Early to rise: we know LeBron James is healthy and wealthy, but he's also wise. He won't be overwhelmed by expectations, which is why he's expected to make an immediate impact on the Cavaliers--and the league.(NBA preview: ultimate tool)

The expectations for LeBron James are great he may never live up to them. The Cavaliers could double their 17 victories from last season and James could average 15 points, five rebounds and five assists and still find himself being criticized.

Make no mistake, though. There is one part of James' game that even the harshest critic will admit is more than ready for the NBA: The kid can pass the ball. That has been clear from the beginning. He made a play in his first preseason game against the Pistons that had everyone talking.

The Cavs were on a fast break when Darius Miles slipped the ball to James in the key. Without breaking stride, James made a no-look push pass to Ricky Davis that was converted for a layup. It was a thing of absolute beauty.

"I saw Bird and Magic do that," Cavaliers general manager Jim Paxson says. "You can't teach that. Can't take credit for that one. That's a gift."

Like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, what makes James' ability so special is that he actually enjoys passing. Finding players who like to share the ball in the NBA is as difficult as finding players who go directly to their hotel room after a game.

"I love sharing the ball with my teammates" lames says. "If they don't think I can do it, I'll prove them wrong. I see a lot of things before my teammates see them."

The most hyped prep basketball player ever, James is trying to make the leap from high school superstar to NBA phenom. There's pressure on him to be an instant All-Star and carry the lowly Cavs into the national spotlight, but James has shown wisdom beyond his 18 years in dealing with the expectations. He bristles at the suggestion he will be the main man for the Cavaliers as a rookie.