As I stated earlier, I think Duncan is still ahead of Kobe at this point. But if Kobe wins another ring or two sans Shaq? Then, I think the scales tip in Kobe's favor. The NBA is a big mans game, which just makes it more impressive when a team led by a guard wins the title.
I will agree with you... if Kobe is actually leading the team to those titles. But if he's getting bailed out on missed game-winners by Gasol and Artest and shooting 6-24 in Game 7 of the Finals, I don't think that really helps his legacy, even if his team ends up winning anyway.
I just think Kobe is the better player and thats not a knock on Wade. I just love Kobes mid range game and hes clutch. With the game on the line hes the one player I want the ball in his hands. And I think hes a much better defender than Wade as well.
there is no way you take kobe over wade this year (or last or the year before). wade is more efficient - that's bar none, no questions asked. wade gets to the line more frequently and isn't afraid of contact (despite being 29 now) - no arguments wade is also known for his clutchness - kobe has the edge here due to his reputation wade is a more willing passer and he doesn't force the issue all the time. you put wade on the lakers and they win a ring point blank (he won it with shaq during his decline). and they win it running away.
Kobe is a tougher defender Kobe is a better shooter Those two reasons are why I'd say Kobe is a better overall basketball player.
Kobe's already on the decline, Dwade is at his peak (29 years old) and will also be on the decline a couple of years from now. Prime Kobe would eat prime Dwade alive.
you can argue a prime kobe is better than a prime wade. but eat him alive? even a kobe stan would argue against that.
Wade won a ring with an old Shaq who sat on the sideline. Kobe won with star studded teams. I will never forget his performance in the ECF against the Pistons the year they won. In one game he made like seven shots in a row in the 4th.
Dwade can get hot sometimes but he has no reliable 3 pt shot. Kobe can keep up with his speed, deny his drives inside and force him to take contested 3 pointers all game long.
Why doesn't he do this when he plays then? Wade has never had any problems blowing by Kobe when they have played over the years.
Wow, you should definitely get an NBA coaching gig. You've just figured out the magical secret to stopping Wade. And it was so obvious that everyone should have been able to see it. You just stop one of the quickest and most talented players in the game from getting to the rim. All game long. Brilliant!
To those saying Kobe is the better defender, you've got to be freaking kidding me. Kobe is one of the most overrated defenders of all time. He was a very good defender when he was young. Now, he can defend some types of players well, when he's motivated to do so. There's a reason he almost never guards the other team's best perimeter player. Wade meanwhile, is guarding the best perimeter player on the other team most nights this season, and his team is dominating on the defensive end.
you make it like it's really easy. the pistons had the best defense at the time in 06 and wade killed them with the midrange J. who says you need a 3pt shot to be dominant offensively? wade has a great midrange and he can drive on you all day. wade destroyed that same pistons team that kobe can never do well against.
