Can we stop underestimating Kobe as an Athlete

[bstickq1]

And also, I consider this dunk by Vince one of the smoothest and most fluid of all time, Kobe could never dream of doing it -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShcDhZ75zro&t=1m0s

[Jacks3]

Just like Vince can only dream of being half the player Bryant is.

[bstickq1]

Just like Vince can only dream of being half the player Bryant is.

Just like you can only dream up posts that only you can see.

[andgar923]

I don't think anybody underestimates Kobe as an athlete. He's clearly an above avg athlete, just not in the same level as other player's.

[Jacks3]

lol above average.

[andgar923]

lol above average.

So are you saying that he's not?

[with malice]

I don't think anybody underestimates Kobe as an athlete. He's clearly an above avg athlete, just not in the same level as other player's.

Do you watch basketball? The NBA in particular...

[Cali Syndicate]

And also, I consider this dunk by Vince one of the smoothest and most fluid of all time, Kobe could never dream of doing it -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShcDhZ75zro&t=1m0s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf4H3OR-7IE&t=0m28s

[Jacks3]

So are you saying that he's not?

He's one of the five best athletes at his position ever. One of the best athletes in the league during his prime. I'd say that's a bit more than "above-average".

[bstickq1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf4H3OR-7IE&t=0m28s

I can't even swing my arm like that just standing there, it's like he almost dislocates his shoulder.

[andgar923]

He's one of the five best athletes at his position ever. One of the best athletes in the league during his prime. I'd say that's a bit more than "above-average".

So, he's above above average?

And I don't even know if he is a top 5 at his position ever to be honest. He may indeed be a top 3 'player' at that position, but there's been better athletes at the 2 guard (although not as good players).

[Jacks3]

He is indisputably a top 2 player at the SG position. lol @ "may be".

And yes, he's clearly a top 5 athlete at SG.

Jordan
Drexler
Wade
Bryant
David Thompson

T-Mac I guess.

He's a elite athlete. Just not GOAT level ala Jordan/LeBron. I think that's fair.

[andgar923]

He is indisputably a top 2 player at the SG position. lol @ "may be".

And yes, he's clearly a top 5 athlete at SG.

Jordan
Drexler
Wade
Bryant
David Thompson

T-Mac I guess.

He's a elite athlete. Just not GOAT level ala Jordan/LeBron. I think that's fair.

I never said he wasn't 'elite' did I?

People need to understand context tho. I think the main reason this thread was created was because we rarely include him in the same convo as VC and MJ. But that doesn't mean that he isn't an elite athlete.

Btw.... here's some other players that are better athletes:

Spreewell
Francis
Rider
JR Smith
Stansbury (?)
G. Wilkins
Minor
Augmon
Eddie Jones
Tmac

Those are just a few off the top that are better athletes (not just better leapers.... which there's even more of). Not to say that they're far better athletes than him, and some may be in fact on the same level (very close call with some).

[Jacks3]

Spreewell
Francis
Rider
JR Smith
Stansbury (?)
G. Wilkins
Minor
Augmon
Tmac

[andgar923]

go ahead and laugh all you want, it's true for most of them and very arguable for the rest.

A. They were all superior leapers
B. It's arguable that all but maybe 2 had the same type of control, speed, agility etc. but if anything were right on par with Kobe's abilities.

So.... if they could all jump higher AND either have slightly better athletic abilities along/or on par.... it makes them better... no?