MIAMI — When LeBron James learned he was Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, the Miami Heat star was surprised.

Not because he thought his achievements in 2012 weren’t worthy, but because he figured what happened in 2010 was still holding him back.

Apparently, that’s no longer the case. The magazine announced its annual choice Monday, with James becoming the first NBA player to win the award since Heat teammate Dwyane Wade in 2006.

Past winners include Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicklaus, Wayne Gretzky, Arthur Ashe, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter and Michael Phelps. College basketball coaches Mike Krzyzewski — James’ Olympic coach — and Pat Summitt shared the honor last year.