The quality of play in the NBA may stink like an adrift Carnival cruise ship, but there is a player quietly putting together one of the greatest Association seasons of all time.

LeBron James.

His name is a dirty word in Cleveland. His name evokes mixed reactions elsewhere, too, because of “The Decision” public relations blunder of epic proportions.

He’s held in disdain because of his perceived ego, the team he plays for and the constant comparisons to Michael Jordan.

But the dude is great.

How great?

Consider:

James is averaging 27 points, seven assists and eight rebounds per game.

James is seventh in the league in shooting percentage and the only non-center in the top nine.

James is shooting at such a high percentage despite attempting 400 more field goals than anyone else in the top 10 in the league.

Those numbers are amazing.

Isiah Thomas said James is probably a better athlete than Jordan.

Of course, Thomas isn’t the go-to source for talent evaluation, but he’s probably correct on this observation.

Jordan was physically gifted — his take-off from the 3-point line for a jam during the dunk contest is famous.

But James is just a beast.

He’s 6-foot-8, 250 pounds with speed and power.

James simply cannot be stopped by mere mortals.

Jordan, of course, is calling out James, saying that one ring does not a legend make. Jordan has proven throughout the years that he is spiteful, vindictive and generally a grump when it comes to people comparing him to, well, anyone.

It’s impossible to say who is better. They are different players.

Right now, James is the best in the NBA. Hands down.

Perhaps even more intriguing is how James’ legacy will be viewed. Jordan is a Chicago Bull. Those years he spent with the Washington Wizards are best forgotten.

James could have (and should have) been a Cleveland Cavalier. Instead, he jumped ship and took his talents to South Beach.

But what if James returns to Cleveland?

It could happen. It’s not likely as long as Dan Gilbert is drawing breath as the Cavs’ owner, but crazier things have happened. After all, Wade Boggs, hated in the Bronx, ended up playing for the Yankees.

I have a feeling Cleveland fans will welcome him back, especially if he shoots nearly 60 percent, scores 27 points per game and brings a championship to the city.

A lot of things can be forgiven in victory.

Of course, if James holds “The Decision II, This Time It’s Personal,” returns to Cleveland and falls flat on his face, well, Cleveland fans will have two things to think about A) we’re cursed and B) James is a bum.

This season, James is certainly no bum.

He may be king.

Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.