<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">His footwork in the post is more polished than Jordan's. It allows Kobe to have more counter moves once the defender reacts. Kobe has more versatility in his mid-range game than Jordan had. Kobe is better at finishing with his left hand than Jordan ever was. </div> I agree.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFxXSXGd4hs Footwork..yes, however, Jordan drained things OVER people...he made his shot despite his sometimes sloppy footwork. "Kobe has more versatility in his mid-range game than Jordan" Explain that...Kobe tries to imitate Jordan....Jordan made shots all over the place...He revolutionized the clutch shot and dunks, mastered the fadeway, was a clever shooter, stole the ball all the time...and more.
The only one who comes close is Wade in terms of mental toughness. Combine Kobe's athletic ability with Wade's mental toughness with Steve Nash's ability to get everyone follow his lead and that's Jordan. Jordan has defined competitiveness in the modern era. Don't forget that in tennis and golf alone, the two most dominant players right now idolized Jordan. (Woods and Federer). if you're talking one-on-one, who cares? one-on-one is boring.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">His footwork in the post is more polished than Jordan's. It allows Kobe to have more counter moves once the defender reacts. Kobe has more versatility in his mid-range game than Jordan had. Kobe is better at finishing with his left hand than Jordan ever was.</div> True, but Jordan was the best player in the game!!!!! The best..... he invented all of those moves, so you can't really compare Kobe to Jordan. Kobe is more of a spot up shooter with going flow of the game, but on the other hand Jordan had better Basketball IQ. To me MJ is the best ever Hands down. And the only person who can come closer to MJ will be Lebron. Kobe is there but not in my book.
<div class="quote_poster">23MJordan23 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFxXSXGd4hs Footwork..yes, however, Jordan drained things OVER people...he made his shot despite his sometimes sloppy footwork. "Kobe has more versatility in his mid-range game than Jordan" Explain that...Kobe tries to imitate Jordan....Jordan made shots all over the place...He revolutionized the clutch shot and dunks, mastered the fadeway, was a clever shooter, stole the ball all the time...and more.</div> He made those difficult shots because he was a better athlete than Kobe. Jordan's athleticism made up for mistakes he made on the court. Kobe is not as athletic so he relies more on technique, which to me equates to being the better skilled player. Kobe's mid-range game is more versatile because of the angles Kobe can get a shot off from. I've seen both play live, but Kobe has more areas of "comfort" on the court than Jordan did. Jordan mastered the fadeaway, but Kobe took Jordan's fadeaway and added his own counter moves to it. Jordan's fadeaway relied on Jordan backing his man down and feeling which side the defender was cheating towards, and Jordan would go the opposite direction with an explosive first step. Kobe can not only hit his fadeaway backing down a defender, but also facing up on him and using footwork to cause the defender to lean the wrong way. Kobe's counter moves to the fadeaway, is using a drop step, or spin to get even closer to the basket once his defender leaves his feet. When Kobe is facing up on a fadeaway jumpshot he will use a swing through move under the defenders arms, to draw the foul and still hit his jumpshot.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Explain that...Kobe tries to imitate Jordan....Jordan made shots all over the place...He revolutionized the clutch shot and dunks, mastered the fadeway, was a clever shooter, stole the ball all the time...and more. </div> Jordan > Kobe....I don't think anyone is trying to argue that, but when it comes to "pure" offensive skill an argument can be made...one play that stands out in particular is at the '06 allstar game when Kobe made this amazing in between the legs play between two players and then drained a fade away jumper
<div class="quote_poster">LBJ2006MVP Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">True, but Jordan was the best player in the game!!!!! The best..... he invented all of those moves, so you can't really compare Kobe to Jordan. Kobe is more of a spot up shooter with going flow of the game, but on the other hand Jordan had better Basketball IQ. To me MJ is the best ever Hands down. And the only person who can come closer to MJ will be Lebron. Kobe is there but not in my book.</div> Kobe is a spot up shooter? I don't even think you watch him play making a statement like that. Jordan invented those moves, but Kobe can do the same moves with more refined footwork and movement, plus expanded on those moves. Kobe is the more skilled player because of it. How do you figure Jordan has a higher basketball IQ? I'd say they are on par with one another, I'd even argue Kobe's is higher, because Jordan made up for his mistakes with his athleticism and explosiveness. LeBron doesn't remind me of Jordan at all. His role is entirely different, and LeBron isn't the defender Jordan or Kobe are. He makes no impact on the defensive end. His FT shooting is horrendous for the go-to guy on the floor. LeBron will have the benefit of playing heavy minutes early in his career, he'll probably shatter a lot of scoring records, but I think Wade resembles Jordan far more than LeBron I do agree, Jordan is the best of All Time, and would dominate any era of basketball.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">but I think Wade resembles Jordan far more than LeBron </div> I actually think Wade resembles Jordan (as far their style of play) more than anyone that I've ever seen.....
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe is a spot up shooter? I don't even think you watch him play making a statement like that. Jordan invented those moves, but Kobe can do the same moves with more refined footwork and movement, plus expanded on those moves. Kobe is the more skilled player because of it. How do you figure Jordan has a higher basketball IQ? I'd say they are on par with one another, I'd even argue Kobe's is higher, because Jordan made up for his mistakes with his athleticism and explosiveness. LeBron doesn't remind me of Jordan at all. His role is entirely different, and LeBron isn't the defender Jordan or Kobe are. He makes no impact on the defensive end. His FT shooting is horrendous for the go-to guy on the floor. LeBron will have the benefit of playing heavy minutes early in his career, he'll probably shatter a lot of scoring records, but I think Wade resembles Jordan far more than LeBron I do agree, Jordan is the best of All Time, and would dominate any era of basketball.</div> Well Kobe seems to me like a spot up shooter .... if he hits one impossible shot he keeps jacking them up while sometimes forgeting that the lane is open to drive in. Jordan always looks at his teammates first then he shot or most of the time dunked on someone. As many game winners Jordan had in the playoffs makes him smarter in my opinion, because he doesn't go down under pressure. Looking back at the Game 7 or 6 of SUNS VS LAKERS .... Kobe was shut down completely. He didn't even attempt to drive in ..... and gave up on the game. Jordan wouldn't ever give up on a game that was his attitude. Anyway way I see Lebron more of a Jordan type of player because no one can stop him when he tries to drive in. I mean no one!!!!! and don't forget that he is only 21!!!! Most rookies in nba are 21. Kobe is getting to 31 or something 2 OR 3 years left but I don't see him him passing the 2nd Round of playoffs and winning it all, while scoring 60 points. HE AIN'T JORDAN!!!!!
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Well Kobe seems to me like a spot up shooter .... if he hits one impossible shot he keeps jacking them up while sometimes forgeting that the lane is open to drive in. Jordan always looks at his teammates first then he shot or most of the time dunked on someone. As many game winners Jordan had in the playoffs makes him smarter in my opinion, because he doesn't go down under pressure. Looking back at the Game 7 or 6 of SUNS VS LAKERS .... Kobe was shut down completely. He didn't even attempt to drive in ..... and gave up on the game. Jordan wouldn't ever give up on a game that was his attitude. Anyway way I see Lebron more of a Jordan type of player because no one can stop him when he tries to drive in. I mean no one!!!!! and don't forget that he is only 21!!!! Most rookies in nba are 21. Kobe is getting to 31 or something 2 OR 3 years left but I don't see him him passing the 2nd Round of playoffs and winning it all, while scoring 60 points. HE AIN'T JORDAN!!!!!</div> please don't turn this into a Kobe vs. Lebron thing...I agree Jordan penetrates more (which is why I say Wade resembles his game the most) but when it comes to creating his shot, Kobe is as good as it gets imo.
<div class="quote_poster">LBJ2006MVP Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well Kobe seems to me like a spot up shooter .... if he hits one impossible shot he keeps jacking them up while sometimes forgeting that the lane is open to drive in. Jordan always looks at his teammates first then he shot or most of the time dunked on someone. As many game winners Jordan had in the playoffs makes him smarter in my opinion, because he doesn't go down under pressure. Looking back at the Game 7 or 6 of SUNS VS LAKERS .... Kobe was shut down completely. He didn't even attempt to drive in ..... and gave up on the game. Jordan wouldn't ever give up on a game that was his attitude. Anyway way I see Lebron more of a Jordan type of player because no one can stop him when he tries to drive in. I mean no one!!!!! and don't forget that he is only 21!!!! Most rookies in nba are 21. Kobe is getting to 31 or something 2 OR 3 years left but I don't see him him passing the 2nd Round of playoffs and winning it all, while scoring 60 points. HE AIN'T JORDAN!!!!!</div> I don't think you know the definition of a spot up shooter than. Steve Kerr is a spot up shooter, Jason Kapono is a spot up shooter. These are players who need others to create shots for them. Kobe is the complete opposite, Kobe can create his on shot anytime he wants. Did it ever occur to you Jordan took it to the basket more because he knew his jumper wasn't consistent? Kobe doesn't need to take it to the basket as much, because Kobe has a reliable jumpshot from 25 feet out. Kobe also looks for his teammates, again I don't think you watch him for an entire game. Kobe wasn't shutdown, what are you talking about? Kobe was doing all the scoring in Game 7 in the 1st half and his team was down by 15 points. At halftime the coaching staff felt the only way to get back in the game is to get EVERYONE involved. His teammates were mentally defeated after losing Game 6, his teammates didn't show up for Game 7, you can't put the blame on Kobe for that. No one can stop LeBron, because LeBron is a freak of nature. LeBron is the least skilled by far out of the three. I'm sure he'll eventually improve his technique, but LeBron is far from being polished. I still argue Wade is the closest to the way Jordan plays. He puts so much pressure on the defender to keep him out of the lane. He has the same explosive quick step Jordan had, and has a strong uppperbody to take a hit and complete the And1 opportunity. Wade is relentless at attacking the rim, just like Jordan was. LeBron's game is completely different, he doesn't force his offensive will on a team. He tries to make the right decisions with the ball and play the percentages, instead of grabbing hold of a game by himself. Kobe not passing the 2nd Round or winning another title, isn't squarely his responsibility. Basketball is a team game, and Kobe can only do so much for the players around him. This year the Lakers were fighting for a Top 3 seed in the West, before the injuries started taking place. They are closer than you might think to being back at championship level.
Jordan reminds me of a mix between Kobe and Wade. His range is somewhere in between those two. His ability to explode past his defender(s) and get shots off around the basket was more like Wade than Kobe. He was more aggressive going after steals and blocks like Wade. He had the unstoppable fadeaway like Kobe. The polished footwork and post moves, like Kobe. And I'd say MJ, Kobe, and Wade all share similar "killer instincts."
Jordan and Kobe are pretty much equal now in my books. Maybe Jordan still has a slight edge, but Kobe still has tons of basketball left in the tank
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jordan and Kobe are pretty much equal now in my books</div> not ready to say that yet, lol....Kobe still hasn't broken my top 10 list yet (not in order) 1. Wilt 2. Russell 3. Jordan 4. Bird 5. Magic 6. Hakeem 7. Oscar 8. Shaq 9. Kareem 10. Duncan
And what would it take for Kobe to break your top 10? Scoring 100 points? I don't see how you can rank Tim Duncan ahead of Kobe, but each to their own I guess
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">And what would it take for Kobe to break your top 10? Scoring 100 points? I don't see how you can rank Tim Duncan ahead of Kobe, but each to their own I guess</div> Duncan has accomplished a lot Brian. He has won the MVP award, he has the rings, he's the most dominant two-way post player of this generation.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Duncan has accomplished a lot Brian. He has won the MVP award, he has the rings, he's the most dominant two-way post player of this generation.</div> But I still wouldn't rate him above Kobe. But like I said, each to their own...
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">And what would it take for Kobe to break your top 10? Scoring 100 points? I don't see how you can rank Tim Duncan ahead of Kobe, but each to their own I guess</div> Right now Kobe stands at 3 in my book. He used to be at 6 Dwayne Wade just because he won the title last year. LeBron James Kobe Bryant Dirk Nowitzki Steve Nash Tim Duncan Allen Iverson Kevin Garnett Gilbert Arenas Carmelo Anthony Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls The man they call "Air Jordan" was very simply the game's most dominant force in the 80's and 90's and very well may be the greatest ever to play the game. Jordan's many notable accomplishments include six championships, five MVP awards, six NBA Finals MVP awards, 10-time All-NBA First Team selections, nine-time All-NBA First Defensive Team selection and 11 NBA All-Star Games. Jordan's honors could take up the entire SMR and the highlights could run for hours and hours. When it comes to Jordan and his game, the word "amazing" isn't enough. His place in the game is permanently etched at the top and his retirement may have come too soon for fans. Jordan left the NBA as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play the game and it will stay that way for a long time.
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">And what would it take for Kobe to break your top 10? Scoring 100 points? I don't see how you can rank Tim Duncan ahead of Kobe, but each to their own I guess</div> Big man have a lot more value. He's brought his team rings both the Admiral and without. He plays good defense every time down the floor, has a great offensive game. Excellent composure, excellent leadership, and a very unselfish player. If you had to either pick TD or Kobe to start a franchise, with the goal of winning a ring, would you really take Kobe? TBH there is quite a few players I'd take over Duncan, but Kobe isn't one of them. Needless to say, DREAM played his cards well. And he changed my opinion atleast. As far as the closest player to Jordan. It's most definitely Wade. Because his game is so similar. Right now, Wade doesn't have the skill to play like Kobe, and frankly even if he did, I don't think he would. It's so hard to compare Kobe/Wade to Jordan because none of them are. They're different players. Wade just plays slightly more similar to Jordan because of his skill sets, which is exactly what Kobe does, he just plays the way Kobe Bryant can play. I don't think they're trying to emulate Jordan, they're just trying to play good basketball.
<div class="quote_poster">LBJ2006MVP Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Right now Kobe stands at 3 in my book. He used to be at 6 Dwayne Wade LeBron James Kobe Bryant Dirk Nowitzki Steve Nash Tim Duncan Allen Iverson Kevin Garnett Gilbert Arenas Carmelo Anthony Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls The man they call "Air Jordan" was very simply the game's most dominant force in the 80's and 90's and very well may be the greatest ever to play the game. Jordan's many notable accomplishments include six championships, five MVP awards, six NBA Finals MVP awards, 10-time All-NBA First Team selections, nine-time All-NBA First Defensive Team selection and 11 NBA All-Star Games. Jordan's honors could take up the entire SMR and the highlights could run for hours and hours. When it comes to Jordan and his game, the word "amazing" isn't enough. His place in the game is permanently etched at the top and his retirement may have come too soon for fans. Jordan left the NBA as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play the game and it will stay that way for a long time.</div> For lack of a better word, your list sucks. Seriously, how can you rank Wade ahead of everyone in the league. The Heat are winning more with Shaq than Wade this season. The Heat weren't even playing .500 basketball when Shaq was out, in the EAST. LeBron is not better than Nash, Dirk, Duncan, or Kobe. You can't have the best two players in the league being from the lEastern Conference.
