I’m glad I found this. This is perfect for my MJ vs Kobe debate.
I am KOBE > MICHAEL JORDAN. It was a close bout but I have to give it up for KB 8/24. Despite his current stats compared to MJ’s stats, Kobe Bryant is continually defying the odds which shows me that he is the greatest player of all time.
Now, before I continue, a lot of you “MJ fans” were not even old enough to remember his greatness. I barely remember how well he played. But after carefully watching notable games & games that don’t really get mentioned, I believe that MJ was once the greatest player to ever touch a basketball.
It’s often mentioned that Kobe “copies” Michael. Sure, but is it wrong to go with a recipe that got Michael 6 rings? Kobe currently has 5 rings, 3 of those rings are usually disregarded because that was a part of the Shaq-era in which fans believe that he did not win them himself (which I find stupid btw). If I’m not mistaken, MJ couldn’t have done it without his teammates either. So that should end that discussion.
MJ was great, no doubt, but if you take into account the talent that was in the NBA during his reign, not every team was talented as the NBA is now. Since the post-Shaq era, Kobe has dominated as an individual. His aura speaks to other teams, they know the man is dangerous. Both MJ & Kobe were dangerous.
The style of play back when MJ started out in the NBA was a hell of a lot different than it is now. But take this into account, it’s often said that the NBA now has changed into a less physical sport which usually insinuates that MJ was a better player in a more physical style of play. To an extent, I see your point. However, you’ve got Kobe Bryant who has not only adapted to this new style of play but has made those rules into his own whereas MJ was in a league that was the same since he’s been in the league.
Rings speak volumes. Kobe has 5 and Michael has 6. 1 less ring truly does make a difference. Towards the end of the MJ/Bulls-era in 1998, Michael knew that he was nearing the end of his NBA career. Kobe is still in the race for another ring and possibly more. You can’t really count somebody out when they are still playing hard every night.
Resume wars between the two. MJ had his flu game. Kobe had his arthritic finger. MJ’s 63 pts against one of the greatest teams (the Boston Celtics-Bryd era). Kobe’s 81 pt game. There are plenty of things to note about the two but when you take a look at the two, they both reek greatness. I mean c’mon, playing with a torn ligament in a shooting hand? That’s just ridiculous.
The last bit of fact that I wanted to throw out at you is Kobe’s 16 years in the league so far. Michael’s retired 3 times in his pro basketball career: one retirement for his father. two for being too good (haha). three for being too old. Kobe hasn’t had to do that. It’s arguable that despite the retirements, MJ came in and picked up his god-like skills and started playing again. But in my opinion, Kobe’s been the more consistent god-like player. Must I bring up the wrist/finger/knees again?
Do not get this message wrong, Michael Jordan was the greatest of all time. He was a great player for his time. But like every great, there will be somebody that comes up and potentially takes your spot. For Michael, that is Kobe. Kobe’s got some life in him left. If Kobe retires without winning a 6th, 7th, or 8th ring, I still believe that he is the better player; based on facts in both player’s careers.
(Source: artyfresco, via jsg10)
