You realize length against MJ is not going to matter as much as is against Kobe. First of all, it is not like they are same player with same strengths. Again, I keep harping on this point that MJ was probably one of the best athletes (pure physical ability) ever, sort of in way like Jim Brown, Jim Thorpe, or even Lebron James. He was a speed demon who could jump really high, while he had raw strength (there have been post plays where he was easily back down and at times over powering Charles Oakley). Really, the only way you would have a chance against guy, like that is great speed and agility (and tenacity, like Vernon Maxwell or Joe Dumars) or just simply rough him up (Knicks and Pistons) with hard fouls, aggressive defense, handchecking, and stick to him like glue. For one thing, if a defender is not fast enough (or strong enough in the post), no way he can keep up with MJ at almost any point in his career, except in his 2nd comeback. MJ at any period of time, was a simply a better player off the ball, much faster (sort of like Dwayne Wade or Rajon Rondo, but better and both players are shorter than MJ), better leaper, at catching and shooting (especially off the pick and roll), much more capable of beating defenders off the dribble (esp. younger days), much more aggressive at attacking the basket, and cold efficiency (he picked teams a part better, did not settle for jump shots like Kobe). People (younger fans) have often made the argument that MJ never played against the Celtics or the Pistons, yet you have both LeBron James and Dwayne Wade (both similar to MJ in some regards) who have at times ripped both teams to shreds. In fact, in this playoffs, Wade averaged 33 ppg on nearly 56% shooting against the same Celtics (with much lesser cast than Kobe). The Celtics had a very good defense, but they aren't doing anything exotic and are not necessarily shutting everyone down. This is a list of players who Kobe played against in playoffs Ray Allen (6,5 - 205), Paul Pierce (6,6 - 230) Jared Dudley (6,7 - 225), Grant Hill (6,8 - 225) Mickael Pietrus (6,6 - 215) - Orlando Magic Dahntay Jones (6,6 - 210) - Denver Nuggets Shane Battier (6,8 - 220), Ron Artest (6,6 - 240) - Houston Rockets Wesley Matthews (6,5 - 220) and even Kyle Korver - Utah Jazz Ronnie Brewer (6,7 - 220) - Utah Jazz Raja Bell (6,5-205), Shawn Marion (6,7 - 220) Bruce Bowen (6,7 - 200), (6,6 - 210) Tayshaun Prince (6,9 - 215) Trenton Hassell (6,7 - 200) Doug Christie (6,6 - 200) Eric Snow (6,3 - 190) - As I remembered and even, one of the best defenders ever against Kobe Jason Kidd (6,4 - 205) Kerry Kittles (6,5 - 179), and Richard Jefferson (6,7 - 222) Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose (6,8-220) Again, I'm going to use what MJ did against some of those players, and even Dwyane Wade (6,4 - 210) as barometer. In the Wade argument, he is tearing most of those guys apart career wise, even the best defenders of that group, like Bell, Battier, the Boston duo, and Bowen. He's done fairly well against Artest and Brewer. There's not really one player out there I could say (especially on that) is a Wade stopper. Yet, Wade is built in height, like say player from 80s or 90s. Kind of short in stature for a modern shooting guard, but has blazing speed and outstanding athleticism. Besides, I really do not see alot of guys on that list who would give MJ alot of trouble. Also to top things off a some of those guys are barely average, defensive players. (extra) Height does not necessarily make a good defensive player, a player like Vernon Maxwell probably could do a better job against Wade than most of those guys. Now let's compare some more, what things are Wade better at than MJ in his prime (84-93). While, I also have to ask if these players are having such hard time with Wade, will it be any easier with #23 (briefly #45 and #12 for one night). Also for 01-02, one should even look at how MJ did against the top 10 defenses and teams over .500 vs. how Kobe in that same season did against the top 10 defenses and teams over .500. Pretty revealing stats. Even in his worst season ever in 02-03, look at how MJ performed against some better defenses or teams. Remember, he was on his last leg at this point. Again, if he is fairing this well against the likes of Pierce, T-Mac, Artest, Bowen, or some of the same defenders Kobe has faced. Also, remember who number 23 faced in practice.
I'm a Laker fan and I think Jordan is overall superior. Maybe not to the extent that a Laker/Kobe hater thinks, but just the same. That said, there are a lot of observers who evidently feel so threatened by the conversation that they break their necks downgrading a player with the credentials that Kobe has to a ASININE extent. It's amusing, really. A lot of the same people are the biggest spewers of Bron hyperbole, a flawed player whose teams have choked in the real season. Hypocrites.
If MJ were playing today, he would serve as a representative backdrop to help fans estimate where Kobe and Bron stand by comparison. I think it would clear up a lot of BS. Kobe, imo, would get a fairer shake and would probably get less grief from critics, looking like a closer approximation to Jordan than Bron would. As it is now, Kobe's judged against himself and Bron is considered the 2nd coming without having won jack shh.
The guy that got swept yearly? He didn't win until Kobe came into his own and Phil took over for Rambis. Period. Hindsight is 20/20. You're probably too young to remember how Shaq and the young idiot Lakers got absolutely raked over the coals in the media from 97 to 99.
Talent wise, Bulls & Lakers both had good supporting cast surrounding Jordan n Kobe. So cant compare there. Individual talent wise, hands down Jordan is way better all around player. He did everything PTS, rebounds, steals, assist, blocks. Jordan imo was also more athletic than Kobe. Kobes offense is almost good as Jordans but overall talent wise, he is slightly below Jordan.
Disagree. Since it's easier to win with a dominant big man, Kobe has had superior supporting casts (Shaq/Gasol). I think you're contradicting yourself.
Heres how you know MJs the best.. Is Kobe better than Dream? Is MJ better than Dream? In a obvious Dream loving forum Kobe stands no chance to Dream, compared to MJ. Atm Kobe is the 10th best player of all time....Hell never eclipse MJ because hes declining in skills and just about all of his stats are lower than MJs. Kobe 2 MVPS of Finals compared too=MJs 6.
With the addition of Toni Kukoc, the best European player at the time. Jordan did not have Kukoc for the first 3 titles. Kobe's championship teams have been good enough that he either wasn't the first option (Shaq) or he could play poorly and the Lakers would still have a decent chance to win (09/10). Look at game 7 of the finals. Kobe played like garbage and his team still came through. You can even look at last year's finals. Gasol shot 60% from the field, and he was creating a lot of his own shots. Do you realize how efficient 60% is?
LOL at people saying Kobe is as good as MJ. Defensively? Not close. If MJ had the hand check rule he would have averaged 40
