Nelson: James was already a great player

DALLAS -- Miami Heat forward LeBron James didn't have to win an NBA title for him to be classified as a bonafide great player.

As least those are the words according to Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson.

"I'm one of those guys that I don't think you're any less or more of a player if you win a championship or not,'' Nelson said Friday. "You're going to tell me (Charles) Barkley, Patrick Ewing and (Reggie) Miller -- and right on down the list -- you're going to tell me those guys are any less of a player because they don't have a piece of hardware?

"Those are some of the all-time great players who ever wore a uniform.''

Although he defended James' greatness, Nelson had to laugh when told that many analysts are comparing the Heat superstar to Michael Jordan.

In commenting on the comparison, Nelson said: "Michael. That’s good company to be mentioned with, that’s for sure.’’

-- Dwain Price

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