP of the NBA? In my opinion, yes. The dude deserved it last year, and surely improved a lot and deserves it even more so this year. But is LeBron completely wrong for questioning the validity or meaning of the award? More specifically, of the term "valuable"?

Let's be honest, the moment LeBron sat in a chair across from Jim Gray at a Boys and Girls Club in Connecticut and held the basketball world hostage on the fate of where he was taking his talents, he's lost the support of a few - forever. And That I understand. I can see that. 

But really, can a claim for "most valuable" be directed towards LeBron? The Cavaliers are surely not the same team without him. And no need to check the numbers - 25.3 ppg; 7.5 rbg; 6.8 apg - pretty much have solid ground. There is a lot of "value" in that, in him playing for the Cavaliers.

And in a league where voters tend to sway towards the lonesome guy, the guy carrying a team through and by his standards over the guy that is doing it on a great team - this time, a 73 win team - the fact that Curry won the award and did so unanimously is very telling. 

The term "valuable" is one that can always be debated. Value to team, league, or in terms of monetary concerns - whatevs. I also very mush dislike the addition of a "Most Outstanding" award. The MVP debate is always good for sport. 

Regardless of your definition of the term, or how you think the award should be defined, it's telling that maybe - just maybe, in the unbelievable-ness and must-see appeal that is Steph Curry, we are forgetting about the other marvel and wonder in sports - LeBron James. 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?