5 Ways Sidney Crosby is Becoming the NHL’s LeBron James
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72334690/usa_today_20445133.0.jpg)
Known by his nickname “Sid the Kid,” Sidney Crosby has spent his whole NHL career as a player for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The fans adore him for his simplicity, and he is one of the NHL’s most composed and grounded players.
He may have had an equivalent influence on the NHL as NBA basketball legend LeBron James did.
1. Domination of the early career
James and Crosby both had tremendous promise when they first began their careers. Nicknamed “The Next One,” Crosby was selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and performed remarkably well, placing second in the NHL Rookie of the Year competition for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Similar to this, LeBron James, a basketball player from high school, won the NBA Rookie of the Year title after being selected first overall in the 2003 NBA draft.
2. Capabilities for leading and titles won
Early in his career, Sidney Crosby became the Pittsburgh Penguins’ captain, and he helped the team win the Stanley Cup twice in a row in 2016 and 2017.
Additionally, LeBron James, also referred to as “King James,” led his teams to four NBA titles: two in 2012 and 2013 with the Miami Heat, one in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
3. Individual successes and honors
Both athletes have amassed numerous accolades and cemented their places among the greatest of all time.
Crosby is the recipient of multiple Art Ross Trophies (scoring leader) and Hart Memorial Trophies (league MVP). LeBron James has also won numerous MVP honors in the NBA and the Finals.
4. Won an Olympics medal
In international competitions, Crosby and James have excelled while representing their nations. In the 2010 Winter Olympics gold medal match between Team Canada and the United States, Crosby scored the game-winning goal for the Canadian team in overtime. Two-time Olympic gold medallist LeBron James has been a vital member of Team USA’s basketball team.
5. Effect off the court
Beyond their careers, Crosby and James have both contributed significantly to charitable causes. Among Crosby’s charitable endeavors are his support of junior hockey and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. In the meantime, the Lakers star has started schools and community-uplifting programs through his LeBron James Family Foundation.
Given his impact in basketball, Sidney Crosby’s professional career unquestionably establishes him as one of the greats in hockey, much like LeBron James has done. Fans of basketball and hockey should commemorate their legendary journey as both players are about to end their careers.
