Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fall to the floor during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017, in Oakland, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP
Apart from his unworldly talent on the basketball court, LeBron James is also perhaps best known for his durability, evading any significant injuries thoroughout his career.
Despite getting up in age, his heavy usage rate on the court continues this season, especially with the recent struggles of the perennial contender Cleveland Cavaliers.
In a recent Q&A session with USA Today’s Sam Amick, one of James’ fiercest rivals, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, addressed possible problems with the four-time NBA MVP’s heavy workload.
“To a certain extent yes. And to a certain extent, no. I don’t think anyone should be panicking 12 games in, or 13 games in,” the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year said of the Cavs’ subpar 8-7 record.
“However, there are some glaring concerns with them. And at the same time, you’re missing a 30-point (per game) player (in Thomas) on the bench who’s hurt,” he said.
“So my concern would be that LeBron is playing so many minutes right now,” Green added, pointing out LeBron’s 38.1 minutes per game—the highest in the NBA this season.
A staunch believer of “Father Time,” Green acknowledged LeBron’s freakish talents, but claimed that everyone slows down at some point.
“Yeah, he’s superhuman but eventually his superhuman powers go away, so that would be more of my concern if I’m a Cavs fan or somebody with the Cavs or a player, is like ‘Man, he’s been playing a lot of 40 minute (nights) and it’s only Nov. 12.’ But I wouldn’t be pressing the panic button just yet,” he said.
James is about to turn 33 next month but continues to put the entire Cavs team on his shoulders each game.
Green also addressed the Cavs’ recent roster woes, which he attributes to LeBron’s extended minutes on the floor.
“I don’t know who it is. But at the end of the day, if he’s doing it, he’s doing it for a reason,” Green said.
“He’s not just doing it because [he wants to]. That’s tough. That’s tough mentally also. That would be more of my concern over them not playing well. Like, [expletive], it’s Game 13. Who cares who’s playing well?” Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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