Ask anyone that's 22 years old or younger whose better, and they would probably all say Kobe Bryant. Why? Well, the last impression they saw of Michael Jordan was that with the Washington Wizards, which being well past his prime he still managed to avg 22 ppg. So, with all the comparisons that people make, I decided to breakdown the two players and tell you who the best is.
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are similar in many ways. They both stand 6 feet 6 inches and play the shooting guard position. They have won multiple championships under the same head coach. Both players have the ability to lead their teams to victory. They have a lot of similarities, but there are also a lot of differences which set the two apart.
When Michael Jordan entered the league many felt he was explosive like that of a Doctor J. However, that was the only comparison the 2 players had. Michael Jordan didn't pattern his game around anyone else. As a matter of fact he brought trends to the game. One of the first athletes to shave his head bald, the bagging shorts, and how could one ever forget the tongue. However, when I see Kobe Bryant I see a spitting image of Michael Jordan. When he interviews, when he walks, when he chews his gum, even when he celebrates the win of the 4th championship he jumps in the air like Michael Jordan. The only thing I see that Kobe does that Michael didn't is the scowl. This only took him 11 years to find on his own.
Whenever you examine the two players look first at fundamentals. Both players are fundamentally sound. However, I give the nod to Michael Jordan in that area. Michael simply hit you with a jab step and based off you reaction that determined his next move. Of the two players Michael Jordan was the more explosive. If anyone has seen "Come Fly with Me" you will see that Michael Jordan dunked on ever one in the league. Even late in his career he went baseline to dunk on Dikembe Mutombo and give him the finger wave. Michael Jordan made a living in the post area with the fade away jumper which as fans we all loved. If you ever watch Kobe Bryant you may sometimes see this same move being made. Therefore, nod in the post game goes to Michael Jordan. The one advantage that Kobe Bryant has over Michael Jordan is range. He can shoot the ball better from deep. To say that Kobe Bryant hit more difficult shots is an example of us living in the present. If you stop and reminisce you will recall, Craig Ehloe, Steve Smith, and no one could forget Bryon Russell (just to name a few) as victims of game winners by Michael Jordan.
I like both players a great deal, however, Michael Jordan played the game with such grace that it looked like he was embarrassing his opponents in slow motion. Simply put he made the game of basketball look easy. Michael Jordan had the ability to capture our attention whether on the floor, golf course, commericals, or just being interviewed. If Michael Jordan was on WGN, you called your friends to make sure they were watching. You stopped running around outside to come sit in front of the TV to witness greatness. I enjoy watching Kobe Bryant and think he is the closest thing we will see to that of Michael Jordan. However, to say that he has surpassed the greatest the game has seen while he is still playing is absurd.
It's hard but it's fair...holla back!!!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Assuming the Rumor is True...Is that an Excuse
Imagine waking up with the flu during the NBA finals with the series tied 2-2. You can feel sorry for yourself and use it as an excuse or you can go out and do what the best players do for their teams, score 38. Michael didn't make any excuses, he just delivered. Neither did Magic Johnson when he asked as a rookie to play the center position. He only helped his team win the Championship by contributing 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assist. The thing about the great ones is that they consistently be great, even during times of adversity.
Today, we have a tendency to look for excuses for players. After 3 horrible games (during a time when they were picked to win the East) we now have our reason as to why Lebron James didn't show up after going up 2-1. It has been rumored that his fellow teammate had a relationship with his mother. As difficult as it maybe to deal with, is that an excuse for you to go AWOL the next 3 games for the series. Besides, all she did was get her swerve on.
Now again if this is true one can see that you were clearly affected by it. However, I find it hard to believe that a guy with your "mental toughness" couldn't find a way to come up with one good game out of 3. So, what did we learn about King James after the Celtics series? (1) We learned that during difficult times its okay to expect him not to show up. (2) We learned that you are truly to unselfish, which is not good for your team. I would expect you to come out after game 3 and stick the dagger to the Celtics, instead you were content with stealing one game on there court. Which tells me that the assassin I thought you were isn't there. (3) We learned that for 82 games you can be the MVP every year but, in a series you can't deliver. I know that many would say I'm being harsh, but you willingness to defer to your teammates is what separate you from the BLACK MAMBA.
So Prince, I mean King James, now that you have found out about your mom and Delonte, go to another team. Just like the excuses people make for you having 3 bad games in a row, you now have an excuse to leave your team. Tell them that it was affecting your game and you couldn't play under those conditions. Tell everyone you want to go somewhere where you can be like Magic because the Kobe and Michael comparisons are to much to handle. Even though you can score whenever you get ready, or at least you say.
It's hard but it's fair...holla back!!!!
Today, we have a tendency to look for excuses for players. After 3 horrible games (during a time when they were picked to win the East) we now have our reason as to why Lebron James didn't show up after going up 2-1. It has been rumored that his fellow teammate had a relationship with his mother. As difficult as it maybe to deal with, is that an excuse for you to go AWOL the next 3 games for the series. Besides, all she did was get her swerve on.
Now again if this is true one can see that you were clearly affected by it. However, I find it hard to believe that a guy with your "mental toughness" couldn't find a way to come up with one good game out of 3. So, what did we learn about King James after the Celtics series? (1) We learned that during difficult times its okay to expect him not to show up. (2) We learned that you are truly to unselfish, which is not good for your team. I would expect you to come out after game 3 and stick the dagger to the Celtics, instead you were content with stealing one game on there court. Which tells me that the assassin I thought you were isn't there. (3) We learned that for 82 games you can be the MVP every year but, in a series you can't deliver. I know that many would say I'm being harsh, but you willingness to defer to your teammates is what separate you from the BLACK MAMBA.
So Prince, I mean King James, now that you have found out about your mom and Delonte, go to another team. Just like the excuses people make for you having 3 bad games in a row, you now have an excuse to leave your team. Tell them that it was affecting your game and you couldn't play under those conditions. Tell everyone you want to go somewhere where you can be like Magic because the Kobe and Michael comparisons are to much to handle. Even though you can score whenever you get ready, or at least you say.
It's hard but it's fair...holla back!!!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The NBA Final 4...
Welcome to my blog site, where I get to express my frustration, joy, and anger about events that occur in sports. Since it's the playoffs it is only appropriate that I start out by discussing the 4 teams remaining. As we know both series are 2-0. The Lakers are showing why they are the defending champ as they man handle the Phoenix Suns. Boston is showing us that when they are healthy they can be just as explosive as the Championship team of 2008. Which I have to say if they had KG last year during this time they would've repeated as World Champions. However, it shouldn't be any surprise that the Celtics are up 2-0 over the Orlando Magic. If you recall correctly they went 7 games last year without KG in the line up. So, the only question really is will the Celtics Beat the Lakers 2 times in 3 years or will Kobe and the crew avenge their lost from 2 years ago.
Now as you can see I've pretty much written off Orlando and Phoenix and I will tell you why. Doc Rivers should be applauded for the game plan he has. He like me feels that Dwight Howard is not capable of dominating a game for 48 minutes in the low post. We hear all this talk about him working with Patrick Ewing, but my question is on what. Did Ewing tell you Dwight, "Hey if I had a left handed jump hook I would've been the best to ever play"? Because for the life of me I don't understand why you insist of shooting it like it's a high percentage shot. In addition to that I don't see a face up game with the ability to use the glass. I don't see a decent percentage from the free throw line. Other than your defense I see you as a liability. This is pretty harsh considering you scored 30+ the other night. However, I just don't see any improvement from one year to the next with your post game. Just wish other teams had enough commonsense to play you straight up and not allow the shooters to get open 3's.
As for the Phoenix Suns, they remind me of a mid major making the tournament, “THEY JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE”. Even when they make a run in a game it just looks like it’s made for TV. It looks as though the Lakers are toying with these guys and whenever they decide to turn up the intensity they do so with no hesitation. It's unfortunate that basketball fans have to sit and watch such horrible conference final games. However, Phoenix and Orlando will get one win maybe two for the sake of Vegas not losing too much money.
When we get to the finals expect a great series. I cheer for the Lakers and so my heart will be for them and Bean winning a 5th ring. However, if asked to bet on a winner, I have to go with the boys in green. They have all the pieces needed to win it all. The biggest difference is that KG has taken Paul Gasol man hood and he refuses to give it back. The Celtics are tougher physically and mentally, but more importantly their healthy. I see the Celtics winning it in 7.
Now as you can see I've pretty much written off Orlando and Phoenix and I will tell you why. Doc Rivers should be applauded for the game plan he has. He like me feels that Dwight Howard is not capable of dominating a game for 48 minutes in the low post. We hear all this talk about him working with Patrick Ewing, but my question is on what. Did Ewing tell you Dwight, "Hey if I had a left handed jump hook I would've been the best to ever play"? Because for the life of me I don't understand why you insist of shooting it like it's a high percentage shot. In addition to that I don't see a face up game with the ability to use the glass. I don't see a decent percentage from the free throw line. Other than your defense I see you as a liability. This is pretty harsh considering you scored 30+ the other night. However, I just don't see any improvement from one year to the next with your post game. Just wish other teams had enough commonsense to play you straight up and not allow the shooters to get open 3's.
As for the Phoenix Suns, they remind me of a mid major making the tournament, “THEY JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE”. Even when they make a run in a game it just looks like it’s made for TV. It looks as though the Lakers are toying with these guys and whenever they decide to turn up the intensity they do so with no hesitation. It's unfortunate that basketball fans have to sit and watch such horrible conference final games. However, Phoenix and Orlando will get one win maybe two for the sake of Vegas not losing too much money.
When we get to the finals expect a great series. I cheer for the Lakers and so my heart will be for them and Bean winning a 5th ring. However, if asked to bet on a winner, I have to go with the boys in green. They have all the pieces needed to win it all. The biggest difference is that KG has taken Paul Gasol man hood and he refuses to give it back. The Celtics are tougher physically and mentally, but more importantly their healthy. I see the Celtics winning it in 7.
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