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Ranking the top 25 NBA players of the 21st century

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When LeBron James entered the NBA as the top pick in the 2003 draft, he did so in the face of seemingly impossible expectations.

James already had graced a Sports Illustrated cover with the headline "The Chosen One." His high school games had been broadcast on national television for more than a year. He was one of the most anticipated rookies in the history of the sport.

More than 20 years later, James has not only met those expectations; he has exceeded them.