The 2003 NBA Rookie class was full of talent. That class was headlined by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. Out of these names, James and Anthony were in contention for the Rookie of the Year. As most of the NBA world knows, James, won the award and Anthony finished second. However, what if I told you that Anthony was robbed of the Rookie of the Year back in the 2003-04 season?
Why Melo Should Have Won Rookie of the Year Over LeBron
A Look at Their Team Success
During their rookie seasons, both Anthony and James had their work cut out for themselves. They were both drafted in the top five, meaning their teams, the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively, were two of the worst teams in the league the previous season. Thankfully, both players would massively upgrade these teams. However, the Nuggets would get instant playoff gratification whereas the Cavaliers would still miss the postseason in James’ rookie year. The Nuggets would finish with a win-loss record of 17-65 in the 2002-03 season. After Melo was drafted, their win-loss record spiked up to 43-39, resulting in a postseason appearance.
The team would lose in the first round of the playoffs, but it was still a much better season than what they had without Anthony’s presence. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers also saw an improvement, but not enough to see make the playoffs. Before James was drafted, Cleveland went 17-65. With LeBron as a rookie, Cleveland did improve, but still finished with a below .500 record of 35-47. The Cavaliers would have to wait until the 2005-06 season to taste the postseason.
LeBron and Melo’s Rookie Stats
One might be surprised to see both of these player’s rookie stats. They both had incredible rookie numbers which are not hard to believe. What can be hard to believe is that Melo got the best of Bron is more statistical categories than one would think. For James, he averaged 20.9 points, 1.6 steals, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds per game while averaging an effective field goal percentage of 43.8. On the other hand, Anthony averaged21 points, 1.2 steals, and 6.1 rebounds per game while averaging an effective field goal percentage of 44.9. The advanced numbers are also interesting. LeBron would finish his rookie year with a win share number of 5.1. Melo would finish with a win share of 6.1.
Melo would also outdo LeBron in the true shooting percentage category. Anthony would tally a true shooting percentage of 50.9 with James finishing with 48.8. Melo and LeBron would also finish with similar offensive and defensive ratings. Anthony would finish with an offensive rating of 102 and a defensive rating of 105. James would finish with an offensive rating of 99 and a defensive rating of 104.
Melo getting the best of LeBron in numerous categories. Couple that with the team success of both their teams, it becomes pretty clear that Anthony deserved the Rookie of the Year over James.
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