The 2008-09 season is a great example of just how much the Cavaliers needed James on their side. During the season
without LeBron James,
the Cavaliers had an offensive rating of 102.4 which would have been equivalent to the 29th ranked offense in the league
.
With James on-court, the rating was at 115.6 which would have been the best offense in the league. A different of a whopping 13 points per 100 possessions. Furthermore, James made a huge impact on the defensive end. With James on the court the Cavaliers had a 100.6 defensive rating while when he was off the floor they had a 108.8 defensive rating akin to the 18th worse defense in the league. A difference of 8.2 points per 100 possessions. This type of defensive impact which was highlighted by his defensive versatility, propensity to defend who ever the Cavaliers asked him to, and 23 highlight reel chasedown blocks led him to a runner-up Defensive Player of the Year finish and First Team All-Defense selection.
