LeBron James doesn’t intend to feel Carmelo Anthony’s pain.
The Chosen One saw Hibbert’s block on ‘Melo. He understood how impressive it was and what it meant. Everyone did. ‘Melo and his New York Knicks had the momentum. Hibbert’s block swayed that momentum back in the Indiana Pacers’ favor. It’s not a stretch to say that his block prevented a Game 7 and saved Indy’s season.
Naturally, with the Miami Heat squaring off against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, that block has once again come to the forefront of discussion. Hibbert has already de-posterized Anthony, and his next victim could be LeBron.
Or not.
LeBron was spotted practicing floaters in anticipation of this matchup. Hibbert is tall, he can block shots and LeBron knows it. This wasn’t a coincidence.
“I just dust it off when I need it,” he said (via Joseph Goodman of The Miami Herald).
Against Hibbert—who is averaging 2.6 blocks per game during the playoffs—he’s going to need it. He won’t be able to attack the rim willy-nilly like he’s used to. There could be consequences. Again, he could just ask ‘Melo.
Yet, LeBron has no plans to become Hibbert’s next shot-blocking victim. None at at all. And that’s not because he intends to stop driving. He was seen dusting off his floater because, well, he has to. But that doesn’t mean he’ll stop attacking. In fact, he conceded to just the opposite.
When asked if he would hesitate to go up against Hibbert at the rim because of what Hibbert can do slash what happened to ‘Melo, LeBron was confused.
“Me?” he asked incredulously (via Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News). “Me?”
LeBron was then reassured the reporters were indeed making reference to him.
“Nah,” he said simply.
So there you have it. No explanation needed. LeBron says it won’t be an issue, so it won’t be an issue.
That I’m only half kidding attests to how much faith we should have in ‘Bron. He’s that amazing. But he didn’t leave it at “nah.” When pressed further, he broke it down for everyone to better understand.
“If I think I can finish over the top than I’m going to go for it,” LeBron explained. “Once you get in the air you want to think, score first, pass second, and see where it takes you.”
“But I do protect myself though,” he added. “I had a nasty fall when I was in junior high school, broke my wrist. So I’m very protective of how I take off.”
First off, whoa. LeBron broke his wrist in junior high school and was still selected with the first overall pick in 2003? Those Cleveland Cavaliers sure took a helluva risk (kidding).
Really, LeBron is just the most confident player in the NBA (save for maybe Kobe Bryant). He knows he’s the best, so he’s not going to change his entire play style to accommodate Hibbert. If he has to, he will. Otherwise, he’s going to keep attacking.
Knowing how ridiculously explosive he is I’d hazard he’ll keep successfully dunking as well. It’s Hibbert who will be the one that needs to watch out, because there (likely) won’t be any Carmelo-ing against LeBron.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
