Who's the better "player", Larry Bird or Kobe Bryant?

[Derivative]

If we ignore their team accomplishment, who is the better player? Larry Bird or Kobe Bryant?

[Im Still Ballin]

Bird

[AirBonner]

Bird efficiently wins this comparison.

[SuperPippen]

Bird by a sizable margin.

[bigkingsfan]

The ESPN list don't lie.

[Angel Face]

Larry, obviously.

[Harison]

The Legend.

[Nikola_]

guy who didnt lose numerous times with HCA

[Round Mound]

:rolleyes: :confusedshrug:

[LAZERUSS]

Peak ... Bird....career... Kobe.

I have Kobe at #8, Lebron at #9, and Bird at #10.

Again, those are career rankings.

I really don't have a problem with those three in any order, though.

[Deuce Bigalow]

Peak ... Bird....career... Kobe.

I have Kobe at #8, Lebron at #9, and Bird at #10.

Again, those are career rankings.

I really don't have a problem with those three in any order, though.
Wilt at #11 I assume?

[Euroleague]

Peak ... Bird....career... Kobe.

I have Kobe at #8, Lebron at #9, and Bird at #10.

Again, those are career rankings.

I really don't have a problem with those three in any order, though.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/HgI4wf3hCR58A/200.gif

[JohnMax]

Kobe is the second greatest player in NBA history.

[feyki]

Bird for sure .

[fragokota]

Bird.

[kurple]

I can't think of anything Kobe is better at

Well other than longevity.. But I don't see anyone calling Andre Miller better than Bill Walton

[ArbitraryWater]

The only ones taking Kobe are Kobe stans

[ZMonkey11]

Kobe is the second greatest player in NBA history.

You have Bird at #1? Weird.

[feyki]

You have Bird at #1? Weird.

He meant second greatest in this debate .

[ArbitraryWater]

You have Bird at #1? Weird.

:oldlol: eggsactly

[pauk]

Bird.

[Cali Syndicate]

I can't think of anything Kobe is better at

Well other than longevity.. But I don't see anyone calling Andre Miller better than Bill Walton
Dude, be real. That isn't even remotely the same.

But Kobe was a better defender for his position than bird was at his. Kobe was a better finisher at the rim too.

[Jacks3]

I can't think of anything Kobe is better at



That's because you're clueless. Bryant was the better scorer easily. Easily better defensively. A much better ball-handler and a better on ball playmaker. He was at least as good a playoff performer and he played in a era of far superior defenses. He also had a better and longer prime though birds peak was better. Gtfo with your dumbass walton/miller comparison.

[PJR]

That's because you're clueless. Bryant was the better scorer easily. Easily.

Irony.

[SuperCereal]

Bird

[Dr Hawk]

86' Bird or even 84' Bird is galaxies ahead of Kobe

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

http://i.imgur.com/D6FL9Un.gif

[SouBeachTalents]

Kobe is the second greatest player in NBA history.

Is LeBron GOAT then?
http://i66.tinypic.com/29bcwwh.jpg

[King1991nba]

Larry Joe

[AirBonner]

Bryant was the better scorer easily
Really? How do you explain Kobe's 44%fg compared to Bird's 49%fg? Oh ya thats right Kobe's a better scorer cuz you said so :rolleyes:

[Xiao Yao You]

I'd want Bird on my team. Kobe I wouldn't

[TheImmortal]

They're both in the same tier.. But Kobe gets the nod quite easily imo.

[feyki]

Of course , Kobe was better scorer . You guys underrating one when talking about another's greatness .

Bird ahead of Kobe at peak/prime/career wise, whatever you want , for sure .

Maybe , Kobe's longevity made closer him to Bird at careers .

[Kblaze8855]

The difference in their ability is not great. Its close enough a reasonable person could take either. The difference in their approach to the game is such that I wouldnt consider Kobe when Bird was an option. I admired Birds style of play. How easy he made it look...how well he performed without hurting anyone elses ability to shine. Id want to play with Larry Bird. Kobe....I admire that he was able to play so well with a style that seemed to make it harder than it had to be.

They did have similarities though. And the difference is somewhat one of perception. Both of them took some "No no no no....yes!" shots. But Bird was such an unbelievable team player it kinda shined a light on how much he was holding back to play the right way. Kobe you watch and feel like "This guy is so ****ing good....because that shot was terrible". I think id be frustrated trying to find the right mix of personalities and skills to pair with Kobe if im a GM. Bird....im gonna just draft the most talent I can...because Bird will make it work.



https://giant.gfycat.com/TidyBlandEidolonhelvum.gif


https://fat.gfycat.com/InfiniteTeemingAsianelephant.gif

Bird highlights give me a man swoon. Its the way id want to be able to make my son play. Kobe highlights make me wish he were good enough to do it....but malleable enough to learn when not to try. Subtle difference. And as I said...they both took some similar shots.

https://giant.gfycat.com/SmallHeavenlyChipmunk.gif

Ive seen Kobe do that. Though Kobes was actually the smarter shot since back then they waved Larrys off.

They were not that dissimilar in scoring skillset. Kobe of course more athletic. Bird bigger so he could get better looks in traffic and work less at times. But they are both on the shortlist of players you could argue had the best combo of post and midrange game of all time. Both had range for days. Clever....ballsy.

There was more of Kobes "WTF was that...." in Birds game than some seem to think. At least I feel that way. But he kept it juuuuuuust barely under the surface where you knew it was there but it didnt define him. Bird had some games he just went off....and later apologized because it wasnt the right way. Ive heard from his mouth that he was the worst player on the floor one night he dropped 50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sifbd9qU3sM


That game. He was 18/33 for 50 points in a loss.

He talked to Bill Walton after...and then apologized to the team....feeling hes the reason they had lost back to back games. Couple nights later he shot 12/13 from the field 4-5 from 3 and 5-6 from the line ending with 33/11/4 3 blocks and 2 steals mostly overpassing as they got back on track and won 14 in a row.

Birds questionable shots were usually a "Ok...shit just got real..." kinda thing. Kobe its more...his moment to moment approach. And it rubbed some wrong the way Bird rubbed some wrong when he would do it on occasion.

It clearly worked out....he had as good a career as anyone can be expected even if he came into a great situation. Cant say a guy is wrong to do...whatever leds to 5 rings. So its not as far apart as this is probably making it seem like I think.

It just wouldnt be a question for me in the end. Its an 8 vs 9 situation to me. Meaning...9 isnt way more than 8....but you cant argue which is more. Close but indisputable...to me. Its close enough im sure Bird himself wouldnt care in the least if you took Kobe. And he was not modest.

He was the jerk of his era just like Kobe. And Bird loved Kobes game. I bet he saw more of himself in Kobe than most of us do. He would think some of the people saying hes waaaaay better than Kobe were idiots.

[MiseryCityTexas]

Kobe wouldn't have lost to the Bucks in the early 80s the way Bird lost to the Bucks in the early 80s.

[Derivative]

Kobe wouldn't have lost to the Bucks in the early 80s the way Bird lost to the Bucks in the early 80s.

Bird wouldn't have lost 2004, 2008, 2011 the way Kobe did.

[MiseryCityTexas]

Bird wouldn't have lost 2004, 2008, 2011 the way Kobe did.

lol

[AirBonner]

Bird wouldn't have lost 2004, 2008, 2011 the way Kobe did.
God damn you are ruthless :oldlol:

[IllegalD]

Its like KBlaze said. Anybody who thinks that Bird is "way better than Kobe" and "its not even close" is way more homerish and stanish than anyone simply claiming that Kobe is better.

FYI, Bird has the same amount of Finals MVPs as Kobe. Funny how nobody mentions that Cedrick "Cornbred" Maxwell won the Finals MVP his first ring, putting up prime Pau Gasol stats while Bird struggled.

I can only imagine how many of you f*ggots would be bringing that up to this day if the roles were reversed and it was Kobe in Bird's place.

As other people have pointed out:

Kobe was a superior defender than Bird and no amount of "b-b-b-b-b-but Kobe's All Defensive Team selections are overrated" can change that, since Bird is not even close to being an elite/shutdown defender (although he was an excellent help defender within his limitations).

Kobe beats the sh*t out of Bird in longevity, and of course I already see a bunch of queermos trying to underplay that as if it didn't matter.

[IllegalD]

Bird wouldn't have lost 2004, 2008, 2011 the way Kobe did.

Kobe wouldn't have lost a Finals MVP and been carried by a Cedrick Maxwell caliber player in his first ring.

YAUCH!

That's even more embarrassing than Curry losing it to Iggy. At least Iggy was a former all-star and go-to-guy of his own team at one time.

Is Bird the only "GOAT-tier" player to ever lose a Finals MVP to and be carried to a ring by a non-allstar? :confusedshrug:
:biggums:

That's gotta' be a historic, EMBARRASSING first. :lol

[SouBeachTalents]

Kobe wouldn't have lost a Finals MVP and been carried by a Cedrick Maxwell caliber player in his first ring.

YAUCH!

That's even more embarrassing than Curry losing it to Iggy. At least Iggy was a former all-star and go-to-guy of his own team at one time.

Is Bird the only "GOAT-tier" player to ever lose a Finals MVP to a non-allstar? :confusedshrug:
:biggums:

That's gotta' be a historic, EMBARRASING first. :lol

Bird's first Finals: 15/15/7 on 42%
Kobe's first Finals: 16/5/4 on 37%

Kobe would have lost FMVP to Maxwell too

[MiseryCityTexas]

Kobe wouldn't have lost a Finals MVP and been carried by a Cedrick Maxwell caliber player in his first ring.

YAUCH!

That's even more embarrassing than Curry losing it to Iggy. At least Iggy was a former all-star and go-to-guy of his own team at one time.

Is Bird the only "GOAT-tier" player to ever lose a Finals MVP to and be carried to a ring by a non-allstar? :confusedshrug:
:biggums:

That's gotta' be a historic, EMBARRASSING first. :lol

Cedric Maxwell slowly started falling off after he had that Finals MVP series. At least Iggy was a proven All Star that can lead a team before winning finals MVP.

[Kblaze8855]

Is Bird the only "GOAT-tier" player to ever lose a Finals MVP to and be carried to a ring by a non-allstar?


Why cant people just be...halfway reasonable. Shit like this just gets you nowhere.

[IllegalD]

Bird's first Finals: 15/15/7 on 42%
Kobe's first Finals: 16/5/4 on 37%

Kobe would have lost FMVP to Maxwell too

Bird's first Finals: 25 years old, closer to his prime.

Kobe's first Finals: 21 Years old, nowhere near his prime.

But nice try, L*Bitch Stanley. :applause:

[SamuraiSWISH]

Bird at peak.
Kobe for career.

Overall, Bird.

[swagga]

bird > bryant. easy.

[MiseryCityTexas]

Bird proved that he can make the players around him better because Cedric Maxwell instantly became a bum after he left Boston.

[IllegalD]

Why cant people just be...halfway reasonable. Shit like this just gets you nowhere.

Riiiiiiiiiight....

But other people saying "check the ESPN list" or "Bird by far, and it's not even close" is TOTALLY reasonable...? :confusedshrug:

[IllegalD]

Bird proved that he can make the players around him better because Cedric Maxwell instantly became a bum after he left Boston.

Actually, that makes it even more embarrassing that Maxwell won the Finals MVP from him.

Like someone else said, at least Iggy was a former all-star.

[InsanityKills]

Bird by far, and it's not even close

[IllegalD]

Notice how all the people saying "Bird, by far" have Heat or LeStanley avatars.

2-6

5-47

and 0-5 got em SHOOOK, boy! :roll: :banana:

[InsanityKills]

Notice how all the people saying "Bird, by far" have Heat or LeStanley avatars.

2-6

5-47

and 0-5 got em SHOOOK, boy! :roll: :banana:
Bird by far, and it's not even close

[IllegalD]

Bird by far, and it's not even close

Can't even say anything new. Or did you forget to log on to your other account? :lol

[Derivative]

To be honest, Bird and Kobe are pretty similar in terms of advance statistics, can't say Bird is way better than Kobe. The numbers just don't reflect that.

[InsanityKills]

Can't even say anything new. Or did you forget to log on to your other account? :lol
Bird by far, and it's not even close

[Stu Jackson]

Notice how all the people saying "Bird, by far" have Heat or LeStanley avatars.

2-6

5-47

and 0-5 got em SHOOOK, boy! :roll: :banana:
kobe just like bran and duncan isnt top 10 all time :lol:

how mad are you that your boy was never better than tmac

[Kblaze8855]

Riiiiiiiiiight....

But other people saying "check the ESPN list" or "Bird by far, and it's not even close" is TOTALLY reasonable...? :confusedshrug:


Hell of a lot more reasonable than you.

There are hall of fame coaches who had Bird as the greatest of all time in 1981. The idea that he was "carried" to a ring because a supporting player had a couple good games while Bird was playing team ball in 30 point wins and only had one poor performance in a loss? Hard sell. Impossible sell. They were up 30 in two games he 12 and 8 points near triple doubles in both of them. How would bird trying to score in the second half change the outcome? 8 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks in a game you take a 27 point lead....a problem? When they won game one he had 4 offensive rebounds and a putback to put the game away. Literally 4. He kept them the ball...for over a minute. Getting 4 straight offensive rebounds(he got 4 and someone else dove for a save as well). He also scored the basket for the initial lead.....had a rebound and outlet pass to Maxwell for an uncontested dunk....and his final offensive rebound he put back in to end the game. 18/21/9 and he was barely shooting most of the game.


He had 18/21/5 steals the next game.


Blowout win doing it all the next game.

Had his only actual poor game next. And followed it with the 12/12/8 30 point win.

Had 26/13/5 with 7 in a row late to win the title.

Jerry Sloan had already decided he was the greatest player to ever play in the league....that early. But he was carried by Cedric Maxwell...

[TomBrady]

Bird.

[IllegalD]

Hell of a lot more reasonable than you.

There are hall of fame coaches who had Bird as the greatest of all time in 1981. The idea that he was "carried" to a ring because a supporting player had a couple good games while Bird was playing team ball in 30 point wins and only had one poor performance in a loss? Hard sell. Impossible sell. They were up 30 in two games he 12 and 8 points near triple doubles in both of them. How would bird trying to score in the second half change the outcome? 8 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks in a game you take a 27 point lead....a problem? When they won game one he had 4 offensive rebounds and a putback to put the game away. Literally 4. He kept them the ball...for over a minute. Getting 4 straight offensive rebounds(he got 4 and someone else dove for a save as well). He also scored the basket for the initial lead.....had a rebound and outlet pass to Maxwell for an uncontested dunk....and his final offensive rebound he put back in to end the game. 18/21/9 and he was barely shooting most of the game.


He had 18/21/5 steals the next game.


Blowout win doing it all the next game.

Had his only actual poor game next. And followed it with the 12/12/8 30 point win.

Had 26/13/5 with 7 in a row late to win the title.

Jerry Sloan had already decided he was the greatest player to ever play in the league....that early. But he was carried by Cedric Maxwell...

Has there ever been another instance were a non-allstar won the Finals MVP, let alone over a supposed "GOAT/Top 5 player"? :confusedshrug:

[IllegalD]

Hell of a lot more reasonable than you.

There are hall of fame coaches who had Bird as the greatest of all time in 1981. The idea that he was "carried" to a ring because a supporting player had a couple good games while Bird was playing team ball in 30 point wins and only had one poor performance in a loss? Hard sell. Impossible sell. They were up 30 in two games he 12 and 8 points near triple doubles in both of them. How would bird trying to score in the second half change the outcome? 8 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks in a game you take a 27 point lead....a problem? When they won game one he had 4 offensive rebounds and a putback to put the game away. Literally 4. He kept them the ball...for over a minute. Getting 4 straight offensive rebounds(he got 4 and someone else dove for a save as well). He also scored the basket for the initial lead.....had a rebound and outlet pass to Maxwell for an uncontested dunk....and his final offensive rebound he put back in to end the game. 18/21/9 and he was barely shooting most of the game.


He had 18/21/5 steals the next game.


Blowout win doing it all the next game.

Had his only actual poor game next. And followed it with the 12/12/8 30 point win.

Had 26/13/5 with 7 in a row late to win the title.

Jerry Sloan had already decided he was the greatest player to ever play in the league....that early. But he was carried by Cedric Maxwell...

So you think people saying Bird being by far better than Kobe is reasonable?

Can't take you seriously. I know you know your bball, but its obvious that as 40+ year old man you can never be impartial when it comes to comparing players with guys like MJ/Bird/Magic. :facepalm

[Kblaze8855]

At this point....I might be better off not having your respect. You strike me as someone who's respect I wouldnt really be after.

[feyki]

81 Celtics Playoffs Win Shares Leader - Larry Bird

10 Lakers Playoffs Win Shares Leader - Pau Gasol

..

[IllegalD]

At this point....I might be better off not having your respect. You strike me as someone who's respect I wouldnt really be after.

:(

:lol

And you strike me as someone who makes assumptions about people based on postings on a mediocre bball message board which is infested with mostly trolling and hate threads.

[Overdrive]

I would take Bird player wise and his '81 finals is a + not a - as much as Kobe's 2000 is on their respective legacies.

Careerwise it's totally different. I think Bird had the more compact better career. He had an MVP threepeat along two FMVPs. That's a nice peak. Kobe's career trajectory is quite interesting and a 6thmoty in '98 would've made it even more.

[Lebronxrings]

bird and its not even close.

[LAZERUSS]

bird and its not even close.

Not even close?

A 20 year career, several of them as the best player in the game? Easily a better scorer, including the post-season? Furthermore, seven Finals appearances, and five rings?

Furthermore, it was Kobe who was carrying the Lakers past Duncan's Spurs, even in the peak Shaq years.

Again, I would take a peak Bird, but Kobe had the greater overall career. Had Bird not blown out his back, who knows? But the reality was, Bird "only" had about nine outstanding seasons. Kobe has had almost double that.

[MEB2kDeez]

Goes either way imo.

[Human Error]

Bird

[FKAri]

Kobe was the better scorer but overall I go with Bird. He was just the better decision maker. It's very close tho.

[AirBonner]

Kobe was the better scorer but overall I go with Bird. He was just the better decision maker. It's very close tho.
How is kobe a better scorer when he misses more often?

[Cold soul]

This is super close but I give slight edge for Kobe over Bird for peak and prime play with longivity Kobe had is career is little better overall.

[FillJackson]

Kobe wouldn't have lost to the Bucks in the early 80s the way Bird lost to the Bucks in the early 80s.
Bucks were clearly the second best team in the league in 1983. Better than Bird's Celtics who had screwed up chemistry, better than Magic/Kareem's Lakers.

Only team to win against the Fo-Fo-Fo Sixers. Beat them 1 game and lost by 2 in another.

[FillJackson]

The difference in their ability is not great. Its close enough a reasonable person could take either. The difference in their approach to the game is such that I wouldnt consider Kobe when Bird was an option. I admired Birds style of play. How easy he made it look...how well he performed without hurting anyone elses ability to shine. Id want to play with Larry Bird. Kobe....I admire that he was able to play so well with a style that seemed to make it harder than it had to be.

They did have similarities though. And the difference is somewhat one of perception. Both of them took some "No no no no....yes!" shots. But Bird was such an unbelievable team player it kinda shined a light on how much he was holding back to play the right way. Kobe you watch and feel like "This guy is so ****ing good....because that shot was terrible". I think id be frustrated trying to find the right mix of personalities and skills to pair with Kobe if im a GM. Bird....im gonna just draft the most talent I can...because Bird will make it work.



https://giant.gfycat.com/TidyBlandEidolonhelvum.gif


https://fat.gfycat.com/InfiniteTeemingAsianelephant.gif

Bird highlights give me a man swoon. Its the way id want to be able to make my son play. Kobe highlights make me wish he were good enough to do it....but malleable enough to learn when not to try. Subtle difference. And as I said...they both took some similar shots.

https://giant.gfycat.com/SmallHeavenlyChipmunk.gif

Ive seen Kobe do that. Though Kobes was actually the smarter shot since back then they waved Larrys off.

They were not that dissimilar in scoring skillset. Kobe of course more athletic. Bird bigger so he could get better looks in traffic and work less at times. But they are both on the shortlist of players you could argue had the best combo of post and midrange game of all time. Both had range for days. Clever....ballsy.

There was more of Kobes "WTF was that...." in Birds game than some seem to think. At least I feel that way. But he kept it juuuuuuust barely under the surface where you knew it was there but it didnt define him. Bird had some games he just went off....and later apologized because it wasnt the right way. Ive heard from his mouth that he was the worst player on the floor one night he dropped 50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sifbd9qU3sM


That game. He was 18/33 for 50 points in a loss.

He talked to Bill Walton after...and then apologized to the team....feeling hes the reason they had lost back to back games. Couple nights later he shot 12/13 from the field 4-5 from 3 and 5-6 from the line ending with 33/11/4 3 blocks and 2 steals mostly overpassing as they got back on track and won 14 in a row.

Birds questionable shots were usually a "Ok...shit just got real..." kinda thing. Kobe its more...his moment to moment approach. And it rubbed some wrong the way Bird rubbed some wrong when he would do it on occasion.

It clearly worked out....he had as good a career as anyone can be expected even if he came into a great situation. Cant say a guy is wrong to do...whatever leds to 5 rings. So its not as far apart as this is probably making it seem like I think.

It just wouldnt be a question for me in the end. Its an 8 vs 9 situation to me. Meaning...9 isnt way more than 8....but you cant argue which is more. Close but indisputable...to me. Its close enough im sure Bird himself wouldnt care in the least if you took Kobe. And he was not modest.

He was the jerk of his era just like Kobe. And Bird loved Kobes game. I bet he saw more of himself in Kobe than most of us do. He would think some of the people saying hes waaaaay better than Kobe were idiots.Great post.

I remember watching that behind the backboard shot and running to park to try and hit it.

As a GM, I definitely think I pick Bird particularly if you understand the off-the-court intangibles. Bird did not come into Boston and try to be "the man." He fit in and worked and very early on won his teammates over. Cedric Maxwell talks about how at first he wanted to show up the Golden Boy and show him want the NBA was about, but soon realized how good he was and how much playing with Bird was helping his game cause Bird didn't just get him the ball, he got him the ball at the right time and right spot. He hit you with the pass in the flow.

Boston, of course was abysmal the year before he joined. He was the major addition as was the new coach. The year before the team was burnt out and dysfunctional. They got rid of few malcontents and brought in a basketball savant who played to pass and he was like an exorcism had been performed. Everyone was happy to be playing in Boston and suddenly they go the Eastern conference finals his first year and win it all his second year.

The thing about Bird highlights is they are different from, say Jordan hightlights. Jordan highlights are I wish I could hang in the air like that or swing the ball around like that. Some of my favorite Bird highlights are "How did he even see that? How did he move right to the right spot during that play. I'm sure point guards weren't used to forwards making plays like this

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0ZNUMPlWyc/VC3O2jAXltI/AAAAAAAA-5g/h7RYZodDmkY/w611-h344/Larry%2BBird%2BSteal%2Band%2BDunk%2BShot%2BScience .gif

[DMAVS41]

The difference in their ability is not great. Its close enough a reasonable person could take either. The difference in their approach to the game is such that I wouldnt consider Kobe when Bird was an option. I admired Birds style of play. How easy he made it look...how well he performed without hurting anyone elses ability to shine. Id want to play with Larry Bird. Kobe....I admire that he was able to play so well with a style that seemed to make it harder than it had to be.

They did have similarities though. And the difference is somewhat one of perception. Both of them took some "No no no no....yes!" shots. But Bird was such an unbelievable team player it kinda shined a light on how much he was holding back to play the right way. Kobe you watch and feel like "This guy is so ****ing good....because that shot was terrible". I think id be frustrated trying to find the right mix of personalities and skills to pair with Kobe if im a GM. Bird....im gonna just draft the most talent I can...because Bird will make it work.



https://giant.gfycat.com/TidyBlandEidolonhelvum.gif


https://fat.gfycat.com/InfiniteTeemingAsianelephant.gif

Bird highlights give me a man swoon. Its the way id want to be able to make my son play. Kobe highlights make me wish he were good enough to do it....but malleable enough to learn when not to try. Subtle difference. And as I said...they both took some similar shots.

https://giant.gfycat.com/SmallHeavenlyChipmunk.gif

Ive seen Kobe do that. Though Kobes was actually the smarter shot since back then they waved Larrys off.

They were not that dissimilar in scoring skillset. Kobe of course more athletic. Bird bigger so he could get better looks in traffic and work less at times. But they are both on the shortlist of players you could argue had the best combo of post and midrange game of all time. Both had range for days. Clever....ballsy.

There was more of Kobes "WTF was that...." in Birds game than some seem to think. At least I feel that way. But he kept it juuuuuuust barely under the surface where you knew it was there but it didnt define him. Bird had some games he just went off....and later apologized because it wasnt the right way. Ive heard from his mouth that he was the worst player on the floor one night he dropped 50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sifbd9qU3sM


That game. He was 18/33 for 50 points in a loss.

He talked to Bill Walton after...and then apologized to the team....feeling hes the reason they had lost back to back games. Couple nights later he shot 12/13 from the field 4-5 from 3 and 5-6 from the line ending with 33/11/4 3 blocks and 2 steals mostly overpassing as they got back on track and won 14 in a row.

Birds questionable shots were usually a "Ok...shit just got real..." kinda thing. Kobe its more...his moment to moment approach. And it rubbed some wrong the way Bird rubbed some wrong when he would do it on occasion.

It clearly worked out....he had as good a career as anyone can be expected even if he came into a great situation. Cant say a guy is wrong to do...whatever leds to 5 rings. So its not as far apart as this is probably making it seem like I think.

It just wouldnt be a question for me in the end. Its an 8 vs 9 situation to me. Meaning...9 isnt way more than 8....but you cant argue which is more. Close but indisputable...to me. Its close enough im sure Bird himself wouldnt care in the least if you took Kobe. And he was not modest.

He was the jerk of his era just like Kobe. And Bird loved Kobes game. I bet he saw more of himself in Kobe than most of us do. He would think some of the people saying hes waaaaay better than Kobe were idiots.


While I often disagree with Blaze, this sums up my views very well and is an excellent and well said post.

[mr4speed]

Hell of a lot more reasonable than you.

There are hall of fame coaches who had Bird as the greatest of all time in 1981. The idea that he was "carried" to a ring because a supporting player had a couple good games while Bird was playing team ball in 30 point wins and only had one poor performance in a loss? Hard sell. Impossible sell. They were up 30 in two games he 12 and 8 points near triple doubles in both of them. How would bird trying to score in the second half change the outcome? 8 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks in a game you take a 27 point lead....a problem? When they won game one he had 4 offensive rebounds and a putback to put the game away. Literally 4. He kept them the ball...for over a minute. Getting 4 straight offensive rebounds(he got 4 and someone else dove for a save as well). He also scored the basket for the initial lead.....had a rebound and outlet pass to Maxwell for an uncontested dunk....and his final offensive rebound he put back in to end the game. 18/21/9 and he was barely shooting most of the game.


He had 18/21/5 steals the next game.


Blowout win doing it all the next game.

Had his only actual poor game next. And followed it with the 12/12/8 30 point win.

Had 26/13/5 with 7 in a row late to win the title.

Jerry Sloan had already decided he was the greatest player to ever play in the league....that early. But he was carried by Cedric Maxwell...

Excellent post. Bird was really clutch in that 81 series = underrated. The thing I liked about Bird was he played as if his life was on the line depending on whether his team won or lost.

[zbott]

If we ignore their team accomplishment, who is the better player? Larry Bird or Kobe Bryant?

Both super competitors and alpha winners ... going with Bird due to huge IQ

[raprap]

:(

:lol

And you strike me as someone who makes assumptions about people based on postings on a mediocre bball message board which is infested with mostly trolling and hate threads.
This post is so salty. :oldlol:

[Jacks3]

Irony.

You're an idiot. Kobe craps all over Bird in terms of volume while maintaining very similar efficiency and he played in a tougher defensive environment...a much tougher defensive environment from 01-04 especially.

Look at their scoring efficiency numbers during their superstar years.

TS% relative to league-average:
80 Bird: +.07%
81 Bird: -.07%
82 Bird: +1.8%
83 Bird: +3.0%
84 Bird: +0.9%
85 Bird: +4.2%
86 Bird: +3.6%
87 Bird: +7.4%
88 Bird: +7.0%
90 Bird: +1.0%
Average: +2.89%

01 Bryant: +3.4%
02 Bryant: +2.4%
03 Bryant: +3.1%
04 Bryant: +3.5%
05 Bryant: +3.3%
06 Bryant: +2.4%
07 Bryant: +3.9%
08 Bryant: +3.6%
09 Bryant: +1.6%
10 Bryant: +0.2%
Average: +2.74

That's right. Bryant the "inefficient chucker" was very barely less efficient despite a huge difference in volume.

Per Game Average for 80-90 Bird: 24.9
Per Game Average for 01-10 Bryant: 28.5

Per 100 Possessions:
80-90 Bird: 30.8
01-10 Kobe: 37.5

30+ pt games over these 10-yr spans:
Bird--213
Kobe--325

40+ pt games over these 10-yr spans:
Bird--44
Kobe--104

50+ pt games over these 10-yr spans:
Bird--4
Kobe--24

GTFO. Kobe shits all over Bird as a scorer. And I'm including all of Bird's relevant seasons, and ignoring 99/00/11/12 AND 2013 Kobe. The gap is even bigger if you include those seasons.

You don't even want to get me started on how they look as playoff scorers.

GTFO you ignorant ****.

[tpols]

think I have bird 5 all time and kobe like 8 or 9. So bird.. but kobe the better scorer, man defender, ballhandler, finisher, bird better shooter, pass3r, rebounder, team defender, etc

[Jacks3]

Really? How do you explain Kobe's 44%fg compared to Bird's 49%fg? Oh ya thats right Kobe's a better scorer cuz you said so :rolleyes:

No, he was a better scorer because he craps all over Bird in terms of volume while maintaining efficiency that is essentially the equal of Bird's. See above post.

[Ranked 12th]

LOOOL Joke thread???


Taking away rings and comparing Kobe is like taking the fillet from the burger and comparing it, you lose the main argument


Skill wise there's like 12 players between Bird and Kobe all-time, Kobe's around 20th

[12be]

Larry Bird is better than me. :(

[Round Mound]

Kobe was just a good scorer. Bird was a good scorer aswell but he could pass and create for others like a pointguard and could rebound with the best of them, including some pfs and cs. Bird`s team defense was way better too.

[IllegalD]

Kobe was just a good scorer. Bird was a good scorer aswell but he could pass and create for others like a pointguard and could rebound with the best of them, including some pfs and cs. Bird`s team defense was way better too.

"Team defense" LOL, you hating ass b*tch.

How about man-to-man defense or OVERALL defense? :confusedshrug:

Kobe = ELITE on the defensive end.

Bird = slightly above average on the defensive end

Just stop it.

Even Bird himself would tell you Kobe is better.

[Kobe_6/8]

Bird, easily.

Career per 100 possessions

Bird 30.3/12.5/7.9
Kobe 35.8/7.5/6.7

Playoffs

Bird 28.0/12.1/7.6
Kobe 34.7/6.9/6.4

Bird was superior on defense. He was taller and stronger. He also had better team skills & intangibles than Kobe.

[Black and White]

Larry Legend

[TheMilkyBarKid]

Bird, had that 'killer mentality' that Kobe fans believe Kobe has and was much more unselfish in addition to being a better leader.

[Round Mound]

"Team defense" LOL, you hating ass b*tch.

How about man-to-man defense or OVERALL defense? :confusedshrug:

Kobe = ELITE on the defensive end.

Bird = slightly above average on the defensive end

Just stop it.

Even Bird himself would tell you Kobe is better.

:no:

Larry Birds Defensive Win Share is Higher
Larr Birds Defensive Rating Is Higher
Larry Birds Defensive Box Plus/Minus is Higher

Larry LEGEND > KobyCopyMJ Bryant.

Simple....

Bryant Wasnt the All Around Player Bird Was! :confusedshrug: When I Say "Team Defense" I Man The Way Bird Used to Anticipate the Other Teams Offense: Leading Them To Uncomfortable Situations For Bad Shot Selections, Bad Passes, Difficult Situationes etc. Bird Was Also A Better Post Defender(Bird Could Guard PFs and SFs), By Miles The Anticipator and Defensive Rebounder Kobe Ever Was!

Bird Could Shift His Game If His Scoring Was Down To Defense, Creating For Others and Making Brilliant Passes For Others. Bryant? If He Is On A Bad Shooting Night He Will Chuck 35 FGAs and Not Involve Anyone or Play Team D.

Kobe Could Never Reach This Level of All Around Play For Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maS9smxRubI

[IllegalD]

:no:

Larry Birds Defensive Win Share is Higher
Larr Birds Defensive Rating Is Higher
Larry Birds Defensive Box Plus/Minus is Higher

Larry LEGEND > KobyCopyMJ Bryant.

Simple....

Bryant Wasnt the All Around Player Bird Was! :confusedshrug: When I Say "Team Defense" I Man The Way Bird Used to Anticipate the Other Teams Offense: Leading Them To Uncomfortable Situations For Bad Shot Selections, Bad Passes, Difficult Situationes etc. Bird Was Also A Better Post Defender(Bird Could Guard PFs and SFs), By Miles The Anticipator and Defensive Rebounder Kobe Ever Was!

Bird Could Shift His Game If His Scoring Was Down To Defense, Creating For Others and Making Brilliant Passes For Others. Bryant? If He Is On A Bad Shooting Night He Will Chuck 35 FGAs and Not Involve Anyone or Play Team D.

Kobe Could Never Reach This Level of All Around Play For Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maS9smxRubI

That link you posted tells me everything I need to know about your biased/hater point of view.

A Bill Simmons c*ckgobbler. Color me shocked...

Even the man himself Larry Legend picked Kobe as the guy he would most like to play with from this era. So clearly he must think very highly of him and would laugh at this nonsense that he was "miles better" than him.

https://youtu.be/AAEiIdQwX50