LeBron James
Since middle school, LeBron James was heralded to be the next transformative player for an NBA franchise. James’ rookie season exceeded past his pre-ordained praise from his fan base, doubling the Cleveland Cavaliers wins from seventeen to thirty-five. No player has ever received more attention with the expectation of immediate stardom than James. Right off the bat, James delivered.
According to Bleacher Reports Mike B. Roberts’ article, it only took King James’ first NBA game to gain the rest of his followers/doubters devotion saying,
"“I was completely sold. Everybody was sold. He was instantly my new favorite player after just one game. I then knew he was going to be a special player. LeBron went on to have a fabulous rookie year (20.9 ppg, 5.9 apg, 5.5 rpg). He joined Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Jordan as the only rookies to average over twenty points, five rebounds and five assists.”"
Beyond his on-court ability, James displayed an unmatched mental maturity off-the-court as a rookie. From the moment James signed his ninety-million-dollar contract with Nike, media bees swarmed him as if he announced he would be showering with honey moving forward instead of water. And still, nothing. How many rookie teenagers display professional maturity? LeBron did. To me, it stands as one of the most impressive of the King’s attributes.