Shaq in 2001: Kobe's the best player in the world

[sportjames23]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj_CuS2KCz4&ebc=ANyPxKo4TjT7XDnQ4qwQsHRc_BawlMqs4U0rqEN2uXaf8L Xf2SGm7ur-YOuZZKdIaoA7YVfqefT3PdeKS1O27kgowfXBzdP6dA


Was the Big Aristotle right?

[pauk]

Right is not the correct word, more like overly modest & respectful at that specific time for his teammate, teammates like to commend teammates and they often exaggerate, kindof like when now the latest example is Lebron calling Kyrie the best PG in the game or something... Kobes role at that time was known, where he ranked amongst the top players at the time was known and how his teammates (especially Shaq) & coach felt about him & vice versa was known, something that led to complete change of mindset compared to 2001, the drama translating to Shaqs departure and stuff like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDXKjHVtHGM

[SpaceJam]

Right is not the correct word, more like overly modest & respectful at that specific time for his teammate, teammates like to commend teammates and they often exaggerate, kindof like when now the latest example is Lebron calling Kyrie the best PG in the game or something... Kobes role at that time was known, where he ranked amongst the top players at the time was known and how his teammates (especially Shaq) & coach felt about him & vice versa was known, something that led to complete change of mindset compared to 2001, the drama translating to Shaqs departure and stuff like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDXKjHVtHGM

I don't think I've ever seen Shaq be overly modest

[StephHamann]

Right is not the correct word, more like overly modest & respectful at that specific time for his teammate, teammates like to commend teammates and they often exaggerate, kindof like when now the latest example is Lebron calling Kyrie the best PG in the game or something... Kobes role at that time was known, where he ranked amongst the top players at the time was known and how his teammates (especially Shaq) & coach felt about him & vice versa was known, something that led to complete change of mindset compared to 2001, the drama translating to Shaqs departure and stuff like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDXKjHVtHGM

2/6

[pauk]

I don't think I've ever seen Shaq be overly modest

Me neither, but this obviously is one exception one way or the other wouldnt you agree, unless ofcourse you think Kobe was the best player in the world in 2001....

[pauk]

2/6

What does Lebrons all-time ranking have to do with this?

[SpaceJam]

Me neither, but this obviously is one exception one way or the other wouldnt you agree, unless ofcourse you think Kobe was the best player in the world in 2001....

I don't, but at the same time I think Shaq does. I mean we know the type of person Shaq is, I think he more then likely means it as opposed to just talking up Kobe

But all in all, it was prob just a that moment thing, Kobe just had a beast of a game

I miss that duo though :eek:

Also Phil Jax walk off after getting ejected is so damn OG

[SouBeachTalents]

There's not a chance in the world Shaq actually believed that. With the ego he had, Shaq certainly believed he was the best player in the world

[Ca$H]

Right is not the correct word, more like overly modest & respectful at that specific time for his teammate, teammates like to commend teammates and they often exaggerate, kindof like when now the latest example is Lebron calling Kyrie the best PG in the game or something... Kobes role at that time was known, where he ranked amongst the top players at the time was known and how his teammates (especially Shaq) & coach felt about him & vice versa was known, something that led to complete change of mindset compared to 2001, the drama translating to Shaqs departure and stuff like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDXKjHVtHGM

Kobe(2000-2001. Age-22): 28.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 55 TS%

Bran(2015-2016 Age 31): 25 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 58 TS%

:confusedshrug:

[Dray n Klay]

Kobe(2000-2001. Age-22): 28.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 55 TS%

Bran(2015-2016 Age 31): 25 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 58 TS%

:confusedshrug:

So LeBrons still better? Good to know.

[tmacattack33]

MJ used to say the same about Pippen

And I think pretty much any teammate of anyone in the top 5 would say the same thing. So, today, i'm pretty sure 95% of Curry's, Durant's, Lebron's, and Kawhi's teammates would say they are the best.....when we all know that Curry is the best.

[GrapeApe]

He said the same thing about Wade in 2006. The funny thing about Shaq is he makes these type of compliments (about Penny, Kobe, Wade) and then takes passive aggressive shots at them later.

[Magic 32]

Looking at playoff series that year he was the second best for sure.


1. Shaquille O'Neal vs. 76ers (NBA Finals) - 33.0 ppg, 15.8 rpg, 4.8 apg, 3.4 bpg, 57.3 FG%
2. Shaquille O'Neal vs. Kings (WCSF) - 33.3 ppg, 17.3 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 2.3 apg, 59.8 FG%
3. Kobe Bryant vs. Spurs (WCF) - 33.3 ppg, 7.0 apg, 7.0 rpg, 1.5 spg, 51.4 FG%
4. Kobe Bryant vs. Kings (WCSF) - 35.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 47.3 FG%
5. Tim Duncan vs. Mavericks (WCSF) - 27.0 ppg, 17.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.0 bpg, 1.0 spg, 51.0 FG%


Shaquille O'Neal vs. Spurs (WCF) - 27.0 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.3 bpg, 54.1 FG%
Shaquille O'Neal vs. Blazers (WCQF) - 27.0 ppg, 15.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.8 bpg, 48.4 FG%
Vince Carter vs. 76ers (ECSF) - 30.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.6 apg, 2.0 bpg, 1.9 spg, 47.4 FG%
Tracy McGrady vs. Bucks (ECQF) - 33.8 ppg, 8.3 apg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 spg, 1.3 bpg, 41.5 FG%
Allen Iverson vs. Raptors (ECSF) - 33.7 ppg, 6.9 apg, 4.4 rpg, 3.1 spg, 40.4 FG%

[Jacks3]

Kobe was the best in the post-season and #2 for the season overall.

And at 22 years old.

Incredible.

[MP.Trey]

He said the same thing about Wade in 2006. The funny thing about Shaq is he makes these type of compliments (about Penny, Kobe, Wade) and then takes passive aggressive shots at them later.
Word. He's called LeBron the best leader he ever played with but still takes shots at his leadership at times.