The kids have come out to play in the playoffs. And Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, despite being busy in leading his team in the postseason, is seemingly keeping a close eye on the rookies.
After the Cavs destroyed and eliminated the Toronto Raptors in Game 4 of their second-round series with a 128-93 win, James sat in front of the media for the postgame presser and fielded several questions. While speaking to reporters, the four-time MVP quipped that the current batch of rookies is the best he’s seen since, well, his class – the 2003 class.
The rookies have stepped up big time in the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell has emerged as the Utah Jazz’s leader, Jayson Tatum has elevated his play of late out of necessity as the Boston Celtics are missing Kyrie Irving, while Ben Simmons, though inconsistent the past few games, is generally doing a fine job running the point for the Philadelphia 76ers. The jury is still out for the 2017 rookie class, but what Mitchell and company have been showing is very promising, to say the least.
As for James, he will meet one of those top rookies in the Eastern Conference finals. Simmons and the Sixers are down 3-1 in their series with Celtics, and if Boston wins one more in the series, then Tatum will get to face the future Hall of Famer in the conference finals.
