If you had to build a team around one or the other... who would you pick? Right now, skill level right now, age and everything. How they are playing right now. I would take Roy HANDS DOWN!!! I am not being a homer either. If you would have asked me this even in the pre-season, I would say Kobe. But the way Roy continues to improve and impress, you have got to take Roy. What would you guys do?
I think you guys have got some homer glasses on. Roy's extremely good, will be an allstar most of his career but come on. I'd take Kobe and not think twice.
Really? You'd take Kobe RIGHT NOW over Roy to build a team around? And not "think twice?" Despite the large age discrepancy? Odd. EDIT: Large age discrepancy mostly means "mileage"
Agreed. Not a knock on Roy, but Kobe's one of the best players ever and he's still in his prime. Ed O.
Yes, unless I misunderstood the question. I took it to mean right now, as in one season, as they are right now. If I'm trying to build a franchise looking ahead, then I'd take the younger guy.
Roy has more of an injury history than Kobe -- so I think that evens out the age discrepency. You have to take Kobe, but Roy's still a great player.
I'm a homer. I'm biased. I can't stand Kobe. I'll take Brandon especially after last night. And plus at 24, Kobe was too busy trying to steal the star treatment and spotlight away from Shaq, too busy trying to take MJ one on one in their matchups, and wanted to be the MVP, All-Star game MVP, scoring title, getting his points every game and trying to prove the Lakers could win when Shaq wasn't there. The me, me, me stuff turns me off.
Kobe is the better player, but he's older and has more mileage. So, if I'm understanding the question correctly, I'd take Roy right now. He's only in his third season and isn't anywhere near his prime (guards usually are in their prime between 27-31). Much more upside with Brandon at this point. -Pop
When you score on Kobe it's damn personal to him and he makes your whole team pay for it!!! The game against the Kings was the first time I saw Brandon get the ball stolen and looked pissed, and get it right back in the same play. When Roy does that nightly the way Kobe does I'll say they are on par with each other. Kobe is playing against himself most nights, Roy is not there yet but I see it coming. Yet let's be honest, Kobe is a pure killer and is every bit as good as Jordan now. You may not like him but respect his skills cause he's a foundation to this game now. I can't stand the Lakers or Kobe's swagger, but he actually can back it. Kobe for now, but I think Roy is speeding up in his review mirror!
I respect Kobe's game, intensity, drive, etc. He's an amazing player, and possibly the best in the world, but he is definitely not "every bit as good as Jordan now". No way, no how. That said: for one, two or maybe three seasons? I take Kobe. For the rest of their respective careers? I take Roy.
I'd take Roy to build a franchise around, due to his being much younger. Kobe is significantly better right now, of course. Roy has closed the gap more than I ever expected and may still have some upside left. I don't expect him ever to reach Kobe's level, but it's no longer crazy to think Roy may end up at a Hall of Fame level too (there are, obviously, different levels of Hall of Famer).
So Roy has one 50 point game and it's Roy over Kobe? Kobe is a fucking killer. He does what Roy did night in and night out 24/7. He's a monster and I would take Kobe over Roy any day.
Kobe may well be one of the Top 10 players in NBA history and is still in his prime. It has to be Bryant. Not an insult to Roy at all though. James and Bryant are the only two guards I would pick over Roy at this point, and that includes Chris Paul.
