How LeBron James' rookie year gave the NBA world glimpses of his eventual greatness
LeBron James entered the NBA as one of the most hyped prospects of all-time. The four-time NBA MVP has more than lived up to expectations, as he is now regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time. The first overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft showed flashes of his greatness early on as he won the Rookie of the Year award in the 2003-2004 season.
In his first career game, James displayed all aspects of his game, finishing with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and four steals. While he shot just 1-3 from the free-throw line and 0-2 from three-point range, James finished the game shooting 12-20 from the field.
As a rookie, James averaged 20.9 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game, 1.6 steals per game, and 0.7 blocks per game. He shot 41.7% from the field, 29.0% from three-point range, and 75.4% from the free-throw line.
LeBron had twelve 30 points games and one 40 point game as a rookie. Additionally, he had seven games with double-digit rebounds and six games with double-digit assists, as well as two games with five blocks and two games with five steals.
The following season, James broke out en route to his first of eighteen consecutive All-Star appearances. His numbers improved to 27.2 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, 7.2 assists per game, 2.2 steals per game, and 0.7 blocks per game. Furthermore, he shot 47.2% from the field, 35.1% from three-point range, and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
Watch LeBron James' rookie highlights below:
How has LeBron James fared in his 20th NBA season?
LeBron James is now in his 20th season in the NBA, however, the four-time NBA champion has continued to perform at a high level. The LA Lakers star has averaged 25.3 points per game, a career-high 9.1 rebounds per game, 7.5 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, and 0.6 blocks per game. He is shooting 46.6% from the field, his lowest since his rookie season, 33.1% from three-point range, and 71.8% from the free-throw line.
James has been much better since returning from a five-game absence. He has averaged 27.1 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game, 5.7 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, and 0.6 blocks per game over the seven games since his return. More notably, he has shot 48.0% from the field, 45.3% from three-point range, and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
Watch LeBron James' career highlights below: