Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010)

2003–2004: Rookie of the Year

James, pictured here in 2007, joined Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan as the only
players to average better than 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game as
rookies during his 2003–04 season.

James was selected by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the first
overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft.[42] In his first regular season game, he scored 25
points in a 106–92 loss to the Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for the most
points scored by a prep-to-pro player in his debut performance.[43] At the
conclusion of the 2003–2004 season, he became the first Cavalier to receive the NBA
Rookie of the Year Award.[8] With final averages of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9
assists per game,[44] he also became the third player in league history to average
at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game as a rookie.[45] Cleveland
ultimately finished the season 35–47, failing to make the playoffs despite an 18-
game improvement over the previous year.[46]

2004–2008: Rise to superstardom

In the 2004–2005 season, James earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection,
contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning effort for the Eastern
Conference.[47] Around the league, teams took note of his rapid development, and
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl told Sports Illustrated: "It's weird talking about a
20-year-old kid being a great player, but he is a great player ... He's the exception to
almost every rule."[48] On March 20, James scored 56 points against the Toronto
Raptors, setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.[49] With final averages
of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, he was named to his
first All-NBA Team.[25] Despite a 30–20 record to start the year,[49] the Cavaliers
again failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season 42–40.[50]