For those of you that don't follow the NBA that closely, that would be the Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson.
Players are known to trash talk each other during the game, but usually afterwards they calm down a bit and talk about how they were just competing, they respect their opponent, etc. This wasn't the case after a game in which DeShawn played excellent defense on LeBron James, including taking a charge from the King with 19 seconds remaining.
Stevenson stated during post-game interviews that he felt he had to talk trash and try to get under LeBron's skin, and that the way the Cavs have handled the Wizards recently, that they need to take them more seriously. Nothing too inflammatory there, but on his way out of the building he let us know how he really feels:
When he was leaving the building, Mike Lee was chatting him up and mentioned LeBron again. DeShawn has obviously heard enough of that.
"He's overrated," DeShawn told Mike. "And you can say I said that."
Overrated? No, definitely not. But there is something to be said for not being afraid to get under another player's skin as a defensive tactic, especially a player as good as LeBron. It seemed to work last night, especially in the fourth quarter. James made only one field goal, and shot just 1-5 in the period, with four of the missed shots coming off of three-point attempts. That's clearly the sign of a player who would rather not deal with his defender, so on this night, DeShawn's bravado paid off. Of course, there's always the possibility that LeBron's mind was simply on other things.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
3-14-2008 @ 3:24PM
bdog said...
deshawn who?
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3-14-2008 @ 5:58PM
steve said...
You don't know...? I think this article is about the DeShawn who shut down LeBron in the 4th and pretty much the entire game. Finally, some player has the guts to stand up and say what I've said for quite some time about the "King," I would much rather watch Kobe who actually makes shots....
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3-15-2008 @ 1:25AM
lbjfan said...
If Kobe makes more shots than LeBron, then why does LeBron have a better FG%?
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3-15-2008 @ 7:31AM
frank said...
DeShawn= correct
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3-15-2008 @ 2:22PM
everdash said...
DeShawn is correct. LeBron is overrated right now - most of the hype and fawning is over his future potential: In about five years James is going to be a beast. There have been worse players with better numbers and have achieved more. And let's not forget he's playing on... the CAVS. In... THE EAST. And he's not even #1 there. And let's not forget his notorious reputation for not taking/making the last shot, and his self-admitted lack of "killer instinct like Kobe."
That's not to say he's not talented; he's easily in the Top 5 in the league, and as I said, in the prime of his career, unless some freak accident occurs, he should be the best in the NBA. But he's not right now. That's like getting into a Lamborghini Murcielago, pulling out of your driveway, and screaming about how fast you're going. You just hit 2nd gear.
Overrated? Yes. By much? No.
Give the kid time.
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3-15-2008 @ 2:29PM
broz said...
We'll see how "overrated" the MVP of the league is. What an idiot. The same Deshawn Stevenson who shot a combined 19% in two playoff series against Lebron who single handedly hit game winner after game winner. Please Deshawn, keep flappin your trap when Lebron drops 50, 12, and 10 on you next time. Anyone who thinks Lebron James is "overrated" needs a psychiatric evaluation. Stop hatin.
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3-15-2008 @ 2:30PM
Derrick said...
When you are on top in your profession haters are going to hate.As many times as LeBron has torched the Wizards in the reg. season and playoffs it amazes me that Stevens has the nerveto say anything.Let`s face it if it wasnt for those comments who would really be paying attention to what Stevens says?
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3-15-2008 @ 2:48PM
jerr said...
stevenson, is a punk, and knows better. Sure he played a helluva game agains James, and sure they beat the Cavs, and sure James missed several key shots in the 4th, that he wouldnt normally miss. Anyone who says he is overrated or that they would take bryant over him is not too well versed in the finer points of the game, say nothing of James' personality, and positive ambassadorship for all of the NBA. Of course, this is strictly my opinion, just like everyone else has a chance to voice, and there are actually MORE opinions out there than there are a$$holes.
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3-15-2008 @ 3:04PM
LB said...
He leads the league in scoring, 8th in assists (the first seven are point guards), and still has time to get eight boards a game and second in the league in triple doubles. So I guess he is overrated. lol
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3-15-2008 @ 3:13PM
Bitch Please! said...
jerr,
Lebron is not overrated. But i would take Kobe in a heartbeat over Lebron, as would many (not all) of the NBA players out there. Does that make them not-too-well versed in the finer points of the game because they disagree with you?
Lebron should eventually go down in history as one of the greatest players ever. I would have no problem seeing him win the MVP. But, personally, I would give it to Kobe this year.
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3-15-2008 @ 3:14PM
agranon said...
overrated? it's a race to MVP LeBron, Kobe, Tracy
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3-15-2008 @ 3:41PM
ABlackGuy said...
man i thought it said TeShawn...
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3-15-2008 @ 3:50PM
Bob said...
Let's see - we're talking about Deshawn Stevenson - jumped from high school ( A division 4 school) directly to the pros - was brought up on charges of statutory rape - screwing with a 15 year old - hasn't done anything of any vakue in the NBA besides having ONE semi-decent game against LeBron - He should be taken behind the woodshed and has the S**t stomped out of him.,.,,. Another Bonus Lottery pick baby who isn't worth the spit - damn - I wish I was black and could dunk - unfortunately, he can, but isn't able to do it at the NBA level
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3-15-2008 @ 3:50PM
Trent said...
Bitch Please...Where in gods name do you get the fact that most players in the NBA would rather play with Kobe and not LeBron...What kind of statement is that? How would you know ?? get a clue!
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3-15-2008 @ 4:02PM
VJ said...
LeBron is a great player but DeShawn is right...LJ's got 4 other teammates on the floor w/ him and they're the ones tht make it all happen
it's a team game..ppl seem to forget that
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3-15-2008 @ 4:07PM
Joe said...
WHO REALLY GIVES A CRAP ABOUT THE NBA? JUST A BUNCH OF THUGS!
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3-15-2008 @ 4:13PM
Skippy said...
It was nice to see ... I hope they keep it up the bottom line is they sell tickets... The nba is been boring for years and now... It is starting to rock anyone need sold out tickets check here
http://www.frontrowking.com
no one will be MJ
Skippy
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3-15-2008 @ 4:14PM
Al said...
DeShawn...who ever he is, 'possibally' is good enough to wipe the sweat off LeBron's B A L L S !!!
That's it, that's all there is to know, DeShawn is O N L Y good enough to be B A L L wiper, not a B A L L shooter !!!!
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3-15-2008 @ 4:15PM
Jim said...
What hgame is Deshawn watching>
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3-15-2008 @ 4:39PM
teddy kennedy said...
who cares pro basketball sucks except for the Celts. Teddy Kennedy
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