“Actually, I was shocked that it wasn’t unanimous for LeBron" - Jeff Van Gundy still surprised at the fact LeBron James didn't win 2015 NBA Finals MVP
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James had one of the greatest finals performances during the 2015 NBA Finals. However, with the Golden State Warriors winning the series, the Finals MVP was awarded to Andre Iguodala rather than James.
Former NBA coach turned commentator Jeff Van Gundy recently had a conversation with Howard Beck of "Sports Illustrated", where he expressed shock at James not being the recipient of the Finals MVP award in that series.
Van Gundy even claimed that it should have been unanimous in "King" James' favor.
"Actually, I was shocked that it wasn't unanimous for LeBron," he said. "That's just me. I didn't think it was a hard decision."
LeBron James played 45.7 minutes a night in those six games while averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists. He shot 39.8% from the field. He also recorded 1.3 steals per game.
Iguodala was awarded the Finals MVP for being the primary defender on James.
On top of this, King James was without his usual running partners in Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. Both were out injured and missed the series.
Seven years ago, Andre Iguodala was voted Finals MVP with LeBron James coming in second
Voters reflect on how close Stephen Curry was to winning and whether they got it right 🤔 trib.al/ClOzfeG
How LeBron James fared in his second stint with Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James' return to Cleveland from South Beach was a big call after the disappointment of losing the 2014 NBA Finals. But given Kyrie Irving's talent, James' decision to return to the Cavs after unceremoniously leaving in 2010 was considered the right choice by many.
James had an incredible four-year run with the Cavs in his second stint with the team. He put up absurd stat lines and took his team (almost single-handedly at times) to four NBA Finals. The Eastern Conference was completely dominated by "King" James and company.
The biggest highlight of his return to the Cavs was the triumph over the Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. The team overcame a 3-1 deficit in the series.
In the process, James brought the first championship to the city of Cleveland in over half a century. James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists in that series. He shot 49.4% from the field and 37.1% from the perimeter.
With the departure of Kyrie Irving in 2017, the onus was even greater on LeBron James and Kevin Love to propel the Cavs to another championship.
Irving's departure significantly weakened the roster. However, the Cavaliers made it to another finals after some absolutely incredible performances from James. They were eventually swept 4-0 by the Warriors, led by Kevin Durant.
Nevertheless, James' four-year spell with Cleveland is looked at with fondness as he finally brought home a championship.