The stats back up Jordan, but just going on my opinion I think Jordan's will to win, ego, and larger than life personality were greater than Kobe. Kobe wanted to beat you no doubt, but MJ wanted to beat you, talk trash to you while beating you, and rub it in after beating you. I personally think if they both played against each other at the same age, MJ would treat Kobe like Clyde and show the world just how much of a gap between him and Kobe there is.
People also don't give enough credit to the work ethic Jordan imposes on his own teammates. Jordan made Pippen work, and made him into a HOF. One thing I also noticed is Jordan was probably the most dominant alpha on any team I've saw. Unlike Kobe, Jordan made sure everyone knew the Bulls was his team. Although I could be very wrong, but had Shaq played alongside Jordan, Jordan would be the undisputed leader of the team.
I wonder how Kobe would have turned out if Jordan never existed. Jordan was the blueprint. Kobe has copied him down to some of his mannerisms.
Exactly. Kobe has modeled his entire existence after Jordan, how can he be greater than the guy he views as the greatest?
I'll put it like this. Kobe is a phenominal player. Better than LBJ. Better than Wade. Better than Durant, and better than a prime TMac because Kobe plays both ends of the floor and works to get better. Kobe is probably the most skilled and gifted player in NBA history. That said, Jordan worked harder, and got the most out of the ability and skill that he had. When all was said out on the floor, this made Jordan a better player. No point in comparing stats and accomplishments because Jordan has an undisputed advantage. Close your eyes. Kobe and jordan are on teh same team, Phil is coaching. Game 7 of the Finals, down 1 with 7 seconds left. Who takes the shot? jordan? No. Kobe does, because no defense in their right mind would leave Jordan open and i bet money Kobe would be open or allowed to go 1 on 1. Jordan would not get a 1 on 1 look. Especially if he got into the paint.
I can just close my eyes and hear Kobe say "I was just being a consummate professional heheheh..." That's a trick question; Jordan doesn't need 7 games in the Finals to beat you.
Without trying to get too deep into the heads of a couple of players whom I have never met, I've always gotten the sense that while Jordan was simply obsessed with winning, Kobe's motivation has always been to be recognized as the best player ever. Obviously in a sport like basketball winning games is going to be a byproduct of that, but I'm not sure he's as hellbent on just winning, by any means necessary, like Jordan was.
Agreed. Bryant is obsessed with his own legacy, which is why he had to get rid of Shaq so he could "be the man." It's also why he takes a lot of bad shots at the end of games instead of deferring to the more efficient Gasol.
I wasn't a fan of MJ and I still think he's so much better than Kobe that the comparison is ridiculous. The only player I've ever seen who was as good as MJ was Hakeem. Unfortunately that was only about 3-4 years of Hakeem, while MJ was able to keep it going for most of his career.
Keep in mind Jordan was also the veteran of the team for the most part, he was 29-36 in his championship years. Had he played with someone like Magic or Larry, he probably wouldn't have been quite the same.
Kobe's an overrated player, he's got great skills but his production/efficiency is below other legends like Jordan, Bird, even Lebron and Wade. The other guys shoot around 50% and better especially in the playoffs/finals. Kobe usually shoots lower % as he forces shots. No doubt, he is one of the best shotmakers but his shot selection is horrific.
stats alone, jordan is better than kobe. what stat does kobe have over jordan? besides 3pt shooting? it's a blowout statistically.
I think the reason Kobe plays alot of hero ball is not because of any insecurities or desire to be seen as the alpha...it's just that in his own mind, he truly believes that he is invincible. IMO that's something to be commended rather than criticized. In a world more and more geared towards serving success to those who are more naturally gifted...Kobe shows that you can still be great as long as you work hard and have no doubts about yourself. Sure you can call him a douche for that, but all the while countless fans worship him, and I think that's a great achievement in and of itself. MJ was the culmination of effort and talent, and though Kobe obviously was blessed with less talent, he will still be remembered (by many) as the greatest player of his generation. Sure, MJ> Kobe. But keep in mind that Kobe>>> many many many players, and comparing those two isn't necessarily to argue about who the better player is.
Why would you commend a guy for being a ballhog. Who gives a crap what his reasons are. Have you ever played ball with a ballhog. It sucks. Give me a break. Kobe has freakish natural talents. Did you see him when he was 21? He works hard, we get it. He also is a supreme egomaniac (aka "no doubts about yourself"), a huge chucker, and a whining b****.* *Also a rapist.
