after seeing highlights of this 81pt outburst from kobe, and after watching several games this year where he's dropped 30+,40+, and 50+ points, I know he's the best individual scorer in this league... yet, even if he puts up a 90pt effort, or a 104pt effort, I don't think I'd ever want to replace TMac with him if I'm the houston rockets. Yes, he's 27 and dropped 81 points, but if you asked me for a str8 up swap, I'd say no. ..and if i'm the spurs and they want a swap for duncan, i'd say no... it's the strangest thing to understand, because there's never been a 30pt scorer that didn't at least demand consideration when compared to the elite of the league. in this case, i think there are several examples (lebron, tmac, duncan, and others) where you'd clearly say "no" something about kobe that's bringing about new labels... "most gifted scorer"... "most talented athlete"... but no unanimous "best player in the NBA" ... just watching the highlights made me wonder how some players can make their teammates better with their skill and others can turn them away..
I have to agree. I'd still take T-Mac with a bad back over Kobe. T-Mac brings his teammates together and makes them all better. Kobe has a way of fracturing his team instead...first Shaq, now Lamar Odom. Scoring alone does not make a champion. The one thing that Kobe has is that he is incredibly clutch, but so is T-Mac - in fact, T-Mac is averaging almost as many points as Kobe in the 4th quarter this season, good for #2 in the NBA. Then compare their assist stats and you'll see what I mean.
unless its a playoff game and our season is on the line, I would never want Tmac to jack up too many shots. We are so much more dangerous when everyone else is involved.
If you talk about trading T-Mac for Kobe straight up, the only thing that makes me consider is T-Mac's health. Kobe is much stronger and more durable. But if you ignore the health factor, I'd take T-Mac over Kobe every day. BTW, about talent vs. personality, this is my opinion. As a sports fan, I root for players and teams, not a stat number, or even a win-loss record. That's why player personality/character is very important to me. Players are real people. If you just want numbers, go play fantasy ball.
