Kobe responds to Jordan's comment about him being a Top 10 All time Guard

[ashbelly]

LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant(notes) is pursuing his sixth NBA championship, a benchmark that would match Michael Jordan’s career total and immediately launch a debate about how the Los Angeles Lakers star measures up to the league’s greatest player ever.

Jordan, however, doesn’t sound quite ready to allow Bryant to stand toe to toe with him.

“He is always going to be within the conversations of some of the greatest players who’ve played, by the time he is finished,” Jordan recently told USA Today about Bryant. “Where does he rank among those, if you are talking about positions? If you are talking about guards, I would say he has got to be in the top 10.”
Not top five. And certainly not top two.

Top 10.

Bryant didn’t take Jordan’s comments as an insult.

“It’s an accurate statement,” Bryant said. “I’m definitely one of the top 10 guards. It could mean two, it could mean one, it could mean four or five. I’m definitely one of the top thousand. Look, I know how he feels about me.

“There have been a lot of great guards to play the game. For me to sit here and say, ‘He should have said top five,’ that’s disrespectful to the other guards that I’ve watched.”

When asked whether Jordan’s words were motivating, Bryant said: “That stuff doesn’t get to me. You can’t motivate me or take me to a place that I’m not already at.”

So where does Bryant think he ranks amongst the NBA’s best?

“I can’t put myself in that position – I really can’t,” Bryant said.

Bryant, however, is comfortable revealing how he hopes to be remembered after his career is over. He entered the NBA in 1996 as a No. 13 pick. At that time, only former Lakers general manager Jerry West had visions of Bryant becoming a superstar.

“I’ve always been comfortable as a kid growing up to think that when my career is over, I want them to think of me as an overachiever despite the talent that I have,” Bryant said. “To think of me as a person that’s overachieved, that would mean a lot to me. That means I put a lot of work in and squeezed every ounce of juice out of this orange that I could.

“Hopefully, they perceive me as person who did whatever he had to do to win above all else. Above anything. Above stats. … If they say that about me I’ll be happy.”

Bryant claims he isn’t motivated by trying to match Jordan, but he does respect the elite company he would join by winning his sixth championship. Only 13 NBA players have more than five NBA titles. No Laker has ever won more than five titles with the franchise.

“I don’t look at it as motivation,” said Bryant, who hasn’t talked to Jordan since the Lakers played at Charlotte last season. “I’ve never given it thought that I wanted to get six to catch Michael. His six and my six are different. That’s not to say that his were more challenging than mine because I had to play a different role and do something out of character my first three. They’re just different.

“It steps into a territory that only a select few have ever been to. I understand. That’s what special to me, that I’m this fortunate to have this opportunity. So, let’s try to make the most of it.”

Most of the offseason attention has been on the Miami Heat adding LeBron James(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) to play with Dwyane Wade(notes). But the Lakers also could be better after signing Steve Blake(notes), Matt Barnes(notes) and Theo Ratliff(notes).

“The excitement is warranted,” Bryant said. “Obviously, the trophy remains with us. [Other teams] have made steps in the right direction to try to take it from us. That’s what makes it exciting. The hype is warranted. But for us, it’s business as usual.”

The Lakers’ biggest concerns center on the health of Bryant and center Andrew Bynum(notes), who both had knee surgery. Bynum isn’t expected to be back until the end of November, at the earliest. Bryant struggled in his first four preseason games, averaging 10 points on just 22 percent shooting, before scoring 19 points in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz.

“I’m pleased with my development,” Bryant said. “I feel like I’m getting better every day.”

For now, Bryant isn’t worried about the Heat. Or Jordan. He’s just hungry to chase another championship.

“For me, the special comes in the challenge of it,” he said. “That’s why last year was so special for me because we were like down and out. I remember doing a press conference when we were down 3-2 [in the NBA Finals] and everyone was saying nail-in-the-coffin stuff. That’s what makes it special for me.”


http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1002/rare.photos.of.kobe.bryant/images/kobe-mj.jpg

[DPittman]

Is that Antoine walker?

[RajonKGcelts]

Toine is obviously the best player in that picture, hopefully he rubbed off on Jordan and Kobe:D

[Turkododo]

Is that Antoine walker?

yeah man, who do you think was his gambling mentor and buddy? it was Michael Jordan himself.

[PurpleChuck]

Kobe shows respect. Props to him.

[G-Funk]

I want them to think of me as an overachiever despite the talent that I have,

[Indian guy]

Kobe shows respect. Props to him.

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.

[ashbelly]

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.


:rockon: :rockon:

[Kurosawa0]

How was Jordan being disrespectful in the first place?

[guy]

Jordan is usually PC about himself as well, so I don't think Jordan meant this to diminish Kobe. In interviews, and I don't mean youtube clips, I've never heard Jordan say he was a greater guard then Oscar, West, Magic, or even Kobe.

[juju151111]

Kobe admits basically his first 3 chips wasn't has good has Mj fist 3 because he was second fiddle. Even Kobe isn't a dumbass like his followers

[ashbelly]

[QUOTE=juju151111]Kobe admits basically his first 3 chips wasn't has good has Mj fist 3 because he was second fiddle. Even Kobe isn't a dumbass like his followers

[Ne 1]

Kobe admits basically his first 3 chips wasn't has good has Mj fist 3 because he was second fiddle

The first 3 chips he was 1a/1b.

[ashbelly]

The first 3 chips he was 1a/1b.

He was second fiddle, as he agrees to it on the interview.. just pointing out what he said. don't be mad at me.

[G-Funk]

He was second fiddle, as he agrees to it on the interview.. just pointing out what he said. don't be mad at me.


Nothing wrong with that, Wade is Lebrons 2nd fiddle

[Ne 1]

He was second fiddle, as he agrees to it on the interview.. just pointing out what he said. don't be mad at me.

I don't know what your getting at here...:confusedshrug:

During the Lakers 3-peat Kobe was 'Magic' to Shaq's 'Kareem', what's there to be mad about?

[ashbelly]

Nothing wrong with that, Wade is Lebrons 2nd fiddle

we are yet to see that..

[Kellogs4toniee]

Props to Kobe on his response. Many could have took Jordan's quote as him disrespecting Kobe, because let's face it, 100% of those who understand and watch Basketball know that Kobe is easily a top five guard of all time; arguably top two/three.

Clearly Kobe understands what Jordan's real opinion of his is. So instead of rebuttling or anything of that sort, he he spun it around and to me (A big Jordan fan), gave respect where its due to Jordan.

Mad respect to Kobe's response from a Jordan fanatic.

[elementally morale]

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.

Questions.

1) Do you think in people (personalities) changing / evolving over time?
2) Are you sure you know one's thoughts better than said person himself?

As for me, I have to answer with a definitive NO to the second question and with a YES to the first. Thus, I have no idea as to what Kobe REALLY thinks but I find it possible that he is more humble than he was (say) 5 or 10 years ago. After all, it happens to most of us. We tend to think and (especially) say weird things about ourselves and our abilities. Later on, most of us realize we are not as perfect as we once thought (and we will not reach every goal we once set).

All in all, I'm not sure you really do know what Kobe thinks today. And I don't know any better than you do, sure.

[elementally morale]

The first 3 chips he was 1a/1b.

For the first one he was nowhere near 1b. He was clearly 2.

[guy]

[QUOTE=juju151111]Kobe admits basically his first 3 chips wasn't has good has Mj fist 3 because he was second fiddle. Even Kobe isn't a dumbass like his followers

[ZOMG]

I want them to think of me as an overachiever despite the talent that I have,” Bryant said. “To think of me as a person that’s overachieved, that would mean a lot to me. That means I put a lot of work in and squeezed every ounce of juice out of this orange that I could.

:applause: I believe this is true, dude was never the most atheletic player on the court.

Poor Kobe. He could never run or jump but he made the most of what he had, through sheer willpower and hard work... right?

:lol

Let's cut the crap. Kobe Bryant is supremely talented athletically. This is a fact.

[elementally morale]

And by the way, anybody that thinks he doesn't look at matching Jordan, surpassing Magic, or beating the Heat as extra motivation is delusional.


I agree with this. But there is nothing wrong with that, as a pro athlete he should be doing exactly that. Trying to achieve something is different from thinking you already have.

[Allstar24]

MJ is on Kobe's side 99% of the time...he said Kobe is the best player in the league since he left. Kobe knows what MJ really thinks of him better than we or the media do...which is why he was not offended at all.

[guy]

I agree with this. But there is nothing wrong with that, as a pro athlete he should be doing exactly that. Trying to achieve something is different from thinking you already have.

Of course there's nothing wrong with that. Its a big reason he is as great as he is.

[ZeN]

I believe that KB is top two SG of all time. Thats just my personal opinion.

But for MJ to say that KB's not top 5 is a bit of a stretch considering all that he has done at that position.. the ability shown and the accomplishments gained.

Saying hes merely Top 10 is just a feeble attempt at making Bryant seem like a lesser player than he been.

[Heilige]

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.


What is he truly thinking in reality? :confusedshrug:

[Pointguard]

Jordan isn't a great assessor of talent, nor is he one to look at to evaluate who might be the best in the game. I have MJ as GOAT but he is acting a little weird as of late. Perhaps he hearing footsteps... Kobe on one hand and Lebron on the other? If Kobe surpasses his championship total and Lebron looks like a mixture of he and Magic you know he's questioning his legacy. While we may think its safe he's a bit of a maniac. I wouldn't put it pass him to tackle Lebron on the court if he thought it would secure his ppg title.

They all are competitive in this regards. If Kobe is a threat best that Jordan create an image that the threat isn't real, or being romanticized by people not in the know. Kobe has to be himself and not take anything Jordan says to heart. Lebron has the headstart in that regards. He knows that a distant Jordan is the best Jordan. The second you look up to Jordan he will try to keep you looking up.

[KenneBell]

:oldlol:

Sometimes I think the old guys do it on purpose. I had this feeling when Jerry West said LeBron was better than Kobe. They know the quotes will get to Kobe somewhere down the line. He'll play it off and act like he doesn't care but in reality, its probably getting to him.

[chazzy]

How was Jordan being disrespectful in the first place?

Not disrespectful necessarily, but it's like saying "Jordan's a great player, a top 10 player of all time." Factually true, but he's widely considered to be at the top of the list so it's kind of selling him short. I laughed when I heard the MJ quote because that's exactly what Bruce Blitz says to give Kobe some credit :oldlol:

[Ne 1]

Not disrespectful necessarily, but it's like saying "Jordan's a great player, a top 10 player of all time." Factually true, but he's widely considered to be at the top of the list so it's kind of selling him short. I laughed when I heard the MJ quote because that's exactly what Bruce Blitz says to give Kobe some credit :oldlol:

:oldlol: So true.

I remember Bruce Blitz said ''I don't hate Kobe, I have said myself he is a top 10 perimeter player of all-time.''

It's pretty much a backhanded compliment.

[elementally morale]

I believe that KB is top two SG of all time. Thats just my personal opinion.

But for MJ to say that KB's not top 5 is a bit of a stretch considering all that he has done at that position.. the ability shown and the accomplishments gained.

Saying hes merely Top 10 is just a feeble attempt at making Bryant seem like a lesser player than he been.


What if MJ didn't give it that much thought to begin with? I mean he is being asked the same questions 365/24/7. He might have just said something and moved on. It's like:

- What do you think of Kobe?
- Well, he is pretty good.
- Thanks for the interview.

[FindingTim]

I am impressed by Kobe's evolving humbleness. I think Phil's got him smoking some high quality sativa.

..and Kobe must feel like a stud knowing that he is significant enough to get attention from the GOAT...

[KenneBell]

I am impressed by Kobe's evolving humbleness. I think Phil's got him smoking some high quality sativa.
Kobe isn't humble. That's being PC. :oldlol:


..and Kobe must feel like a stud knowing that he is significant enough to get attention from the GOAT...
I doubt it. Now if he gets 7 championships...

[G-Funk]

Kobe isn't humble. That's being PC. :oldlol:


I doubt it. Now if he gets 7 championships...


Don't say that, 7 is reachable.

[ashbelly]

Don't say that, 7 is reachable.



:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: For some reason this comment made me lol

[KB2009Champ]

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.


Name ONE subtle shot kobe has taken at jordan. The haters can't keep it straight. Its either kobe is slurping on MJ too much or kobe is taking shots at MJ. Which is it cause it can't be both. Pick one and stick to it?

smdh

[dajadeed]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: For some reason this comment made me lol

Kobe reaching 7 titles has you laughing like that? I be you were one of the dumbasses saying Kobe would never win without Shaq either, right? :oldlol:

[Willkill24]

WE DA BESS

[macpierce]

the lakers window of winning is at least another 2 years minimum

[ashbelly]

Kobe reaching 7 titles has you laughing like that? I be you were one of the dumbasses saying Kobe would never win without Shaq either, right? :oldlol:


Nah, i was the dumbass that was saying Kobe will never win without michael jordan's former coach. :oldlol:

[Allstar24]

Not disrespectful necessarily, but it's like saying "Jordan's a great player, a top 10 player of all time." Factually true, but he's widely considered to be at the top of the list so it's kind of selling him short. I laughed when I heard the MJ quote because that's exactly what Bruce Blitz says to give Kobe some credit :oldlol:
Now that I think about it, that's true. At least Kobe took the high road with his response.

[ashbelly]

WE DA BESS



:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[ukplayer4]

good response from kobe.

[TryToBeUnbias]

Dont really see anything wrong with the way he answered what else was he supposed to say :confusedshrug:

[Indian guy]

Name ONE subtle shot kobe has taken at jordan.

Kobe's often taken shots at the defense in MJ's era and how it's a lot tougher today. Either last year or the year before he also mentioned how MJ had Pippen to take the load off him while he doesn't. He once even got all cross when asked about the similarities between MJ's game and his. He reduced MJ's game down to "FT line and down" while saying he, Kobe, played a more versatile game. This was 4-5 years ago on TNT's Inside the NBA, IIRC.

There's no doubt in my mind Kobe considers himself a superior player to MJ and you can bet MJ's recent "Top 10" comment ticked him off. And I have no problem with either. But people need to realize his response to it is nothing more than PC bullsh!t. Only a fool would deny Kobe's obsession to overtake MJ and we all know how highly he thinks of himself(as he should). So nobody's buying what he's saying.

[Solid Snake]

How was Jordan being disrespectful in the first place?


oh come on top 10 guards? name me 8-9 guards that were better than him. I bet you name 3, and can't continue, because there aren't.

Jordan should've said top 10 players period.


It's so far fetched and removed from reality that it makes Jordan sound like he's purposely throwing a subtle two-faced jab Kobe's way. Similar to how when you were a little kid, and remember how when another kid (maybe younger than you), would try to "show off" or feel good about something, and you know inside it's "valid," but you can't LET HIM KNOW, no way, you CANNOT let that kid know that the thing he's "showing off" about is "getting to you," so you shrug it off.

Imagine how ridiculous I would sound if I said, "Oh Shaq is definitely a great player, he's a top 10 center of all time." NO ****ING SHIT, what I should've said is Shaq is a top player PERIOD, regardless of position.

Or how about if I said "Lebron definitely shows potential to be a top 100 player by the time his career is over." Again, no shit. He's ALREADY there. Now I'm not going to derail this to a Lebron debate by actually throwing out a number, but I think it's safe to assume my analogy is validated when use the "top 100" example for Lebron. It's like the parameters I'm setting and the boundaries I'm casting in the example is so unnecessarily overstretched that it sounds like I'm trying to downplay him (e.g. JUST LIKE JORDAN DID WITH KOBE). To further my example, by me saying, "Lebron is a top 500 player of all time," makes me look like a hater and just a plain idiot. Me saying, "Lebron is a top 50 player all time" makes me look like I gave the matter some thought, because whether the actual number was right or not, AT LEAST it's debatable.

Kobe being a top 10 guard sounds moronic, and is not debatable.

[heyhey]

Kobe's often taken shots at the defense in MJ's era and how it's a lot tougher today. Either last year or the year before he also mentioned how MJ had Pippen to take the load off him while he doesn't. He once even got all cross when asked about the similarities between MJ's game and his. He reduced MJ's game down to "FT line and down" while saying he, Kobe, played a more versatile game. This was 4-5 years ago on Inside on the NBA, IIRC.

There's no doubt in my mind Kobe considers himself a superior player to MJ and you can bet MJ's recent "Top 10" comment ticked him off. And I have no problem with either. But people need to realize his response to it is nothing more than PC bullsh!t. Only a fool would deny Kobe's obsession to overtake MJ and we all know how highly he thinks of himself(as he should). So nobody's buying what he's saying.

So what? why shouldn't Kobe want to retake MJ? isn't it the American dream to want to overcome history and become the best. our society become so cynical that we chastise players who want to be great and laud them for being meek and submissive, to be pc so to speak. So don't blame Kobe when he gives these canned answers. blame yourselves and the media because the backlash he would received if he said he was offended would be incredulous.

[AirTupac]

Wow. You'd think that people would respect this answer but i guess you can't please everyone.

[Ne 1]

oh come on top 10 guards? name me 8-9 guards that were better than him. I bet you name 3, and can't continue, because there aren't.

Jordan should've said top 10 players period.

Seriously.

Excluding big men the only players that have a case over Kobe are Jordan, Magic and Bird in NBA history.

[raptorfan_dr07]

I believe that KB is top two SG of all time. Thats just my personal opinion.

But for MJ to say that KB's not top 5 is a bit of a stretch considering all that he has done at that position.. the ability shown and the accomplishments gained.

Saying hes merely Top 10 is just a feeble attempt at making Bryant seem like a lesser player than he been.

Some people just don't think as highly of him as his moron fans do(I'm not including you in this group).

We're sick of them overrating and overblowing every single thing he does and trying to place him on a level he has not reached. It's funny how they try and spin it on "Jordan fans", when I, and many others readily accept that guys like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have legit cases for GOAT. What we don't like is that a player who has not reached that level of greatness(Kobe), is constantly shoved down our throats as being on par with those legends. It also doesn't help that throughout his entire career, he's come across as a bad teammate and an arrogant piece of sh*t with a false sense of entitlement. I've seen people here try and knock Wilt down a few notches for being a bad teammate and a$$hole, so why can't we do the same for Kobe? And yes, I know Jordan was an a$$hole, thing is, he backed it up with his play. His career speaks for itself. Kobe has twice the attitude, and half the game.

[chazzy]

Some people just don't think as highly of him as his moron fans do(I'm not including you in this group).

We're sick of them overrating and overblowing every single thing he does and trying to place him on a level he has not reached. It's funny how they try and spin it on "Jordan fans", when I, and many others readily accept that guys like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have legit cases for GOAT. What we don't like is that a player who has not reached that level of greatness(Kobe), is constantly shoved down our throats as being on par with those legends. It also doesn't help that throughout his entire career, he's come across as a bad teammate and an arrogant piece of sh*t with a false sense of entitlement. I've seen people here try and knock Wilt down a few notches for being a bad teammate and a$$hole, so why can't we do the same for Kobe? And yes, I know Jordan was an a$$hole, thing is, he backed it up with his play. His career speaks for itself. Kobe has twice the attitude, and half the game.

How many people besides Alphawolf and his other accounts try to put Kobe in that top tier? Nearly everyone has him somewhere between 8-10, and the few people who have him multiple spots above that get laughed at (and then there's people like you who have him at 16+ or something, opposite spectrum much?) I could understand in say, 2007 or something before he accomplished much on his own, but now he has the resume to back up where he's generally rated by everyone.

[Doranku]

How many people besides Alphawolf and his other accounts try to put Kobe in that top tier? Nearly everyone has him somewhere between 8-10, and the few people who have him multiple spots above that get laughed at (and then there's people like you who have him at 16+ or something, opposite spectrum much?) I could understand in say, 2007 or something before he accomplished much on his own, but now he has the resume to back up where he's generally rated by everyone.

I'll answer your question for him: no one. He and many other Kobe haters hide behind the facade that it's "because of his fans" simply because they're embarrassed to admit that they harbor a hatred for a man they have never met, and never will meet. It's pathetic.

[BallsOut]

I'll answer your question for him: no one. He and many other Kobe haters hide behind the facade that it's "because of his fans" simply because they're embarrassed to admit that they harbor a hatred for a man they have never met, and never will meet. It's pathetic.

It really is pathetic. I don't know who hates Kobe more this raptor guy or Knoe. They both make it pretty obvious though.

[Samurai Swoosh]

Wow. You'd think that people would respect this answer but i guess you can't please everyone.
Jordan was the one being PC. And he wasn't even dissing Kobe with this comment. Top Ten Guards of all time? PG and SG? Thats a CRAZY compliment.

[SavageMode]

Kobe only has 4 rings.. the 2002 Ring went to the Sacramento Kings.

[1987_Lakers]

Kobe is a top 3 guard of all time.

[KingMichael23]

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.
When did Kobe take shots at Mike?

[KingMichael23]

I am impressed by Kobe's evolving humbleness. I think Phil's got him smoking some high quality sativa.

..and Kobe must feel like a stud knowing that he is significant enough to get attention from the GOAT...
From all of the Kobe interview's i've read and heard on TV. He's always seems to be humble. The only time he wasn't was when he got enough of Shaq's BS and called him "Fat and outta shape".

[KenneBell]

[QUOTE]

[OmniStrife]

Obvious troll is obvious...

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4098/michaeljordantroll.png

[The Magic Man]

It's funny that Kobe has to even waste time responding to these kind of questions just so fools (like some of the "never touched a ball in my life" losers here) can have something to talk about. Who gives a shit where he ranks? Just like he said, top 5, top 10, top 1000, so what. Can anybody who's ever watched a proffesional game of basketball sit here and say with a straight face that Kobe Bean Bryant isn't one of the all time greatest players in NBA, scratch that, BASKETBALL history? This is straight up bafoonery.

And then there's the idiots who can't read.

Originally Posted by juju151111
[I]Kobe admits basically his first 3 chips wasn't has good has Mj fist 3 because he was second fiddle. Even Kobe isn't a dumbass like his followers

[The Magic Man]

Kobe is a top 3 guard of all time.

MJ, Erv, Kobe. Agree?

[TryToBeUnbias]

MJ, Erv, Kobe. Agree?
id agree.

[TennesseeFan]

"WTF DID HE CALL ME? A TOP 10 ALL TIME GUARD? WHAT THE ****, HES A TOTAL BITCH."

[guy]

Is it really far-fetched that Jordan was just giving a PC answer like he always does and didn't want to offend anyone?

Think about it. The consensus thinks that both Jordan and Magic are ahead of Kobe. Then there's a good amount of people that think Oscar and West are ahead of him as well (I don't). Thats 4 guards right there. Then maybe he didn't say top 5 just in case there was someone he might've forgotten. And nobody ever really says top 6, 7, 8, or 9. Don't get me wrong, he could've been taking a shot at him as well. But I think people are looking way to into this.

[Bigsmoke]

Michael Jordan didnt mean that. He knows that Kobe is the greatest SG besides himself.

[Jasper]

I Give credit to Kobe for this :

[I]

[Da_Realist]

Maybe he's tired of being asked about Kobe every other week. :confusedshrug: It's been since 1997. Didn't he just say Kobe was the best player today or something like that? I know he just said he thinks Kobe is better than Lebron. Yet he still has to answer question after question by members of the media looking for something to talk about during the offseason. So then hacks can get there shine throwing darts at Jordan.

If he answers positively, the media will find a different way to ask the same question the very next week. Repeat until he screws up. When he finally answers dismissively, they got a story they can milk until the start of the season.

If I was Jordan I would just follow this recipe -->

MJ, what do you think of Kobe? He's one of the greatest ever. One of the best I ever saw.

What do you think of Lebron? He's one of the greatest ever. One of the best I ever saw.

MJ, MJ...Now that Shaq's career is winding down, how would you rate his career? Top 3 center of all time. Maybe the best. Hell of a player.

Who do you think is the best player, Lebron or Kobe? Inquiring minds at ISH need to know! Gee... they are both 2 of the best players ever. I couldn't choose. They are very special players.

What about all these rule changes? The game is clearly not the same as when you played. How would you compare those guys to yourself? It's hard to say. I have a ton of respect for those guys. They could compete in any era under any rules.

Repeat until I die. Throw up the middle finger to anyone that suggests that I don't ever give real opinions.

[LA KB24]

MJ, Erv, Kobe. Agree?
:cheers:

[theaussieguy]

hahaha i cannot believe there are people in here saying kobe was never much of an athlete

He might not have the pace of wade but people have to remember Kobe is 6 foot 6. For his height there is just no denying he has absolutely sick hops, pace, ballhandling and fakes. Think about it for a second. If i had a 38 inch vertical like kobe, that would allow a 5 foot 9 guy like myself to dunk. Think then just how much reign Kobe would have over the rim in his prime, when you add on the other foot and a half reach he would have over me. Well scrub that dont think about it, go and watch it. BRB doing elbow dunks, winning dunk contests, putting up such a variety of highlight reel dunks that rival the majority of all time high flyers, and still being a below average athlete in NBA terms.


Give me a break in terms of basketball, Kobe has all the weapons apart from the hands of MJ, still though, as PJ said, he has good hands which is the important thing

You cannot do some of the stuff kobe did without being a supreme athlete. I think the best thing about kobe is he is an extremely balanced bball player. He was generally considered elite at every aspect of the game at some point in his career.

[LA KB24]

Poor Kobe. He could never run or jump but he made the most of what he had, through sheer willpower and hard work... right?

:lol

Let's cut the crap. Kobe Bryant is supremely talented athletically. This is a fact.

Word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92pAVblBui0&feature=related

[knightfall88]

Yes but in this day and age everyone is an athlete and Kobe is really outdone by his rivals when you compare him to Vince, Tmac, Lebron - maybe Wade and Anthony

[jstern]

Is it really far-fetched that Jordan was just giving a PC answer like he always does and didn't want to offend anyone?

Think about it. The consensus thinks that both Jordan and Magic are ahead of Kobe. Then there's a good amount of people that think Oscar and West are ahead of him as well (I don't). Thats 4 guards right there. Then maybe he didn't say top 5 just in case there was someone he might've forgotten. And nobody ever really says top 6, 7, 8, or 9. Don't get me wrong, he could've been taking a shot at him as well. But I think people are looking way to into this.
Don't forget to add point guards.

Edit: Other PGs, since Magic was one. There are just many players, and saying top 10 is certainly not disrespectful. People forget about the past. There may never be another SG as good as Kobe, yet in 40 years they'll probably rank him lower. The same way people now rank players before their time lower. Jordan is aware of more players than current ones, so I see how younger people, Kobe fans can take offense to Jordan saying that Kobe is top 10.

[theaussieguy]

Yes but in this day and age everyone is an athlete and Kobe is really outdone by his rivals when you compare him to Vince, Tmac, Lebron - maybe Wade and Anthony

yea thats the thing though, in his prime he really isnt too far below the rung the aforementioned are on in terms of athleticism. He isn't as fast as wade, but he is a better jumper and has absolute top notch body control, that is undeniable at least.

[Maga_1]

Please do try to start again a discussion between Kobe and Jordan, it's unreal

[ashbelly]

Michael Jordan didnt mean that. He knows that Kobe is the greatest SG besides himself.


:wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

[chazzy]

:wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

Which SGs are better?

[PowerGlove]

Which SGs are better?

Clyde Iverson or maybe West Prime Mcgrady

or maybe.....


Oscar Iverwest?

[ILLsmak]

I think top 10 is a fair assessment. I personally would say top 5, but who knows...

I hate how Kobe says he was playing a role he wasn't accustomed to play on his first 3 rings. That, to me, is more infuriating than anything MJ said.

He was in THE PERFECT SITUATION. The only part that wasn't perfect is the guy who had been in the NBA for longer (Shaq) got more credit than he did, both from the press, the players, and opposing coaches.

Still, it gave him more room to work. It's not that he was hurting for shot attempts, either. I know MJ had an ego, but it's hard to imagine he would have complained if he ended up on the same team as Hakeem. Or, even Shaq.

And I think Kobe was playing just as well than as he is now. Do people really think Kobe got a lot better after Shaq left? I think what lead most people to believe he was 'the next MJ' was his play alongside Shaq...

Sad shit.

-Smak

[Samurai Swoosh]

Did no one catch this?:oldlol:
Subliminals ... nice.

:pimp:

[imdaman99]

Meh. He knows how to be PC. Kobe's taken plenty of subtle shots at MJ and his era before. We know what he's truly thinking in reality.
Meh? I guarantee after Kobe retires he won't be bored and pining for attention like Michael Jordan is. Why does he even need a job in a front office? He should realize by now how terrible he is at it :lol

Kobe while he may have not always been mature, is going in the right direction in terms of growing up. Can't say the same about Michael Jordan. He is your god, not mine.

[Samurai Swoosh]

Meh? I guarantee after Kobe retires he won't be bored and pining for attention like Michael Jordan is. Why does he even need a job in a front office? He should realize by now how terrible he is at it :lol
He hasn't been bad with the Bobcats, my dude.


Kobe while he may have not always been mature, is going in the right direction in terms of growing up. Can't say the same about Michael Jordan. He is your god, not mine.
This is true, though. Kobe is growing up, Jordan is kind of regressing. Especially after his divorce. Dude was living at the club dancing with girls old enough to be his son's girlfriend.

:facepalm

And his fashion sense quickly deteriated as well. What used to be classy with him is now ...

:(

[imdaman99]

So what? why shouldn't Kobe want to retake MJ? isn't it the American dream to want to overcome history and become the best. our society become so cynical that we chastise players who want to be great and laud them for being meek and submissive, to be pc so to speak. So don't blame Kobe when he gives these canned answers. blame yourselves and the media because the backlash he would received if he said he was offended would be incredulous.
You should realize that these guys feel that no one should even try to be better than their god. Why even try if you're not gonna succed? Just give up! Insecurity is a ***** :lol

[ILLsmak]

He hasn't been bad with the Bobcats, my dude.


This is true, though. Kobe is growing up, Jordan is kind of regressing. Especially after his divorce. Dude was living at the club dancing with girls old enough to be his son's girlfriend.

:facepalm

And his fashion sense quickly deteriated as well. What used to be classy with him is now ...

:(

Midlife crisis... hey it's cool. Why dance w/ girls that are 50 when you can get ones that are 22. He's obviously not looking for a long term relationship right now...

-Smak

[Samurai Swoosh]

This is true, though. Kobe is growing up, Jordan is kind of regressing. Especially after his divorce. Dude was living at the club dancing with girls old enough to be his son's girlfriend.

:facepalm
Doubt we will EVER see this from Bean.

http://i18.tinypic.com/6skhhmo.jpg

http://www.ninjadude.com/images/michael-jordan-drunk-dance.jpg

:oldlol:

[imdaman99]

Doubt we will EVER see this from Bean
:oldlol: not even after the inevitable Kobe-VBryant divorce? Since Kobe likes to copy all of MJ's moves, his divorce is coming too ain't it? :facepalm

[BallsOut]

:oldlol: not even after the inevitable Kobe-VBryant divorce? Since Kobe likes to copy all of MJ's moves, his divorce is coming too :rolllol:

and then after he retires hes going to make a comeback to play for the wizards

and then after he retires he'll buy the bobcats :oldlol:

[Samurai Swoosh]

:oldlol: not even after the inevitable Kobe-VBryant divorce? Since Kobe likes to copy all of MJ's moves, his divorce is coming too ain't it? :facepalm
Kobe's too big of a basketball dork to ever be seen in a club. If he ever gets a divorce from Nessa, how is he going to meet women?

LOL

[KingLeBronJames]

http://i18.tinypic.com/6skhhmo.jpg

With this pic. I can picture Mike's drunk ass cussing out Chamillionaire at his mansion party. :oldlol:

[Samurai Swoosh]

http://i18.tinypic.com/6skhhmo.jpg

With this pic. I can picture Mike's drunk ass cussing out Chamillionaire at his mansion party. :oldlol:
Me too lol ... who the hell would want to kick it with Chamillionaire anyway? Dude had like 1 hit song?

:oldlol:

[the_wise_one]

Kobe isn't one of the top 10 guards of all time.

[Darius]

It could mean two, it could mean one,

No Kobe. No it couldn't.

[branslowski]

Kobe isn't one of the top 10 guards of all time.
:facepalm

[G-Funk]

:facepalm

he's right he's top 2

[mayo'sgrizz]

probably bc hes not top 10.. hes at least top 5 GUARDS of all time