Jordan was never a 3 pt shooter like Kobe is. Kobe is more of a perimeter player, whereas Jordan could shoot the mid-range, but he had a tendency to drive to the rim like Lebron.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Oct 14 2006, 09:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jordan was never a 3 pt shooter like Kobe is. Kobe is more of a perimeter player, whereas Jordan could shoot the mid-range, but he had a tendency to drive to the rim like Lebron.</div> Career Jordan is a 32% 3pt shooter and Kobe is a 33% 3pt shooter. Both of them have been pretty streaky. Kobe Bryant goes to the rim a lot, just because LeBron goes to the rim a little more doesn't make me think he's anymore like Jordan. As LeBron matures you'll probably see him shoot more as he feels more comfortable with his outside shot.
Guys, Kobe Bryant is still nothing compared to Michael Jordan. I know its futile debating you melo061, so don't even reply to this (Yes, that comes off as an insult but I'm just trying to stop us from getting into an argument)As BCB said, their three point shooting percentages are very very similar, so much so that even if you give Kobe an edge, it would be miniscule and insignificant. I'll admit it is more a weapon for Kobe, although to my surprise, in recent years his three point percentages have stayed very even. Both have set three point records at some point in their career, although I think Jordan's record has been broken and Kobe's has been tied. When you look at stats, its actually amazing how comparable of three point shooters they are.In terms of overall ability, some people on this board forget that Michael Jordan in his latter Bulls years was known sorely for his supreme fadeaway jumper. Even though I believe Kobe has the best fadeaway jumper in the NBA today by a fair margin (the closest competitors being Tracy McGrady and Paul Pierce), Michael Jordan was simply a beast when it came to the fadeaway. Watching former games with him, not only could he hit the fadeaway with ease but his footwork was unparalleled. So many times I saw him step into the lane, away from his defender, and create wide open shots for himself through fadeways. I still have yet to see Kobe Bryant do that consistently.Besides the fadeaway, Michael was the definition of a more "efficient" player. As much as I hate that term, I really can't find a better way to describe it. In Kobe's incredible 2006 season, he shot 45% from the field. When Michael Jordan scored 35 PPG, he shot 53.5% from the field! Yes, you read that correctly! That is unparralleled in today's NBA game. 48% shooting for a guard is considered good today, and back then Michael Jordan was shooting 53% in an era known for being tougher defensively. I'll give Kobe credit, the game today is much slower, allowing less chance for higher scoring games. However, back then whenever the game slowed down, it was much tougher than today.Oh, and let's not forget the season before where MJ scored 37 PPG on 48% shooting.So from a scoring standpoint, MJ was a much better postplayer, scored much more efficiently (I don't care how he did it, three pointers or none, the guy shot over 50% in six of his seasons, Kobe has yet to come close once), and had a comparable if not slightly worse three point shot. Add in the fact the guy is perhaps the best scorer in the NBA Finals (Averaged 41 PPG in 1993) and Kobe shot 37% in the playoffs his entire career before his 3rd Championship of 2002, and I just don't see how Kobe is on that level yet.Don't get me wrong, I respect Kobe Bryant much more than I used to. The argument I just made would be the same against any player, Paul Pierce, TMac, DWade, LeBron, Clyde Drexler, Vince Carter, whoever. I've always felt what MJ has done is just so revolutionary, its almost unattainable.In terms of "Do they play alike?" Definately. In fact, I think the Kobe of today plays almost exactly like an early MJ except for his obvious use of the three ball. But can you honestly say Kobe Bryant has a better offensive reputoire? Yes, but only if you truly are that far up a certain player ass - in this case Kobe Bryant
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Michael Bryant @ Oct 14 2006, 01:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I wouldn't say Shaq changed the game but yeah, he has been the NBA's biggest star since MJ. He'd pretty much be it in that respect.</div>Shaq is the most dominant center in our era, and one of the most dominant of all TIME. Rules about fouls have changed to limit Shaq's effectiveness over the years, because he would just dominate people with his rare combination of speed and strength in the post.Yeah, he changed the game.
Just because he changed the rules doesn't necessarily mean he changed the game. Michael Jordan redefined the way guards and perimeter players play. Shaq on the other hand, has an absolutely unattainable style. So while I think that Shaq changes the game a tad, he definately didn't change the game like an MJ or Magic Johnson. I'm in the middle opinion of you two
My bad on saying "obviously Kobe". He's just the one that always comes up. I can see how you guys can say Duncan and Shaq.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KMartAce @ Oct 15 2006, 01:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Guys, Kobe Bryant is still nothing compared to Michael Jordan. I know its futile debating you melo061, so don't even reply to this (Yes, that comes off as an insult but I'm just trying to stop us from getting into an argument)As BCB said, their three point shooting percentages are very very similar, so much so that even if you give Kobe an edge, it would be miniscule and insignificant. I'll admit it is more a weapon for Kobe, although to my surprise, in recent years his three point percentages have stayed very even. Both have set three point records at some point in their career, although I think Jordan's record has been broken and Kobe's has been tied. When you look at stats, its actually amazing how comparable of three point shooters they are.In terms of overall ability, some people on this board forget that Michael Jordan in his latter Bulls years was known sorely for his supreme fadeaway jumper. Even though I believe Kobe has the best fadeaway jumper in the NBA today by a fair margin (the closest competitors being Tracy McGrady and Paul Pierce), Michael Jordan was simply a beast when it came to the fadeaway. Watching former games with him, not only could he hit the fadeaway with ease but his footwork was unparalleled. So many times I saw him step into the lane, away from his defender, and create wide open shots for himself through fadeways. I still have yet to see Kobe Bryant do that consistently.Besides the fadeaway, Michael was the definition of a more "efficient" player. As much as I hate that term, I really can't find a better way to describe it. In Kobe's incredible 2006 season, he shot 45% from the field. When Michael Jordan scored 35 PPG, he shot 53.5% from the field! Yes, you read that correctly! That is unparralleled in today's NBA game. 48% shooting for a guard is considered good today, and back then Michael Jordan was shooting 53% in an era known for being tougher defensively. I'll give Kobe credit, the game today is much slower, allowing less chance for higher scoring games. However, back then whenever the game slowed down, it was much tougher than today.Oh, and let's not forget the season before where MJ scored 37 PPG on 48% shooting.So from a scoring standpoint, MJ was a much better postplayer, scored much more efficiently (I don't care how he did it, three pointers or none, the guy shot over 50% in six of his seasons, Kobe has yet to come close once), and had a comparable if not slightly worse three point shot. Add in the fact the guy is perhaps the best scorer in the NBA Finals (Averaged 41 PPG in 1993) and Kobe shot 37% in the playoffs his entire career before his 3rd Championship of 2002, and I just don't see how Kobe is on that level yet.Don't get me wrong, I respect Kobe Bryant much more than I used to. The argument I just made would be the same against any player, Paul Pierce, TMac, DWade, LeBron, Clyde Drexler, Vince Carter, whoever. I've always felt what MJ has done is just so revolutionary, its almost unattainable.In terms of "Do they play alike?" Definately. In fact, I think the Kobe of today plays almost exactly like an early MJ except for his obvious use of the three ball. But can you honestly say Kobe Bryant has a better offensive reputoire? Yes, but only if you truly are that far up a certain player ass - in this case Kobe Bryant</div>Agree with what you said. That's probably a first. MJ's 3 point shooting numbers are decieving because 1- Only played 17 games in 94-95 in which he shot 50%2- in 1995-1996 the 3 point line was shortened. He shot .427. You also have to remember the type of 3 pointers kobe takes. Kobe simply takes difficult shots and as a result all his percentages are down.Why I said Kobe's game is more diverse because he is both perimeter based and can attack the rim anytime he wants. He also has a fadeaway which only MJ is better at. That's the reason why kobes' game is more diverse. Kobe's an elite slasher/shooter. MJ was never an elite shooter. This isn't an argument, just some stuff I want you to clarify. I think you misunderstood my whole post.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Melo061 @ Oct 14 2006, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why I said Kobe's game is more diverse because he is both perimeter based and can attack the rim anytime he wants. He also has a fadeaway which only MJ is better at. That's the reason why kobes' game is more diverse. Kobe's an elite slasher/shooter. MJ was never an elite shooter. This isn't an argument, just some stuff I want you to clarify. I think you misunderstood my whole post.</div>Michael Jordan had perhaps the greatest mid-range shot ever. If that doesn't make him an elite shooter, I don't kno what does.Anyhow, perhaps I misunderstood your post. Oh well, just my 2 cents on the matter
I would say the player that will take over as the next MJ is definitely going to be Lebron. All of you are saying Kobe but its just not going to happen. He is not going to be able to win another championship in this League with this many other good teams in the league. He needs some help down in LA. And the reason I say that he needs another chamionship is because he was the sidekick in all 3 and as soon as Shaq left, he got a championship very soon. That doesn't look to good on Kobe's part considering Dwyane was the one that came out with the Finals MVP on that one. If Kobe can win a championship or 2 by himself I think that he will be compared very closley to MJ, but I just dont find that happening. Lebron WILL get at least 3 Championships when his career is said and done and he WILL be the best player on his team considering he is already one of the top 2 or 3 players in the league. He will hit the game winners and he will put up fenominal numbers just like MJ did. Their game might not be identical but thats not what this comparison is all about. MJ was a winner and Lebron will be too. Im not saying that Kobe wasnt or isnt a winner, but he had Shaq who was the heart and soul of that team.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KMartAce @ Oct 14 2006, 12:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Just because he changed the rules doesn't necessarily mean he changed the game. Michael Jordan redefined the way guards and perimeter players play. Shaq on the other hand, has an absolutely unattainable style. So while I think that Shaq changes the game a tad, he definately didn't change the game like an MJ or Magic Johnson. I'm in the middle opinion of you two</div><span style="font-family:Book Antiqua"> :HAHAHA: So, if a player causes the League to change the rules and pretty much causes highschool (AAU) and college (NCAA) leagues to change rules, that player hasn't changed the game? Shaq changed the mentality of the game to a certain extent. If anyone causes reason for officials to change the rules, then that player has changed the game.</span>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Illosophee @ Oct 15 2006, 03:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-family:Book Antiqua"> :HAHAHA: So, if a player causes the League to change the rules and pretty much causes highschool (AAU) and college (NCAA) leagues to change rules, that player hasn't changed the game? Shaq changed the mentality of the game to a certain extent. If anyone causes reason for officials to change the rules, then that player has changed the game.</span></div>What rules did he change?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KMartAce @ Oct 15 2006, 09:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What rules did he change? </div><span style="font-family:Book Antiqua">Hack-A-Shaq is like a new rule, man..I seriously don't know. I only responded because I read your post where you said that if someone changes the rules of the game, he doesn't change the game. I also realized that you used Shaq as an example, so I used Shaq as an example. "To a certain extent" meaning that Shaq only triggered the lanes, I guess. Big man stays in... Shaq changed the way the courts are, too. The hoops are nailed down stronger, so Shaq won't break the sh*t again like he did (twice) in his rookie season.</span>
Considering all aspects of the game... championships, offensive ability, defensive ability and clutch ability, it's Kobe. He is extremely well rounded, and his greatest attributes are the same as MJ. He is the only one of the top 3 swingmen who are similar to MJ (Kobe, Wade and LeBron) that can play elite defense that MJ played, and he has 3 rings and a ton of GW shots. Not to mention his 36PPG year is the best since MJ of the '80's.But if you were to give me a tape of Bron, Kobe and Wade, and then gave me a tape of MJ, I'd say Wade reminds me the most of MJ in how he plays, specifically early in MJ's career. Very athletic, very drive-oriented, doesn't shoot 3 well but has a reliable midrange game....and takes over games and comes up in clutch on the biggest stages just like MJ did. LeBron is the least like MJ, but that doesn't matter....he WILL be our era's best player, and our era's MJ, despite not playing like him. If he learns to play defense at an all-defensive level and improves ability in clutch, and somehow gets a ring or 2, he WILL go down as a top 3 player all time. He already has amazing scoring ability, he is already the best passer/has best court vision in the league not named Kidd or Nash. He is already a fantastic rebounder, and already has shown he can carry teams to playoffs and then some.....guys, he's only 21 years old!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Illosophee @ Oct 15 2006, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-family:Book Antiqua">Hack-A-Shaq is like a new rule, man..I seriously don't know. I only responded because I read your post where you said that if someone changes the rules of the game, he doesn't change the game. I also realized that you used Shaq as an example, so I used Shaq as an example. "To a certain extent" meaning that Shaq only triggered the lanes, I guess. Big man stays in... Shaq changed the way the courts are, too. The hoops are nailed down stronger, so Shaq won't break the sh*t again like he did (twice) in his rookie season.</span></div>Dude, you gotta bring some better material than that. Hack-A-Shaq only effect Shaq, and didn't change anyone elses style of play. And he changed the way the hoops are nailed? HaHa. I'll give you that.
It's easy!Kobe or LeBron!Kobe is one great player I think if he passed that rock a few times he could be the MVP!LeBron can do it all these two are really close, even tho alot of u think Kobe is the best "ever" or "the best now" or withe. Fact is James is really close to him they are both great but if it came down to it I would take James.
