Comments on: Why Kobe Bryant is the Jordan of today http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/ Your Sports Opinion Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:49:06 +0000 hourly 1 By: ohtani's jacket http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-238419 ohtani's jacket Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:38:50 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-238419 Neither Kobe or Lebron have that killer streak that Jordan had. Lebron has the potential to be a world wide star if he can ever win a championship with Cleveland, but it was really those three peats and constant MVP awards that catapaulted Jordan into the stratosphere. I don't think Lebron has it in him. Neither Kobe or Lebron have that killer streak that Jordan had. Lebron has the potential to be a world wide star if he can ever win a championship with Cleveland, but it was really those three peats and constant MVP awards that catapaulted Jordan into the stratosphere. I don’t think Lebron has it in him.

]]> By: mushi http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-235880 mushi Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:44:29 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-235880 The only reason kobe should be talked about in the same breathe is to say: Kobe was no Michael Jordan. The only reason kobe should be talked about in the same breathe is to say: Kobe was no Michael Jordan.

]]> By: Thorny http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-235783 Thorny Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:54:10 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-235783 Being both a Kobe and MJ fan, I have come to see that they appear to have some of the same traits. I thought MJ was the most squeaky clean superstar on the planet and he completely trancended the sport, people who did not follow the NBA or Basketball could still pick MJ out of a lineup in the 90's. Kobe won't get to this stage as he doesn't come across in the media as a fun lovin' guy that you would love to be around as MJ did. After reading 'The Jordan Rules' and 'When Nothing Else Matters: Michael Jordan's Last Comeback', I discoved that he was a pretty horrible team mate unless you were as competitive as him. Kobe's apparent treatment of his teammates during the non-championship years appear to reflect this. It is dissapointing, but I agree that Kobe will never get anywhere near as much respect as MJ did for his titles because he got them so early and he was the second best player on the team for the first 3. It took MJ a few years to get his title and he was always the best player on the team. 4 titles is an amazing effort though and there are plenty of superstars who never even got one title (Barkley, Ewing, Malone), so I think he should definately be talked about in the same breath as MJ, although I doubt he will ever surpass MJ for titles (although there's still time), stats or have everyone love him even when he clearly shows fairly major character flaws. I wonder if Kobe will have as much trouble adjusting to retirement that MJ is having? Kobe is all about basketball, 24/7, what else could possibly motivate you after all the crowds have stopped cheering your name? Being both a Kobe and MJ fan, I have come to see that they appear to have some of the same traits. I thought MJ was the most squeaky clean superstar on the planet and he completely trancended the sport, people who did not follow the NBA or Basketball could still pick MJ out of a lineup in the 90′s. Kobe won’t get to this stage as he doesn’t come across in the media as a fun lovin’ guy that you would love to be around as MJ did.

After reading ‘The Jordan Rules’ and ‘When Nothing Else Matters: Michael Jordan’s Last Comeback’, I discoved that he was a pretty horrible team mate unless you were as competitive as him. Kobe’s apparent treatment of his teammates during the non-championship years appear to reflect this.

It is dissapointing, but I agree that Kobe will never get anywhere near as much respect as MJ did for his titles because he got them so early and he was the second best player on the team for the first 3. It took MJ a few years to get his title and he was always the best player on the team. 4 titles is an amazing effort though and there are plenty of superstars who never even got one title (Barkley, Ewing, Malone), so I think he should definately be talked about in the same breath as MJ, although I doubt he will ever surpass MJ for titles (although there’s still time), stats or have everyone love him even when he clearly shows fairly major character flaws.

I wonder if Kobe will have as much trouble adjusting to retirement that MJ is having? Kobe is all about basketball, 24/7, what else could possibly motivate you after all the crowds have stopped cheering your name?

]]> By: mushi http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-235690 mushi Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:27:22 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-235690 Yep Kobe is the SG of the decade MJ is the Captain off the Hall of fame team with Magic, Bird, Wilt and Kareem (and I’m playing two centres because Malone can’t get in front of Kareem and Russell) In terms of team of the decade who would get the point guard? I think shaq and Duncan grab their own spots with the championship rings, Kobe definitely gets the nod at the 2. Lebron has probably been the Best SF for all but his rookie year (and that is debatable) but at the point is it Nash or Kidd? I love the suns style of Basketball but I think Kidd gets the nod for consistent production. Whilst Paul arrived a fraction too late I think to take it away from either of them Yep Kobe is the SG of the decade MJ is the Captain off the Hall of fame team with Magic, Bird, Wilt and Kareem (and I’m playing two centres because Malone can’t get in front of Kareem and Russell)

In terms of team of the decade who would get the point guard? I think shaq and Duncan grab their own spots with the championship rings, Kobe definitely gets the nod at the 2. Lebron has probably been the Best SF for all but his rookie year (and that is debatable) but at the point is it Nash or Kidd?

I love the suns style of Basketball but I think Kidd gets the nod for consistent production. Whilst Paul arrived a fraction too late I think to take it away from either of them

]]> By: True Tah http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234992 True Tah Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:27:13 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234992 My favourite MJ story was that he was travelling with the Bulls on a plane and when they got to the airport, he bet some of his team members that his luggage would arrive before theirs. His luggage did arrive before theirs and it turned out Jordan had paid the luggage handlers to make sure his was first! OJ growing up, the NBA was one of the premier comps in the world, certainly when I was at school and you said Bulls, you could only mean the Chicago Bulls. Now if you said it, Im sure a lot of people (well in Sydney) may think you're talking about a South African rugby team. My favourite MJ story was that he was travelling with the Bulls on a plane and when they got to the airport, he bet some of his team members that his luggage would arrive before theirs. His luggage did arrive before theirs and it turned out Jordan had paid the luggage handlers to make sure his was first!

OJ growing up, the NBA was one of the premier comps in the world, certainly when I was at school and you said Bulls, you could only mean the Chicago Bulls. Now if you said it, Im sure a lot of people (well in Sydney) may think you’re talking about a South African rugby team.

]]> By: ohtani's jacket http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234981 ohtani's jacket Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:13:51 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234981 Forgot to add that the media never warmed to Kobe. Jordan charmed the media guys like he did everyone else. Hence all those MVP titles, though to be fair Jordan deserved even more than he got. Forgot to add that the media never warmed to Kobe. Jordan charmed the media guys like he did everyone else. Hence all those MVP titles, though to be fair Jordan deserved even more than he got.

]]> By: ohtani's jacket http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234980 ohtani's jacket Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:12:15 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234980 You need to take into account how carefully Jordan controlled and marketed his image. Nothing -- and I mean nothing -- was left to chance. If you look at the business side of Michael Jordan's career, it was one of the most carefully orchestrated marketing and promoting campaigns in the history of sport. He was without a doubt the most image conscious sportsman in history. His Achilles' heel was gambling and when that threatened his image they shifted him off to minor league baseball. The Colorado rape allegations could've destroyed Kobe Bryant's career. In the end, he was let off, but he was never gonna be like Mike after that. But it's a different era. Jordan came along at exactly the right time. The Bird/Magic era had revitalised the NBA from death's door during the 70s and the global age was dawning. Kobe is recognised as the best player in a league where there's not the same depth or rivalries as there were in the late 80s/early 90s. He won his solo title beating the Magic. Big deal. Compare that to Jordan's '91 title and there's hardly a story there. He's only got a couple of more top level years left. He needs to win another couple of titles to cement his legacy, but he was All-NBA for this decade. You need to take into account how carefully Jordan controlled and marketed his image. Nothing — and I mean nothing — was left to chance. If you look at the business side of Michael Jordan’s career, it was one of the most carefully orchestrated marketing and promoting campaigns in the history of sport. He was without a doubt the most image conscious sportsman in history. His Achilles’ heel was gambling and when that threatened his image they shifted him off to minor league baseball. The Colorado rape allegations could’ve destroyed Kobe Bryant’s career. In the end, he was let off, but he was never gonna be like Mike after that.

But it’s a different era. Jordan came along at exactly the right time. The Bird/Magic era had revitalised the NBA from death’s door during the 70s and the global age was dawning. Kobe is recognised as the best player in a league where there’s not the same depth or rivalries as there were in the late 80s/early 90s. He won his solo title beating the Magic. Big deal. Compare that to Jordan’s ’91 title and there’s hardly a story there. He’s only got a couple of more top level years left. He needs to win another couple of titles to cement his legacy, but he was All-NBA for this decade.

]]> By: mushi http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234957 mushi Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:31:47 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234957 Just rationalising. Whilst yes I think MJ gets a free ride (but the worm is turning after his induction speech) there are many differences that work against kobe. 1. he just flat out isn’t as good so you are basically forced by delusional lakers fans to constantly seek out his faults or avoid talking about him 2. His handling of the rape allegations was callous and immature 3. He regularly throws his team mates under the bus publicly 4. He quits, comparing his drive to Jordan’s is ridiculous. The 2007/08 finals he gave up. He has both refused to shoot and refused to pass to prove a point about his game. The point being that everyone knowing how important he is to the lakers is actually more important to him than winning the game. 5. The trade demand He is a quality player, one of the best in the league, but I took him in one of my fantasy leagues and am now torn. Just rationalising. Whilst yes I think MJ gets a free ride (but the worm is turning after his induction speech) there are many differences that work against kobe.

1. he just flat out isn’t as good so you are basically forced by delusional lakers fans to constantly seek out his faults or avoid talking about him
2. His handling of the rape allegations was callous and immature
3. He regularly throws his team mates under the bus publicly
4. He quits, comparing his drive to Jordan’s is ridiculous. The 2007/08 finals he gave up. He has both refused to shoot and refused to pass to prove a point about his game. The point being that everyone knowing how important he is to the lakers is actually more important to him than winning the game.
5. The trade demand

He is a quality player, one of the best in the league, but I took him in one of my fantasy leagues and am now torn.

]]> By: Gibbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234931 Gibbo Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:56:11 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234931 are u sure people dont like him because of that one time he raped a girl? do i need to put an "allegedly" in there? i got nothing to sue for... are u sure people dont like him because of that one time he raped a girl?

do i need to put an “allegedly” in there? i got nothing to sue for…

]]> By: Hoy http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234792 Hoy Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:57:23 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234792 Watched Shaq last night. I am by no means a basketball officianado, but he is well past it now, and will not be helping James to any championship. Slow up and down the court, got to the ends late because of that, every shot I saw missed, was ineffectual at best with his screening. Now I know he is getting long in the tooth, but maybe that means it is time to give it away. Watched Shaq last night. I am by no means a basketball officianado, but he is well past it now, and will not be helping James to any championship.

Slow up and down the court, got to the ends late because of that, every shot I saw missed, was ineffectual at best with his screening.

Now I know he is getting long in the tooth, but maybe that means it is time to give it away.

]]> By: fox http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234750 fox Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:28:22 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234750 Lebron is putting up better numbers (in terms of +/- and PER) earlier in his career than Kobe and will surpass him. Today I'd already pick him over Kobe. I am not disrespecting Kobe by saying this, but Lebron is more capable of challenging Mike from a statistical point of view. If he manages to win some championships then he's a shoe-in to be held up there with Mike. Kobe will not come close to Jordan at the end of his career on any measure that mean anything. Statistics, of course, can always be disputed and certainly Kobe is a better player nopw than he was 5 years ago when he commanded too many shots and would score 50 on a losing team, but Mike never had this problem - he always made the players around him look better. Kobe only discovered this later in his career and this is why he's no Jordan. If you want a good fantasy pick, try Kevin Durant as your SF. He'll put up big numbers on a weak Oklahoma team. Lebron is putting up better numbers (in terms of +/- and PER) earlier in his career than Kobe and will surpass him. Today I’d already pick him over Kobe. I am not disrespecting Kobe by saying this, but Lebron is more capable of challenging Mike from a statistical point of view. If he manages to win some championships then he’s a shoe-in to be held up there with Mike. Kobe will not come close to Jordan at the end of his career on any measure that mean anything. Statistics, of course, can always be disputed and certainly Kobe is a better player nopw than he was 5 years ago when he commanded too many shots and would score 50 on a losing team, but Mike never had this problem – he always made the players around him look better. Kobe only discovered this later in his career and this is why he’s no Jordan.

If you want a good fantasy pick, try Kevin Durant as your SF. He’ll put up big numbers on a weak Oklahoma team.

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234739 Knives Out Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:12:04 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234739 Is dancing with MJ cool these days? I'm not really sure anymore. I forgot that Bill Murray was in 'Space Jam'. What a guy. Is dancing with MJ cool these days? I’m not really sure anymore. I forgot that Bill Murray was in ‘Space Jam’. What a guy.

]]> By: katzilla http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234713 katzilla Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:44:01 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234713 And he got to dance with Michael Jackson too. And he got to dance with Michael Jackson too.

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234706 Knives Out Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:37:02 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234706 http://www.soleredemption.com/pics/2006/04/MikeSpaceJam.jpg Kobe why?! http://www.soleredemption.com/pics/2006/04/MikeSpaceJam.jpg

Kobe why?!

]]> By: katzilla http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/29/why-kobe-bryant-is-the-jordan-of-today/comment-page-1/#comment-234689 katzilla Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:13:15 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24751#comment-234689 I don't like Kobe either but I guess the stats don't lie. He definately an easy choice for a Fantasy Pick in the regular season. Is he MJ? I don't reckon so. MJs playoff career was better, which meant when it came to the crunch MJ stepped up. Kobe only averages 25points/game in post season. Nothing to scoff at I know but 8 points worse off then his regular season points tally. His Assists tend to go down also which tells you hes passing the ball less and making less shots, either that or hes passing it to the wrong people. MJ on the other hand, his playoff average went up (on almost all seasons) over his regular season score and his Assists most of the time did too. I don’t like Kobe either but I guess the stats don’t lie.
He definately an easy choice for a Fantasy Pick in the regular season.

Is he MJ? I don’t reckon so.

MJs playoff career was better, which meant when it came to the crunch MJ stepped up.
Kobe only averages 25points/game in post season. Nothing to scoff at I know but 8 points worse off then his regular season points tally.
His Assists tend to go down also which tells you hes passing the ball less and making less shots, either that or hes passing it to the wrong people.
MJ on the other hand, his playoff average went up (on almost all seasons) over his regular season score and his Assists most of the time did too.

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