Is LeBron's merry-go-round unique?

[Ogaju]

has there ever been a consensus best overall player in the NBA that has switched teams like LeBron James has?

Since I have been watching the NBA I have never seen a consensus best player in the entire league change teams twice like LeBron has.

What does this say, if anything, about his character or fortitude?

[mgent]

What does this say, if anything, about his character or fortitude?

He doesn't have either?

[Clench123]

His circumstances are different.  It does make you think though.

[Ogaju]

different from? I don't understand.

[Clench123]

None of the other greats Lebron is compared to had the 2003-2010 Cavs.  He was bound to move.  Going back was a different thing entirely as well

[Ogaju]

Does this then validate the two Jerrys in Chicago when they said 'players do not win championships, organizations do'??

[Clench123]

I firmly believe in that....unless you're Bill Russell 

[freshinthehouse]

has there ever been a consensus best overall player in the NBA that has switched teams like LeBron James has?

Since I have been watching the NBA I have never seen a consensus best player in the entire league change teams twice like LeBron has.

What does this say, if anything, about his character or fortitude?

Chamberlain played for 3 different organizations.  Only other guys that you could make an argument for that are possibly top 10-15 all time are Shaq and Rick Berry.

[Fan from VT]

I don't see it as that big a deal and think it will happen more. It's easy to travel now, people care more about other parts of their life.

Whatever job you do, imagine if you just sent in your application and that profession decided, fairly randomly, where you had to work for the first 5 years of your career...but they could send you anywhere else at any time. So imagine your 5 years are up, and you get a call from 2 of your friends saying "hey, let's all work together for a few years in our late 20s!" Then, later, you decide you want to move closer to home, etc. Whatever.


Also when you think of basketball as a game (which it is) and think of players as people with choices (which they are) its starts to be more "hey, where would be fun to play and who would be fun to play with?" Kind of like local pick up games. Change it up sometimes. Have some fun.

[Clench123]

^^^ Their job is different though.  It's not like any other job.  I agree with your first paragraph though

[showtime]

What does this say, if anything, about his character or fortitude?

He doesn't have either?

  TP for you!

[Rakulp]

has there ever been a consensus best overall player in the NBA that has switched teams like LeBron James has?

Since I have been watching the NBA I have never seen a consensus best player in the entire league change teams twice like LeBron has.

What does this say, if anything, about his character or fortitude?

Never was a fan of the "Decision" and the way it was carried out.  They thought they would rule the NBA for a decade and are lucky to come away with 2 out of 4 championships.  But beyond the basketball side of things, it was a decision that ripped the heart out of a lot of people in Cleveland.

However, I am a fan of him returning to Cleveland...because I'm a simple man with simple beliefs.  And one of those beliefs is that people who make mistakes hopefully will live long enough to realize it and try to make it right. 

There are a lot of people who question his motive for going back, but I'm going to take it on face value...especially after he said this week he will retire with Cleveland.  He's gone home...and he's going to do his best to bring them a banner.

While Boston will ALWAYS be MY team, I can say this without hesitation.  When he went to  Miami, I rooted against the Heat...now that he is back with the Cavaliers, I'm rooting for Cleveland...the team and the city.  Both could benefit from a taste of success again...and so would the NBA.

Rak

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

has there ever been a consensus best overall player in the NBA that has switched teams like LeBron James has?

Since I have been watching the NBA I have never seen a consensus best player in the entire league change teams twice like LeBron has.

What does this say, if anything, about his character or fortitude?

Never was a fan of the "Decision" and the way it was carried out.  They thought they would rule the NBA for a decade and are lucky to come away with 2 out of 4 championships.  But beyond the basketball side of things, it was a decision that ripped the heart out of a lot of people in Cleveland.

However, I am a fan of him returning to Cleveland...because I'm a simple man with simple beliefs.  And one of those beliefs is that people who make mistakes hopefully will live long enough to realize it and try to make it right. 

There are a lot of people who question his motive for going back, but I'm going to take it on face value...especially after he said this week he will retire with Cleveland.  He's gone home...and he's going to do his best to bring them a banner.

While Boston will ALWAYS be MY team, I can say this without hesitation.  When he went to  Miami, I rooted against the Heat...now that he is back with the Cavaliers, I'm rooting for Cleveland...the team and the city.  Both could benefit from a taste of success again...and so would the NBA.

Rak

Pretty much my thoughts as well.

[Ogaju]

I don't know why anyone would think he would ever leave Cleveland again.

[Endless Paradise]

Even if you DON'T take LeBron's words about returning at face value, you have to understand that he's an astute businessman. His brand could not withstand the hit it would take from leaving Cleveland again.