Yeah, I know, yet another "Who's better?" thread. Consider both Kobe and Jerry West played SG for the Lakers, I thought this would be an interesting comparison. If Kobe retired after this season, who would you personally rank higher amongst the greatest players ever? In most of the player rankings I've seen, Jerry West is anywhere from 8-15th best player, all time. Has Kobe already cemented himself as the superior player, or does he need to win in the Finals? Or perhaps regardless of what happens in the rest of these playoffs, he still lags behind Mr. Clutch? For comparison, here are some stats courtesy of basketball-reference.com: Code: [SIZE=2][i][b]Per Game[/b][/i] [B]Rk Player From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS[/B] 1 Kobe Bryant 1997 2008 866 718 36.5 8.6 19.0 .453 1.3 3.7 .340 6.5 7.7 .839 1.2 4.1 5.3 4.6 1.5 0.6 2.9 2.7 25.0 2 Jerry West 1961 1974 932 39.2 9.7 20.4 .474 7.7 9.4 .814 1.0 2.8 5.8 6.7 2.6 0.7 2.6 27.0 [i][b]Per 36 Minutes[/b][/i] [B]Rk Player From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS[/B] 1 Kobe Bryant 1997 2008 866 718 31572 8.5 18.8 .453 1.2 3.6 .340 6.4 7.6 .839 1.2 4.0 5.2 4.6 1.5 0.6 2.9 2.7 24.7 2 Jerry West 1961 1974 932 36571 8.9 18.7 .474 7.0 8.7 .814 1.1 3.2 5.3 6.1 3.0 0.9 2.4 24.8 [i][b]Advanced[/b][/i] [B]Rk Player From To G MP PER TS% eFG% ORB% DRB% TRB% AST% STL% BLK% TOV% Usg% ORtg DRtg OWS DWS WS LS WSAA[/B] 1 Kobe Bryant 1997 2008 866 31572 23.6 .557 .486 3.8 12.6 8.2 23.6 2.2 1.2 11.6 31.1 112 105 263.5 104.5 370 113 128.5 2 Jerry West 1961 1974 932 36571 22.9 .550 .474 3.0 7.8 5.1 27.1 3.6 1.1 95 [/SIZE] Keep in mind that back in the 60s/70s, there were far more possessions per game than now, so some of West's stats are inflated. According to PER, Kobe's numbers rate slightly higher for his career.
It is almost impossible to compare players from totally different eras. It's like asking whether Babe Ruth or Barry Bonds is better. From a purely statistical point of view, it is interesting that you emphasize "if Kobe retires now." The fact that Kobe is still in his prime means that his stats will likely drop in the future. So, West will likely come out better career-wise.
I didn't look at it that way, but that's an interesting point. I think when people rate a player's career or try to assess how great they were, they look at a number of things including per-game (or per-minute) stats. But they also look at longevity, career accomplishments, championships, etc. I think Kobe's personal career stats should actually go up a bit over the next few years (remember he didn't put up big numbers his first couple years in the league). But more than that, he's got a good shot at getting some more MVPs and championships. I'd be surprised if, when all is said and done, he's not considered top 6 or 7 all time.
kobe's totals will be off the charts when he retires, then lebron will retire and his will be even more ridiculous
Jerry West hasn't been as succesful as Kobe Bryant, but how could he be? He spent his prime years in a league with Bill Russell hoarding all the championships and MVPs and Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson taking whatever Russell left. I think statistically, West was better even with the inflated numbers because of the team situation; playing with a high-volume shooter in Elgin Baylor, and because of the statistical situation; some either didn't exist, like blocks and steals,or they were harder to come by, like assists and free throw attempts. His PER would be higher if their situations were equal, even still, his shooting percentage was always higher than the league average while Kobe's is usually right around it or lower IIRC. Statistically, all Kobe did better was rebound, but he also has 4 or so inches on him. Who's better/greater? It depends, if you can justify West trailing Kobe in awards and championships, I think you have to say he's greater, but if you like Kobe's MVP and 2 or more championship lead, you have to say he's greater.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-GreatestSGs Greatest shooting guards of all time 1. Jordan 2. Bryant 3. West 4. Gervin 5. Iverson 6. Drexler 7. Miller 8. Maravich 9. Monroe 10. Dumars
Lebron's will, but I think Kobe's will keep going lower because he's going to play the rest of his years with 3 other good to great offensive players; all three are capable of scoring 15+ points a game, one of them could get 20 a game, two of those are capable ball handlers and passers. Don't see where he's going to get his stats.
I enjoyed looking at a statistical comparison between West and Kobe, but as I never saw West play, I'll refrain from saying who was better.
don't argue with him. he knows everything about basketball and his opinion is the only truth. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=148987
Man, what is this Kobe's **** sucking orgy about? Clutch should clean up the bbs..... It annoys people to no end.... I come here to check if there is news on Rockets and my other favourate teams but then I ended up seeing half page dedicated to a whinning rapist. WTF.
maybe because kobe is everything that tmac can't be. hes tough, got a killer instinct, and he WINS in the playoffs. hate the jersey, don't hate the player.
nope. i'm a rockets fan first, nba fan second. kobe happens to be the best perimeter player in the game. as for my comments, well... it's true.
