Lebron and Carmelo have seemingly always been compared to each other. They share the same position, physical stature (Lebron listed 10 lbs heavier), and draft class (2003). Anyone with a brain knows Lebron is the better player, but for years Carmelo was in the discussion as one of the very best. After watching this post season it has become even more apparent that Carmelo is light years behind Lebron in every way possible. The JR Smith/Iman Shumpert trade has allowed for a very interesting comparison. It is a crude comparison given that neither supporting cast is the same, but the overall talent levels are similar. Lets take a look.
Carmelo's main support cast with 2013-2014 Knicks: JR Smith, Iman Shumpert, Amar'e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Andrea Bargnani, Tim Hardaway JR
Lebron's main supporting cast right now: JR Smith, Iman Shumpert, Timofey Mozgov, Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedova, James Jones, Mike Miller
They both had the JR Smith/Shumpert combo and the front court combo of Chandler/Stoudemire is comparable to that of Thompson/Mozgov. I would rather have Thompson/Mozgov, but Tyson Chandler is an excellent player and makes it close. Dellavedova is more valuable than Hardaway because of defense, but Hardaway isn't a complete scrub either. Then both squads have completely mediocre and unspectacular guys like Raymond Felton, Andrea Bargnani, Stoudemire, James Jones, and Mike Miller. Minus their superstars (James/Carmelo), neither roster really sticks out. Both are completely full of role players.
Lets look at the results:
Carmelo: 37-45, missed playoffs in ultra crappy Eastern conference
Lebron: About to lead his injury-ridden team to a NBA championship
Just amazing the difference that Lebron makes. JR Smith went from headache/liability in New York to key piece in Cleveland. Lebron's skills are unparalleled and his leadership elevates all those around him. I have always believed MJ to be the best basketball player in history, but if Lebron pulls this off I think he gets the nod. Meanwhile, Carmelo gets to watch from his couch as Lebron wins a title with the players that Carmelo probably thought were holding him back.
