Spring Break
Is Kobe Better Than Jordan?
John Frascella
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Sports
As I watched Kobe Bryant torch a formidable Mavericks' defense for 52 points Sunday, I said to a friend, "I haven't seen anyone control a game like this since Michael Jordan in his prime."
Bryant is undoubtedly the best all-around player in the NBA right now, and with his Lakers tied for the top spot in the Western Conference, he's the frontrunner for league MVP.
When Bryant toys with the opposition, not only does he have his man on a string, but also the rest of the defenders. He handles a double-team better than anyone - he can shoot over the top, dribble right through it, split it with strength or find open teammates on the wing or in the paint.
I can go on for days about Bryant's talents, but the question is, is he as good as Jordan?
Is he better?
I can't go all the way out on a limb and say that Bryant is definitively better. A statement that absolute would be illogical and unreasonable. However, I can't dismiss the possibility that Bryant is the superior player. If someone said to me, "Kobe is the greatest player of all time," I couldn't say they were wrong with conviction.
Let's go to the facts: Jordan won six NBA Championships in his 15-year career; Bryant has three rings in 12 seasons.
The way Bryant and the new-look "Showtime" Lakers are playing right now, I wouldn't say it's impossible for him to keep pace with Jordan by winning three consecutive NBA titles. But of course, it's a long shot. Here, the advantage is to Jordan.
Jordan was a five-time league MVP; Bryant has yet to win one. Since he's only 29 and his supporting cast has returned to legitimacy, I could see Bryant winning three or four MVPs before his career is over. But it won't be enough - again, advantage Jordan.
To Bryant's credit, he was the youngest player to reach 20,000 career points and was also the youngest to reach 10,000 points (until LeBron James surpassed him last week). He's equal to or ahead of Jordan's pace for career All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections.
Bryant is undoubtedly the best all-around player in the NBA right now, and with his Lakers tied for the top spot in the Western Conference, he's the frontrunner for league MVP.
When Bryant toys with the opposition, not only does he have his man on a string, but also the rest of the defenders. He handles a double-team better than anyone - he can shoot over the top, dribble right through it, split it with strength or find open teammates on the wing or in the paint.
I can go on for days about Bryant's talents, but the question is, is he as good as Jordan?
Is he better?
I can't go all the way out on a limb and say that Bryant is definitively better. A statement that absolute would be illogical and unreasonable. However, I can't dismiss the possibility that Bryant is the superior player. If someone said to me, "Kobe is the greatest player of all time," I couldn't say they were wrong with conviction.
Let's go to the facts: Jordan won six NBA Championships in his 15-year career; Bryant has three rings in 12 seasons.
The way Bryant and the new-look "Showtime" Lakers are playing right now, I wouldn't say it's impossible for him to keep pace with Jordan by winning three consecutive NBA titles. But of course, it's a long shot. Here, the advantage is to Jordan.
Jordan was a five-time league MVP; Bryant has yet to win one. Since he's only 29 and his supporting cast has returned to legitimacy, I could see Bryant winning three or four MVPs before his career is over. But it won't be enough - again, advantage Jordan.
To Bryant's credit, he was the youngest player to reach 20,000 career points and was also the youngest to reach 10,000 points (until LeBron James surpassed him last week). He's equal to or ahead of Jordan's pace for career All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 24
Moe
posted 3/05/08 @ 1:40 PM EST
While I have no doubt in my mind that Kobe Bryant is an amazing player, I do not feel that he can be considered the Greatest Basketball player of all time. (Continued…)
wins
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:11 PM EST
In terms of skills I think Kobe is better but you will never be able to compare Kobe to Jordan because without Jordan there is no Kobe. Jordan invented moves which Kobe copied and perfected. (Continued…)
dylan
posted 5/29/08 @ 1:29 AM EST
dude, kobe is the best right now but u just cant compare them because of their ages, kobe is playing against better compotition than jordan ever did because of all the athleticim and height in the nba right now. (Continued…)
Eric
posted 6/02/08 @ 1:47 PM EST
Dude,
Where do you get off saying Kobe was stronger? Please!! Aks Grant Hill about that one, that was one of the things that he said truly surprised him was how strong Jordan was. (Continued…)
mike
posted 6/18/08 @ 9:30 PM EST
kobe bryant is the best player in the world right now. kobe does all the work to carry his team to finals and he doesnt get help. who does he have that can be compared to pippen. (Continued…)
the k man
posted 6/21/08 @ 12:25 AM EST
um no Kobe sucks my left nut. Jordan is the best player ever and nobody can change that. and mike, he has Paul Gasol dumb shit.
ARCHIE
posted 9/06/08 @ 3:26 AM EST
JORDAN is the BEST PLAYER of all time.. No one can ever be like him...> he is THE ONLY 1..........
u me y
posted 5/11/09 @ 9:42 PM EST
Jordan is a trash and also kobe shots more 3 points shot than Jordan ever did don't forget that lebron is also a piece of [expletive removed by administrator] dont ever forget that in your life
Tree
posted 6/08/09 @ 6:14 PM EST
Oscar Robinson is the best player of all time. Nobody else even compares. Not even Jordan. Oscar Robinson averaged a triple double for a whole season. (Continued…)
Matt
posted 6/15/09 @ 2:47 PM EST
Kobe is not better than Jordan.
Besides what Jordan did on the court, 6 rings, 6 Final MVPs.
Look off the court, GLOBAL ICON. Erased the color in advertising. (Continued…)
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