One-Man Band Playing Sweet Music In Cleveland

The first half of the 2008-09 NBA season is nearly over and the league's hottest team is none other than the Cleveland Cavaliers. They've won by convincing margins and accumulated an Eastern Conference best 30-6 record. And they have yet to lose at home.

What's even more remarkable are the accomplishments of LeBron James, the league's brightest star. He is averaging 27.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 2 steals per game, putting the Cavs in position to compete for an NBA title. And how about last night's triple double of 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists! Bringing a championship to Cleveland would, I believe, represent the greatest individual accomplishment in NBA history.

Without LeBron, the Cavs would probably be in last place. Not to take anything away from a supporting cast that includes Mo Williams, Ben Wallace, and Anderson Varejao, but LeBron is clearly the team's only star. Even Michael Jordan, considered the greatest ever to play, had more help during the Bulls' championship runs. LeBron longs to have a Scottie Pippen to dish the ball to, but a player who performs flawlessly every night without one is really someone special. No man has ever carried a team the way LeBron has over the past three seasons.The guy is hungrier than ever for a championship and anyone who's seen him play can sense his passion.

Lots of rumors have circulated about LeBron's future in Cleveland after the 2010 season. As a free agent, he will probably receive the biggest contract in basketball history. And who knows, maybe we'll see him in a Knicks uniform. One thing's for sure: Any team that snags this guy is an automatic contender. Time will tell what this 24-year-old legend-in-the-making is capable of.