Mamba Forever (Kobe's Legacy)

January 26, 2020 will forever be a day that you will remember where you were when you received the painful news. This is the day that we lost not only a Basketball Icon, but a Cultural Icon. I had just gotten out of Church and took a nap when I got the call about his death. When my sister told me about it, I thought it was one of those terrible Internet hoaxes where people make up news about someone's death. I thought the Internet made up a sick joke about Kobe being dead so that he could come back and say "I'm still here!". Sadly, that never happened as I checked Google to confirm the truth. Come to find out, this was the sad reality as multiple reports from TMZ, ABC News and others showed up as my results. Then, I went to Social Media (Instagram, Twitter, etc) to find my World crashing down. The most painful words that I could read were true (Kobe Bean Bryant, dead at the age of 41. 1978-2020). There have been deaths that hit very hard before (Michael Jackson, Prince, Macho Man Randy Savage, Nipsey Hussle to name a few) but NONE like this. Here was a death that hit me harder than a hit from Thor's Hammer, Mjolnir. Kobe's Career has spanned 20 years. TWENTY YEARS!! That has been the span of most of my life. His Career spans different stages of my life. From Elementary School, Middle School, High School and Adulthood. When talking about someone who is a Generational Hero, Kobe definitely fits that mold. Kobe was drafted in 1996, when I was 7 years old. I had just moved from Washington, DC to Lanham, MD and started going to Catherine T. Reed Elementary. His debut ran parallel with my debut at a new School in a new County. Kobe's beginnings did not get off to a rocket start, but rather a rocky start. He was not the brightest star coming out of that legendary 1996 draft, instead it was Allen Iverson. However, Kobe worked through his rookie learning curve and showed flashes of what would make him great later on. Even though his numbers did not immediately show it, Kobe drew early comparisons to his predecessor, His Airness Michael Jordan. The parallels were so strong that Kobe was voted as a Starter for the West in the 1998 All-Star Game, only his SECOND season. This was a testament of the great potential that Kobe would soon fulfill as he held his own against Jordan to show how hungry he was to reach that level of greatness. Obviously, Jordan himself as well as the world were all highly impressed. The impact of this would be felt the following year as Bryant was officially inserted into the Lakers starting lineup. After the bitter humiliation of a sweep at the hands of the Spurs, the Lakers needed a much needed change in leadership and scenery. The 1999-2000 season was the breaking of a new day in Los Angeles. The Lakers fired Del Harris and hired legendary Coach Phil Jackson as the Lakers moved into the Staples Center to start a new journey. The change was evident as the Lakers dominant presence was felt throughout the season. With Shaq as the MVP and Kobe as a rising star in the sidekick role, the Lakers marched through the season with a 67-15 record on their way to their first NBA Championship in 12 seasons. Kobe had his greatest impact in the WCF Game 7 when he delivered the Game-winning alleyoop to Shaq to secure the win over the Blazers to make it to the Finals. In the Finals, Kobe's 26 points and 10 rebounds were another sign of his evident breakout into being a bigger star. That impact would lead into the following 2000-2001 season as Bryant would play a much larger role. That season, he averaged at that time, a career-high 28.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 5.0 apg, which placed him even closer to Shaq as O'Neal averaged 28.7 ppg. Even though the Lakers finished the season 56-26, they rose their level of play higher than ever in the playoffs with an incredible 15-1 record. At this point, not only was Kobe closing the gap with Shaq, but he was also closing the gap with rival and league MVP Allen Iverson. Their history goes back to the '96 Draft as Iverson was drafted as 1st Overall while Bryant was the 13th Overall pick. This and the MVP award would be the much needed fuel that Kobe needed for his unquenchable competitive fire as he locked his eyes on Iverson as his next target. To add even more fuel, AI became a star in Kobe's hometown which escalated things. Fast forward to the 2001 Finals and the Lakers would destroy the 76ers in a "Gentlemen's sweep", winning their 2nd straight title 4-1. Shaq was Finals MVP once again, but Kobe zeroed in on Iverson as his defensive assignment. Bryant would continue to have the last laugh as he dominated Iverson and the East in the 2002 All-Star Game with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Allen had no answer for the Black Mamba on that night.

The Lakers would continue their reign of dominance into the playoffs. After defeating the Kings in a gruesome 7 Game Series, the Lakers would obliterate the New Jersey Nets in a 4-game sweep. By this point, Bryant established himself even more as Michael Jordan's heir apparent as he cemented himself as the premiere Shooting Guard in the NBA. For years, Shaq and Kobe were called the Batman and Robin of the NBA. After the three-peat, Bryant transitioned from Robin to Nightwing as he made his first of 11 All-NBA 1st Team selections. This was also the season where Kobe got rid of the Fro and went with the short cut that he has had for the rest of his career. I even got my haircut just like his, to the point where my Mom said for years that I favored him. To hear your Mom tell you that you resemble your favorite Basketball star can be a huge boost. In 2002-2003, the Lakers would notice a shift in leadership as Kobe became the focal point of the Lakers offense. That season, he led the league in total points for the first time out of four different seasons with a total of 2,461. Bryant also led the league in field goals made with 868 on the way to averaging 30 ppg for the first time in his career. However, the Lakers fell short of winning their fourth straight championship at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. The Summer of 2003 would begin a LONG Season for Kobe and would change his image in ways never seen before. Kobe was dealing with a sexual assault allegation that would cause him to miss much of the 2003-2004 Season as the Lakers added future Hall of Famers, Karl Malone and Gary Payton. The turmoil between Kobe and Shaq would reach its breaking point this season. Even though the Lakers made it to the Finals, the Pistons would conquer this Superteam 4-1. Shaq's time in Los Angeles would come to an end as he was traded to the Miami Heat. As a Lakers fan, this was the end of an era but I knew that it was inevitable. In a post-Shaq era, Kobe would undergo a transformation with his image and his game. He even got a tattoo as a sign that he would take on more of an edge as a player. This would also be a time where Bryant would go through a maturation phase as a man as well. During this phase, he also changed his number (more on that later). This coincided with my time in High School as I was making my own adjustments physically and socially. Just like Kobe, I was going through my own growing pains in an uncertain time. Kobe had the platform that he had been waiting for his whole career and he carried that team the best that he knew how to with what little that he had. However, life after Shaq was not very easy in that stage of his career. However, the highlights would be when Bryant led the league in scoring (points, ppg) for the first time in his career with an average of 35.4 ppg in 2006. The signature game of that season was when Kobe scored 81 points as the Lakers defeated the Raptors. Bryant also had a game against the Mavericks where he scored 62 points in 3 quarters. Kobe's brilliance was on full display as he became the centerpiece of the team. After that 2006 Season, Kobe would continue his identity change as he changed his number from 8 to 24. This symbolized not only that he wanted to win more than Jordan, but 8x3=24. That means that Kobe wanted to be 3 times the player that he was before, as it also meant to me that he was paying tribute to winning three straight rings with number 8. Kobe was turning over a new leaf. The biggest takeaway from this was also how determined Kobe was to surpass Shaq on the rings list after he saw Diesel win a ring in Miami with his new Tag-Team partner, Dwyane Wade. For me, it was like watching Andy exchange Woody for Buzz Lightyear. We also saw the return of the Zen Master Phil Jackson back on the Lakers sidelines. Kobe wanted to prove to Shaq and the rest of the world that they should NEVER count him out. This is what fed the Black Mamba even more. Knowing that Shaq's best years were behind him, I knew that Kobe would surpass him when all was said and done because he had much more in the tank. The Black Mamba's first season with number 24 was 2006-2007, when he averaged 31.6 ppg to secure his last scoring title. New number, same beast. Unfortunately, that did not translate into team success as there were talks of a possible trade. Little did we know that the only trade that would happen would be Kwame Brown going to Memphis in exchange for Paul Gasol. The Lakers would also draft Andrew Bynum while picking up some other key pieces to build a championship contender. In 2007-2008, we would witness Kobe's first and only MVP Season as he averaged 28.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.4 apg en route to winning this much deserved Award while the Lakers were on the mission for another trophy. However, the Boston Celtics were finally resurrected after free agent Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce to form a three-headed green monster. Ultimately, this rivalry was destined to be reborn as the Lakers and Celtics collided in another Finals battle for the first time in 21 years (Lakers won in 1987). However, as a Lakers fan I knew that Boston had too much firepower and momentum to let this slide through their fingers. The Celtics would defeat the Lakers 4-2 in the Finals with Paul Pierce winning Finals MVP. After that painful loss, Kobe and the Lakers went back to the drawing board to regroup. This proved to be a very interesting and pivotal time. As Shaq was rapidly declining, Kboe was shaping his legacy to cement himself among Basketball Immortals while also racing to move past his former teammate in the rings Department. Kobe would win back to back Championships in 2009 & 2010 as the Alpha Dog leader that he worked so hard to become. Ironically, Kobe won his fourth ring in '09 by destroying Shaq's original squad, the Orlando Magic 4-1. The Black Mamba would get the last laugh on Shaq Diesel as well as the Celtics by winning his fifth and final ring by defeating Boston in 2010. Bryant would also win back to back Finals MVPs in those series. From that point, there would be no question that Kobe became the 2nd Greatest Shooting Guard in NBA History right next to his predecessor, Michael Jordan. That fifth championship unquestionably placed Kobe in the Pantheon of Greatness, making him one of the illustrious Top 10 Players to ever play the sport. Shaq even joined the Celtics to ring chase, but fell short. After winning his fifth ring and the Lakers 16th Championship, Kobe never made it back to that stage. However, he still played at the highest level possible even through injuries while still making All-Star Games (winning his last ASG MVP in 2011). Along the way, Kobe finally surpassed his hero MJ in Career Total Points in 2013.

Bryant enjoyed the greatest final regular season game that anybody could ever have when he scored 60 points to defeat the Utah Jazz in 2016. Kobe enjoyed the honor of having both number 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers. Now, whenever someone turns 24 they say that they are entering their "Kobe year". Dave Chappelle even had a skit where he was shooting something in the trash and said "Kobe". Even Undertaker did the same thing in his "Last Ride" Documentary. These are signs that you have transcended into popular culture and have grown beyond the sport. Life outside of Basketball was just heating up for Kobe as he won an Oscar for his Movie "Dear Basketball". It was his love letter to a Sport that he loved and gave so much to as it gave so much back to him. He even made the cover of NBA 2k17 for the Legend Edition. Now, here is where we tragically come full circle to the year that rocked my World as a Basketball fan. The tributes for Kobe were flooding left and right in many ways, from t-shirts, signs, etc. The Hall of Fame Class of 2020 has become the strongest collectively that I have ever seen with Kobe, KG and Tim Duncan as the headliners. Now, NBA 2k21 has paid tribute with an exclusive Mamba Edition in honor of Basketball's National Treasure. Kobe's legacy is unparalleled because of his decorated career and impact. Mamba Mentality has become part of our lexicon because it represents the idea of working hard and diligently to become the very best version of ourselves. Kobe worked in ways behind the scenes to give back to the Community of Los Angeles after being their Champion and Superhero on the court for 20 years. He was also an advocate for Women's Basketball while supporting the WNBA. His foundation even donated $1 Million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This made me even MORE of his fan. Kobe's imprint is too large to be overlooked or replaced. I think LA Sparks Power Forward/ESPN Analyst Chiney Ogwumike said it best when she said, "Kobe was the biggest ally that we ever had for us 80's and 90's babies who grew up watching and idolizing his game, he was everything. That perfect combination of loyal to his city, winning multiple championships, fierce competitor and most important, human." I couldn't have said it any better. Mamba Out!

The Legacy of Kobe Bryant

An NBA Legend has announced his retirement. Now, Kobe Bryant is on his farewell tour after 20 storied NBA Seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant has been one of the most polarizing and influential stars in NBA History. On one side, you have those who love and adore him for his brilliance on the court along with his many accolades (5 rings, 2 Finals MVP's, etc). On another side, there are those who revile him like a classic wrestling villain such as Ric Flair for a number of reasons. There are fans that don't like his imitations of MJ (another story), his selfishness, his scandal from Colorado and how he was the main reason for Shaquille O'Neal being forced out of LA. Then, you have those in the middle who look for a fine line to draw between his greatness as a player and his frosty attitude.

No matter what, Kobe Bryant was a player made for the spotlight as he has created a fan base that is similar to a cult like following. Although Kobe is heavily criticized for his direct imitation of His Airness, he has also carved his very own unique place among NBA History. From the time that he first became a starter for the Lakers in 1998-99, Kobe has evolved tremendously into a more complete all-around player. As we all know, Shaq was Batman in Hollywood for the Lakers while Kobe was Robin. Eventually, Kobe transformed into Nightwing. Just like Dick Grayson, Kobe turned on the Leader of the Dynamic Duo. As we know, the rest is history. Bryant went through his share of turmoil in those three years without Shaq before the Lakers poached Pau Gasol out of Memphis as Bryant desperately needed a new Big Man to take some of the weight off of him. Bryant would later win two more championships, but this time as the leader of the pack. Even though Shaq was the leading cause of most of Kobe's championships, Bryant has transformed into a true alpha dog star in his own right. Many have argued that Kobe should have more than 1 MVP Award. Even Shaq himself believes that Kobe should have more MVP's along with himself. Instead, Steve Nash has two, but that's none of my business.

Kobe is currently third all-time in Career Total Points, as he is the only player to ever play 20 Seasons for one NBA Franchise. Kareem spent his first 6 Seasons in Milwaukee before playing 14 Seasons in the Lakers Purple and Gold. Bryant holds many team records from points, minutes, games, steals, etc. Bryant's hand prints are all over the teams record books. His longevity is remarkable along with his fearlessness and competitive will to win. His resume, track record and persona have all kept him among the elite for many years. Over the course of his career, Kobe has practically reinvented himself. When you talk about legends that defined their generation and transcend history, Kobe's name is in that discussion. Next to Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant is one of the superstar players that shaped the 2000's Decade of NBA Basketball.

When I think of the Legacy of Kobe Bryant, I think of someone who graduated from being the sidekick to a megastar. I think of someone that has added layers to his game and has become a chameleon in the NBA. On the other hand, I also think of someone who has let his ego get the best of him and his team many times, especially near the end. Someone who was too caught up in himself to the point that he ran off another Alpha Dog Player that was the Key to their initial success. Still, I have to respect his commitment to excellence and wanting to be the best competitor that he could be. The Legacy of Kobe Bryant is that of a very Complex Genius. Complex, but still regarded as a Genius nonetheless. Despite his flaws, nobody can take away Kobe's legacy and what he has meant to the Game of Basketball.

Kobe "Passing" MJ

Congratulations to Kobe Bryant for reaching his personal (very personal) milestone of passing Michael Jordan in Career Points. His longevity and hard work have paid off. However, something has to really be said about this. As always, it is my assignment to dig deeper into details when someone reaches an achievement at a volume rate. I don't just focus on the similarities, because that is way too easy. Instead, I focus on the entire body of work and production. So, in this case I will dissect Kobe's numbers and see how they weigh.

Here is the tale of the tape:

Regular Season:

Seasons:
Kobe Bryant: 19
Michael Jordan: 15

Games Played:
Kobe Bryant: 1,270
Michael Jordan: 1,072

Career Points:
Kobe Bryant: 32,331
Michael Jordan: 32,292

Career Scoring Average:
Kobe Bryant: 25.5
Michael Jordan: 30.1

Field Goal Percentage:
Kobe Bryant: 45%
Michael Jordan: 49.7% (50)

3-Point Percentage:
Kobe Bryant: 33.3%
Michael Jordan: 32.7%

Free Throw Percentage:
Kobe Bryant: 83.7%
Michael Jordan: 83.5%

Player Efficiency Rating:
Kobe Bryant: 23.36
Michael Jordan: 27.91

30 Point Per Game Seasons:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 8

Seasons with 32+ PPG:
Kobe Bryant: 1
Michael Jordan: 5

Career-High Scoring Average:
Kobe Bryant: 35.6
Michael Jordan: 37.1

Seasons shooting 50% or higher:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 6

Seasons shooting 47% or higher:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 10

Seasons shooting under 47%:
Kobe Bryant: 19
Michael Jordan: 5

Seasons shooting under 50%:
Kobe Bryant: 19
Michael Jordan: 7

Career Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 173.3
Michael Jordan: 214.0

Career Offensive Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 123.61
Michael Jordan: 149.88

Seasons leading the League in PER:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 7


As you can clearly see, Kobe had to play 19 seasons and 200 more games to surpass what Michael did in 15 seasons (including breaks). Kobe had to play four more seasons than Jordan. FOUR MORE SEASONS!!! At the time that this happened, Kobe played in 1,268 games, while Jordan played in 1,072. That is a lot of time and a lot of ground to make up in basketball. I commend his longevity, but this shows that Michael was a more efficient scorer who took better quality shots. Sure, Michael has had his fair share of missed shots, but he has balanced things in his favor with the seasons where he has shot 50% or higher. Kobe has NEVER had a season shooting 50% from the floor. Michael produced points at a more efficient rate. Michael flat out produced better quality numbers across the board. The only exceptions are total points, free throws and three pointers. Based on the metrics, Michael carried the most weight for his team and was the biggest factor in their success. Earlier in the season, Kobe also surpassed John Havlicek for career missed shots which doesn't help his case either.

Awards:

Rookie of the Year:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 1

All-Rookie 1st Team:
Kobe Bryant: No
Michael Jordan: Yes

All-NBA 1st Teams:
Kobe Bryant: 11
Michael Jordan: 10

All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Kobe Bryant: 9
Michael Jordan: 9

Scoring Titles:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 10

MVP Awards:
Kobe Bryant: 1
Michael Jordan: 5

Seasons leading in steals:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 3

*Bonus Awards:

Olympic Gold Medals:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 2

All-Star Game MVP's:
Kobe Bryant: 4
Michael Jordan: 3

Kobe may have edged him out as far as All-NBA 1st Teams, but Michael collected more hardware. Michael was clearly the More Valuable Player of his Era, as he earned the Award 5 times. You can make the case for him having at least 7 or maybe 8, but 5 is still great anyway. Yet, Kobe only managed to earn 1. Out of his illustrious Hall of Fame Career, he only received 1 MVP. One can make the case that he could have had at least another had it not been for controversy (another story). However, you really cannot compare a player with 1 MVP to a player with 5 no matter how similar their games are. There is no debate whatsoever for that. Jordan was the Toast of the Basketball World. As I have covered before, Jordan proved that he was a better quality scorer. His 10 Scoring Titles are perfect evidence of that. You definitely cannot compare their scoring when one player has 8 more scoring titles than the other. There have been people who want to bring up Shaq as the reason why Kobe did not score more. You're right. Shaq was the reason, because he was the more DOMINANT player. If Kobe was more dominant earlier in his career, his numbers would have proven that. However, he was not as consistent as his counterpart. Meanwhile, Michael was the most Dominant and Consistent Playmaker on his team.

Now, this is where the gap becomes even wider, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is time to break down their performances in the Playoffs.

Playoffs (Career):

Kobe Bryant: 25.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 81.6% FT
Michael Jordan: 33.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.7 apg, 48.7% FG, 82.8% FT

Player Efficiency Rating:
Kobe Bryant: 22.4
Michael Jordan: 28.6

Career Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 28.3
Michael Jordan: 39.8

Offensive Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 21.0
Michael Jordan: 27.3

Defensive Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 7.3
Michael Jordan: 12.4

Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes:
Kobe Bryant: .157
Michael Jordan: .255

NBA Playoff runs over 50% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 5

Playoff runs over 48% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 1
Michael Jordan: 7

Playoff runs under 50% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 15 (entire career)
Michael Jordan: 7

Playoff runs under 48% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 14
Michael Jordan: 6

Playoff runs under 46% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 11
Michael Jordan: 3

Playoff runs under 44% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 7
Michael Jordan: 2

Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Kobe Bryant: 4
Michael Jordan: 12

Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 8

Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 7
Jordan's 33.4 ppg in the Playoffs is a Record in NBA Playoff History. Michael Jordan became an even more powerful machine once the postseason was underway. He delivered against some of the most elite competition the game has ever produced.

Now, time for the Biggest Stage of them all (The NBA Finals).

Finals Appearances:
Kobe Bryant: 7
Michael Jordan: 6

Finals MVP's:
Kobe Bryant: 2 in 7 appearances
Michael Jordan: 6 in 6 appearances

This is the major and most deciding factor when comparing Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, because this is about how you perform in the NBA Finals. It is not enough for them to be close in championships (Jordan-6, Kobe-2), because that is a very lazy argument. A true student of the game dives deeper to see how well they played on the largest stage of Basketball. Jordan was the Most Valuable Player in the Finals EVERY Season that he led the Bulls there. On the other hand, Kobe was the Most Valuable Player in the Finals twice. Michael was the best option in the Finals each year, because he rose his game above everyone else on the court. Kobe only received the award twice out of seven appearances. Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal was Finals MVP THREE Times. Not acceptable and not comparable whatsoever. Michael produced better numbers and results on the game's largest stage. Chicago turned their opponents pretty much upside down. The Lakers did too in the three peat years, but after that they were not as much of a threat as previously. For the most part, Jordan's Bulls went against more stacked teams in the Finals (Lakers, Blazers, Suns, to name a few).

Finals Performances:

Michael Jordan:
1. 1991 (31.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 11.4 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.4 bpg, 55% FG, 50% 3PT, 85% FT)
2. 1992 (35.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 6.5 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.3 bpg, 52.6% FG, 43% 3PT, 89.1% FT)
3. 1993 (41.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.7 bpg, 51% FG, 40% 3PT, 69.4% FT)
4. 1996 (27.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.2 bpg, 41.5% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 83.6% FT)
5. 1997 (32.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.8 bpg, 45.6% FG, 32 % 3PT, 76.4% FT)
6. 1998 (33.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.8 spg, 0.7 bpg, 42.7% FG, 30.8% 3PT, 81.4% FT)

Kobe Bryant:

Kobe Bryant:
1. 2000 NBA Finals: 15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 36.7% FG
2. 2001 NBA Finals: 24.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 5.8 apg, 41.5% FG
3. 2002 NBA Finals: 26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 51.4% FG
4. 2004 NBA Finals: 22.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 38.1% FG
5. 2008 NBA Finals: 25.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 40.5% FG
6. 2009 NBA Finals: 32.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 7.4 apg, 43% FG
7. 2010 NBA Finals: 28.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 40.5% FG

More often than not, Michael Jordan's level of play in the Finals was above those around him. In the process, Jordan also caused the game of others like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant to be elevated in the process. It was clear cut for everyone to see. His results speak for themselves. Michael's series in 1991 was a statement to prove that he could do more than just score. Ever since, no other players in Finals history have averaged 10 apg or higher. While Kobe's numbers in the Finals were great, they simply cannot compare. The only time that he averaged at least 30 ppg or higher in the Finals was in 2009. Good series, but not awe inspiring to say the least. Jordan's 41 ppg in the 1993 NBA Finals is a Finals record still to this day. Jordan in the Finals was otherworldly. You could never find a single series in the Finals where Michael Jordan was outplayed even in the slightest. In 2000, Kobe was outplayed by Austin Croshere in the Finals. That would NEVER happen on Michael's watch. In 2004, Kobe sabotaged the Lakers by deliberately playing poorly because he had an attitude about being second banana to Shaq. It was like Robin getting tired of fighting next to Batman as he became Nightwing. Michael conquered with Centers the calibre of Bill Cartwright and Luc Longley. That is pretty much all you need to know.

In Conclusion, while it is great to admire Kobe's accomplishment, one must not become stuck as a prisoner in the moment. Once again, one should never just settle for a comparison based on style and flair. It is more than just style of play, but results and body of work. Michael Jordan compiled an incredible FIVE MVP awards in an Era loaded with MVP Level Legendary Players. Anytime that you could be named the Most Valuable Player in a time with the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hakeem, David Robinson and others. That is simply a testament to how brilliant he truly was and his brilliance carries over for generations to come. Kobe is a throwback to Jordan, which is why he is admired so fondly by the current era of NBA fans who either were not even alive when Michael played or have a sketchy recollection of Jordan. If anything, Kobe's numbers are more of a resemblance to Jerry West, but with more accolades. Believe me, that is not a knock on his game at all. Both men are the toast of the Shooting Guard Position, but Michael will remain the single ruler of the throne.

Special Thanks: www.basketball-reference.com, Bruce Blitz (Blitz Sports Network), Clutch 23 Productions just to name a few.

I Respect Greatness & History

As many of you may know, I am a major fan of sports history. I study it consistently in my down time. I respect and admire the history of sports that I enjoy. There have been certain players that I have watched, and have studied that caught my attention, and have transcended their sport in so many ways. In Boxing, there were fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Frazier to name a few. In Football, Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Jim Brown and others. In Basketball, there were players like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt and company. These athletes will always be timeless, and that is why they are held in the highest regard. These are players whose legacies I will continue to defend until the end of time. What I write may come across as nostalgic, but it is to spotlight what made the game so great, and to show how greatness was properly built. Athletes like Wilt, Ali, and Jim Brown had enough influence, dominance and impact to where they transcended their eras, and cannot be limited to their time period. In other words, they could clearly dominate any time period, when you give them the same balance as anyone else. However, one thing that I am blatantly against is how these athletes are diminished, and not rightfully acknowledged by modern day fans and media members. At times the way I give criticisms of today's athletes may come across as a hater. If so, I apologize. I just like things to be put in their proper perspective. I am a very passionate fan, who uses facts to balance my observation. I do not like unfair comparisons where players are matched up with others whose legacies pale in comparison.

For example, Kobe Bryant is a bonafide NBA Legend and First Ballot Hall of Famer. He was greatly influenced by Michael Jordan, which is something to truly admire. However, that is where it starts, and for me that is where it should end. When you look at facts, there production is very different. Michael's career averages in scoring, rebounds, assists, etc are all higher than Kobe's. (MJ-30.1, Kobe-25.4) His field goal percentage is also higher. MJ won 10 scoring titles, while Kobe won 2. Michael was the Finals MVP every year that Chicago won the championship. Kobe was the Finals MVP on two out of three times the Lakers won the championship. Not to spark a debate, but those are simply facts. Therefore, with everything taken into consideration Kobe's achievements and body of work at least put him along the lines of Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Julius Erving. That is a very high honor in and of itself. Kobe is his very own player. If it were not for the constant comparisons being shoved down my throat, I can sit back and truly enjoy Kobe's career the way that I really want to. Does that sound like a hater? No! That is how you put things in perspective. My frustration from the comparisons, and fans bringing up 81 points boils over in different ways. I openly admit that. With that aside, he has truly carved out a terrific career. That is the ultimate point that I want to get across.

However, when people want to diminish legends from the past and the era that they dominated, I have a problem. Of course, each athlete regardless of era is great in their own way. They have dedicated their lives to what they do. With that said, I also understand how greed and politics have corrupted the arena of sports as we know it today. Rule changes, and attitudes of entitlement have watered down sports in all areas and landscapes. There are certainly stars from today who have incredible work ethic, but it can be harder to see that with many of the prima donna attitudes that are even more prevalent. It is merely a sign of the times, and culture that we live in. Meanwhile, stars from before who paved the way built their own name, and did not need extra help from the media, and fans. They did not have the kinds of luxuries that stars today have. Even Michael Jordan himself faced his fair share of struggles with his team. He had to thoroughly earn his keep, and his game attracted others to him. Players brought more desire and passion that is greatly missed. I have no time for the drama, and the circus that comes from today. There was a great balance of athleticism and IQ which made things more exciting. If it was not broke, why touch it?

I am definitely not a fan of the way the media picks single games or a stretch of games to compare to legends to put them on that level in some kind of way. Last season during the playoffs, I remember when the media clearly focused on a game where LeBron scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds with 5 assists. They put a spin as if he was the only player to do that since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964. It was a great performance, but there were countless other players who have done in between that time since Wilt. Players like Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, David Robinson, Hakeem, and others were overlooked. Jerry West had a triple double in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals (42/13/12) as I have pointed out before. To put that in perspective, it was just another day at the office for LeBron, and one of the many great playoff games the NBA has produced. LeBron is the face of today's NBA, which is great and leave it at that. No need to over promote his greatness, and put him on a much higher pedestal.

I am not the type of fan that does not acknowledge one's greatness, because I never grew up watching them. With today's advantages of the Internet such as YouTube, I could find many ways to watch whatever highlights I could get my hands on to use as evidence. That way, I could combine what I have seen with my knowledge and facts to fully understand how great Player A was. For example, I did not grow up watching Walter Payton. However, I could use an outlet such as YouTube to see for myself how dominant he really was. I already have the stats anyway, so that makes it easier for me. I grew up in a time where I was able to watch enough of Jerry Rice to get a strong understanding of how great he was. I just use YouTube to get an even greater idea of how amazing he was. In other words, no one has an excuse. I don't want to hear anymore "I have never seen him play" excuses. Nobody got time for that.

Overall, I am a fan of someone who can leave a lasting imprint on the game. Athletes like Magic Johnson left a lasting impression on me to the point where I felt like I was in that time period whenever I watch their highlights. When I have read about them in Sports Illustrated, I was hooked. That is the mark of true greatness. They told a story by how they performed. At least I know that I am not the only person who feels this way. When people can talk about your career in 20 years or more, you have achieved greatness. In the end, that is truly the goal of anyone who plays, other than championships. Whatever you do is part of history, good or bad. That is the story of life in general.

Jerry West vs. Kobe Bryant

Ever since the explosion of Michael Jordan, any and everyone at Shooting Guard has to be compared to him. Unfortunately, many of those players do not even get past Lakers Legend Jerry West. (Mr. Clutch, The Logo) Obviously, the modern era player that is compared to Jordan the most is Kobe Bryant. However, even he does not surpass West, because of the lack of consistency throughout his career. Jerry West was the original standard for Shooting Guards BEFORE Michael Jordan. His body of work is evidence as to why. More often then not, Jerry West bailed his team out of games. Kobe's teams bailed HIM out, but he gets much of the credit. This project is to further educate younger fans on the career of Jerry West. I have come across fans who only remember Jerry West with Wilt Chamberlain, when he did more passing and only associate him as a Point Guard. However, Jerry West was a Hall of Fame player BEFORE playing with Wilt. With this comparison, you will see how Jerry West was a more efficient scorer, shooter, more versatile, and rose his level of play when needed.

                                                                       Jerry West:

                                                                         
                                                                            vs.


                                                                     Kobe Bryant:

                                                                     




All-Rookie 1st Team:
Jerry West: Yes
Kobe Bryant: No

All-Star Selections:
Jerry West: 14
Kobe Bryant: 15

All-NBA 1st Teams:
Jerry West: 10
Kobe Bryant: 10

All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 9

MVP Awards:
Jerry West: 0
Kobe Bryant: 1

Career Games:
Jerry West: 932
Kobe Bryant: 1,225

Regular Season (Career):
Jerry West: 27.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, 47.4% FG, 81.4% FT
Kobe Bryant: 25.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.7 apg, 45.4% FG, 83.8% FT

Scoring Titles:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 2

Steals and Blocks were not recorded until Jerry West's final season in 1973-74. If so, it would be a much different story in that aspect. If West played with the 3-point line, he would have had a field day.

The NBA didn't finally add All-Defensive Team Selections until the 1968-69 season. If they acknowledged them earlier, Jerry West would have won many more because of how disciplined he was as a defender.

Seasons with 30 ppg or higher:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 2

Seasons with 32 ppg or higher:
Jerry West: 0
Kobe Bryant: 1

Seasons over 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant 0

Seasons over 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 0

Seasons under 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 16

Seasons over 47% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 0

Seasons under 47% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 16

Career Player Efficiency Rating (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 22.9
Kobe Bryant: 23.5

Career Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 162.6
Kobe Bryant: 171.7

Career Offensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 124.6
Kobe Bryant: 122.9

Career Defensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 37.9
Kobe Bryant: 48.8

Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Regular Season):
Jerry West: .213
Kobe Bryant: .184

*Bonus (Olympic Gold Medals):
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 2

All-Star Game MVP's:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 4

As you can see, Jerry West was clearly a more productive player than Kobe across the board, except for free throw percentage. Jerry averaged more points, rebounds, assists and shot a higher field goal percentage than Kobe. When Kobe broke the Lakers franchise scoring record held by Jerry West (25,192), he did it while playing many more games than West along with more minutes. In other words, he missed many more shots along the way, while Jerry set the record in less than 1,000 games (932). This was clearly a cover up by the media. As I have said countless times, Jerry West lacked the MVP Awards because he played in the same era as the Greatest Giants of all-time (Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell), who captured 9 out the 10 MVP's during that decade. Kareem would later come and win 3 during the end of Jerry's career.

*I firmly believe that he was robbed of at least 1-2 MVP's between 1969 and 1970.

If you thought that I would stop there, I am just warming up. Now, time for the playoffs.

Playoffs (Career):
Jerry West: 29.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.3 apg, 46.9% FG, 80.5% FT
Kobe Bryant: 25.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 81.6% FT

Career Player Efficiency Rating (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 23.1
Kobe Bryant: 22.4

Career Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 26.7
Kobe Bryant: 28.3

Career Offensive Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 21.3
Kobe Bryant: 21.0

Career Defensive Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 5.4
Kobe Bryant: 7.3

Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Playoffs):
Jerry West: .203
Kobe Bryant: .157

NBA Playoff runs over 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 3
Kobe Bryant: 0

Playoff runs over 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 1

Playoff runs under 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 15 (entire career)

Playoff runs under 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 7
Kobe Bryant: 14

Playoff runs under 46% shooting:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 11

Playoff runs under 44% shooting:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 7

Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Jerry West: 7
Kobe Bryant: 4

Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 2

Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 0

In 1964-65, Jerry West averaged 40.6 ppg in the playoffs. He also had a series vs. The Bullets where he set the record for highest scoring average in a playoff series. (46.0)

Now, let's get ready for the Biggest Stage (The NBA Finals):

Finals Appearances:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 7

Finals MVP Awards:
Jerry West: 1 out of 9 tries
Kobe Bryant: 2 out of 7 tries

This is the major factor, and in the case with most fans the only factor that they take into account when they compare Kobe Bryant with Jerry West. Instead of saying Kobe was a member of 5 championship teams in 7 finals appearances (3 sidekick, 2 leader), they just simply give him blanket credit for all 5 (He has 5 rings). Meanwhile, people downgrade Jerry West, because of his lack of TEAM success (1 championship in 9 tries). Little do people really understand the fact that for most of his career, the Lakers were a top heavy team with a two-man combo (West and Baylor). Unfortunately for West, here is a list of circumstances that  HURT his team:

1. The Boston Celtics Dynasty (led by Bill Russell, coached by Red Auerbach)
2. The Lakers did not have an answer for Russell at Center for most of that time
3. Elgin Baylor's volume shooting.
4. They also lost twice to the Knicks

For the most part, Jerry West and his Lakers teams went up against more stacked teams. Meanwhile Kobe Bryant was on the opposite side of that situation, because the teams that he played on were more stacked than the opposing teams. It blows my mind to listen to people say that Jerry West constantly had powerhouse teams. If you REALLY want to look at other stacked Lakers teams outside of Shaq & Kobe, check out Magic & Kareem's Lakers. Wilt Chamberlain came later in Jerry's career. ('68-'73) Kobe played with Shaq for half of his career. ('96-'04) Throughout that time, and even later with Gasol, the Lakers were stronger than their opponents.

Now, let's look at their production in the Finals:

NBA Finals (Career):
Jerry West: 30.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5.6 apg, 45.9% FG
Kobe Bryant: 25.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 41.2% FG

Jerry West:
1. 1962 NBA Finals: 31.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 45.6% FG
2. 1963 NBA Finals: 29.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.5 apg, 49% FG
3. 1965 NBA Finals: 33.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 42.4% FG
4. 1966 NBA Finals: 33.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.1 apg, 51.5% FG
5. 1968 NBA Finals: 31.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.7 apg, 48.6% FG
6. 1969 NBA Finals: 37.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 7.4 apg, 49% FG
7. 1970 NBA Finals: 31.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 7.7 apg, 45% FG
8. 1972 NBA Finals: 19.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 8.8 apg, 32.5% FG
9. 1973 NBA Finals: 21.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.6 apg, 44.2% FG

Kobe Bryant:
1. 2000 NBA Finals: 15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 36.7% FG
2. 2001 NBA Finals: 24.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 5.8 apg, 41.5% FG
3. 2002 NBA Finals: 26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 51.4% FG
4. 2004 NBA Finals: 22.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 38.1% FG
5. 2008 NBA Finals: 25.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 40.5% FG
6. 2009 NBA Finals: 32.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 7.4 apg, 43% FG
7. 2010 NBA Finals: 28.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 40.5% FG

*The 2002 Finals series was an anomaly for a player like Kobe, because the series was a 4-0 sweep. If the series went longer, his FG% would have dropped.

More often than not, Jerry West raised his level of play with less around him while Kobe has often lowered his level of play with MORE help around him. Jerry West played better in losing efforts than Kobe did in winning efforts. (Example: 1969 NBA Finals vs. Boston) You would never find anything about Jerry West being outplayed by the likes of an Austin Croshere like Kobe did in the 2000 NBA Finals for example. Kobe also deliberately shot his team out of the 2004 Finals vs Detroit, because he was tired of playing the sidekick role to Shaquille O'Neal.

Kobe's 40.5% FG in the 2010 NBA Finals has been considered the WORST Field Goal Percentage for a Finals MVP in NBA History! However, Pau Gasol and the refs bailed him out during that series, especially where he shot an abysmal 6-24 in Game 7. That night, he dodged the biggest silver bullet of his career.  Meanwhile, Jerry West recorded a Triple-Double in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals, while his team fell apart against Boston. Jerry West's production in that series earned him the NBA Finals MVP Award. He became the first and only player to win on a losing team.

Personally, I believe that if you put Jerry West in Kobe's place for those first 3 championships, he could have helped out Shaq much more. At best, I say they win at least 5-6 championships, with Shaq staying as a Laker to the end. Players like West and Magic will always be respected for how they accepted their role to improve the team. They did not step outside of the system for their own personal agenda. Kobe has built his legacy out of that.

Kobe has been historically infamous for destroying team chemistry. NEVER EVER forget the way that Kobe put Shaq's personal business out in the open, to deflect criticism of his own. Not only that, but Kobe ultimately forced the hand of Lakers management to run SHAQ OUT OF L.A.! As a result, the media now holds him in higher regard than Shaq, and have blacklisted Shaq's run as a Laker. (Look no further than ESPN)

"Bryant told Jackson that O'Neal's presence on the team would affect his decision to stay with the Lakers, adding, "I'm tired of being a sidekick".

Translation: "Either he goes, or I go".

Jerry West has virtually been the best player on his team, at least until his last 2-3 seasons with the Lakers. Kobe did not become the best player, until the 2004-05 season. During that season, the Lakers missed the playoffs for the first time ever in Kobe's career. Who's fault was it for running off the franchise player, which caused the Lakers to bring in the likes of Smush Parker and Kwame Brown? You guessed it, Kobe. It wasn't until Kobe's trade demand where the Lakers restructured around him to keep him there for two more titles.

Kobe could not avoid the silver bullet for long. The same $90 million dollar roster that Kobe won Finals MVP with twice (2009 & 2010), is the same roster that got swept off the court and smoked by the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. Everyone wanted to blame players like Pau Gasol, when instead Kobe should have taken the fall.

Kobe's legacy as a leader is taking an even bigger hit with the implosion of this current Lakers team with Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. Nash and Howard's numbers are being hindered playing next to Kobe. That is NOT the true sign of a leader, when you handicap the abilities of other marquee players. Kobe has NEVER made anyone around him better.

When Jerry West had the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Gail Goodrich, he dialed back his scoring. In fact, Gail Goodrich was the leading scorer (25.9 ppg) when the Lakers won the Finals in 1972. It could have easily been West, but he knew that in order to succeed with that team, he had to sacrifice his stats to make Gail Goodrich better. This is why West was the co-leader with Wilt.

I also notice those same Jerry West skeptics say that "Jerry West was too little", or "He would be on the bench in today's game". They also say that "Jerry West wouldn't survive in the 80s/90s era of perimeter players, because of his size". They want to degrade West, because he was a "small, white guy". Well, Larry Bird turned out great in that era in spite of his athletic disadvantages in the strongest era of all-time. In fact, Larry Bird CONQUERED his era, as a "white guy", out playing the best black players of any era. Last time I checked, he was no more athletic than Jerry West, just 5-6" taller and 35-45 pounds heavier. West is actually between 6'3"-6'4".

In fact, if you send Kobe back in time to the 1960s, where he doesn't have Michael Jordan's influence as an advantage, he would not thrive the way that he does now. He would have fewer players to emulate, with practically next to none, outside of Jerry, Oscar and Elgin. Instead, he would have to play AGAINST those guys on a night-in, night-out basis.

Conclusion:

Jerry West was an innovator, while Kobe Bryant is an imitator. What Jerry West did for his era, and NBA history is remarkable. West did not have the benefits of the Modern Game, with the Anti-Aging Supplements, Weight Training, and Nutrition. Jerry West also did not have the opportunity to have other great players to come before him to pattern himself after. Basically, he had no other choice but to be original. Jerry West was a more productive, and consistent player in all stages. (Regular Season, Playoffs, Finals) The facts are staring you right in the face, with no lie. Kobe only has the advantage in longevity, team accomplishments, and volume achievements such as career total points. His style of play was much more conducive to team basketball, no matter the lack of championships on his side. No matter how many fans, analysts and ex-players prop up Kobe, West will always leave a greater mark on the game. Before Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, Jerry West was the ultimate clutch player.


                                               Here is a greater glimpse of Jerry West:

Michael Jordan Era vs. Today's Defense

Now that we have gotten the point crystal clear about the dominance of the 80s/90s, it is time to show how players like Jordan would translate into today's game. The fact that Michael Jordan put up the insane numbers that he did (10 scoring titles, 6 finals mvp's, 5 league mvp's), in an era where players went through wars getting the crap kicked out of them with all of the grabbing, holding, wrapping around, etc, is the ultimate testament to his greatness. The very fact that Michael Jordan became the cream of the crop for shooting guards, with his numbers (8 seasons of 30 ppg, 5 w/32+ ppg, shooting 50%+ from the field) further adds to that greatness. These are all testaments to sustained dominance, the likes that we have never seen before, and we may never see for a long time. With all respect to LeBron, I am not talking about a streak of games. I am talking about over the span of an era, and career. Unfortunately, too many new school fans cannot comprehend the idea of a player like Michael being as versatile as he was, and being able to attack the rim against such force during that time. Like many others, I firmly believe that if Jordan were in his prime today, his numbers would be greatly enhanced by today's rules. Not just me, but others such as Phil Jackson, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Penny Hardaway, and others. Obviously Phil coached him in that era. Dominique, Drexler, and others played under the rules of that era, and can tell first hand the drastic difference between the game then and now. They obviously understand how the rules impacted perimeter players like themselves. In this article, I will go into further detail to show how the rules would further enhance their numbers as well.

Here, I will give you a timeline of the various rule changes since Jordan's 1998 retirement. Over time, the game was slowly, but rapidly becoming more of a perimeter player's game.

1999-00

• In the backcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders. In the frontcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders except below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may only use his forearm. In the post, neither the offensive player nor the defender is allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position. Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player. Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding "chucking" or "wrapping up" is prohibited. 

2000-01

• No contact with either hands or forearms by defenders except in the frontcourt below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may use his forearm only 
• Neither the offensive player nor the defender will be allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position.
• Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player.
• Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding "chucking" or "wrapping up" is prohibited. 

(I guess the repeat is to further endorse and remind everyone).

2001-02

• A new defensive three-second rule will prohibit a defensive player from remaining in the lane for more than three consecutive seconds without closely guarding an offensive player.

2004-05

• New rules were introduced to curtail hand-checking, clarify blocking fouls and call defensive three seconds to open up the game.

2006-07

• On a clear-path-to-the-basket foul, the team that is fouled is awarded two free throw attempt and the ball on the sideline. 

As you can see, as time went on, the NBA was deteriorating the impact of the post players in favor of the perimeter. Ironically, the rules began to shift during the Shaq/Duncan reign (last era of dominant big men). No longer could a player grab, hold, wrap around or check with the hand in the face. Forearms were prohibited. The 2004-2005 season is where things really came to a head, when they clearly wanted to "curtail hand-checking" to call defensive three seconds in favor of this one key purpose "to open up the game". Even though this is pretty explanatory, allow me to break it down even more: When they say to open up the game, it is to give perimeter players more space to score. It is no coincidence that Steve Nash went from a middle of the pack Point Guard, to suddenly a 2-time MVP, while shooting 50% from the field.

Here is Brooklyn Nets Star Joe Johnson on how the rule changes helped him, from an interview in the summer of 2010: "It benefits me," said Johnson, who was one of three Hawks players that season who averaged 20 or more ppg that season. (Mike Bibby & Jamal Crawford were the other two) Johnson continues: "It definitely changes the game because it gives every guy that extra step. If we could hand check now, the game would be totally different. If they could hand check back in the day, there are some guys that would have been even better than they were. It would have been nuts for some of the big-time scorers and perimeter players from the 1980's and 1990's. Can you imagine what Michael Jordan would have done in a league where you couldn't hand check."

That is the smoking gun evidence from a player of this era! Even he testifies about how the rule changes would further benefit not just him, but the top perimeter players from back then. If you won't take his word, I have other accounts.

Here are quotes from players and coaches from that time.

Phil Jackson on Michael Jordan today: "Michael would average 45 with these rules."

Former Bulls Assistant Coach Tex Winter (Architect of "Triangle Offense"): "Players today can get to the basket individually much easier."

Larry Brown: "The college game is much more physical than our game. I always tease Michael Jordan, if he played today, he'd average 50."

Now, time for the players:

From a radio interview with Clyde Drexler:

Question: In the current league where there is no hand checking and no ruff play, how much better would your numbers be?

Clyde Drexler: "Oh, tremendously better, from shooting percentage to points per game everything would be up, and our old teams would score a lot more points, and that is saying something because we could score a lot back then. I do think there should be an asterisk next to some of these scoring leaders, because it is much different trying to score with a forearm in your face. It is harder to score with that resistance. You had to turn your back on guys defending you back in the day with all the hand checking that was going on. For guys who penetrate these days, it's hunting season. Yes, now you can play (floating) zone, (legally), but teams rarely do."

Scottie Pippen in January 2006: "The defensive rules, the hand checking, the ability to make contact on a guy in certain areas...(have) all been taken away from the game. If Kobe could get 81, I think Michael could get 100 points in today's game."

Craig Hodges, another former Jordan teammate, now a Lakers shooting coach:

Question: If you could take one player in their prime, would you take Michael Jordan or Kobe?

Hodges: "M.J., all day. There's no comparison. M.J. could score 100 points in this era. You can't hand-check now. Imagine that trying to guard M.J. It would be crazy."

Dominique Wilkins was also addressed with this subject.

Question: Seeing that you played in one of the greatest eras in NBA history, what has changed the most in the NBA since your days as a player?

Dominique Wilkins: "The power forward position had the license to kick your butt and the game was very physical. I think the physical aspect of the game, some of it has been taken away with the rule changes."

Question 2: Do you think you could take them?

Wilkins: "I don't believe in comparisons, but I look at the era I played in. Like I said, when you have to play against a great player every night, that defines who you are if you can compete on that same level night in and night out. That tells you where your place is in the whole, I would say, history of the game. You put yourself in a very high spot."

Dominique on how he would play today:

Wilkins: "When you can compete on that level against the greatest players every single night, and when you can play just as good or better, that really defines who you are as a player. So if you're asking me what would I have done (today), well, put it this way, if you couldn't touch me (because of the rule changes), instead of averaging 25 or 30 (points), I'd probably average 40."

Scottie Pippen on MJ/Kobe:

Scottie Piippen: "I think you definitely have to give Michael a little bit of a nod in most areas of the game, whether it is passing or shooting. Kobe is truly a great shooter, but he is playing in a different era of the game. It's not as physical. He also has more freedom in going to the basket, which creates a more wide-open scoring opportunity for players like him in today's game. We've never seen the amount of players scoring 30, 40 or 50 points in a game. Ten years ago, if a player scored 50 points in a game, it would be major news all week."

Tim Grover, (who has trained Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe) was asked who would win a 1-on-1 battle with Jordan vs. either Kobe or LeBron:

Grover: "Oh, Michael. No question. From a physical and mental standpoint, he's the best I've ever seen. If he were playing now, with the way the refs call everything, and with all the padding these guys wear, he'd average 40 or 50 a night if he wanted."

NBA.com conducted an interview with Executive Vice President Stu Jackson about the impact of the hand checking rule changes back in 2004-05.

NBA.com: "Since the hand-checking rule was interpreted differently beginning in the 2004-05 season, the game has opened up. Players are penetrating and the floor is spread. As a result, scoring has risen every season. Was this anticipated back in 2004?

Jackson: "No. The scoring increase was not our goal. Our objective was to allow for more offensive freedom by not allowing defenders to hand-, forearm- or body-check ball handlers. By doing so, we encouraged more dribble penetration. As players penetrated more, it produced higher quality shots for the ball handler as well as shots for teammates on passes back out to perimeter. When NBA players get higher quality shots-having more time to shoot-they tend to make more of them."

NBA.com: "Shooting percentages have risen since 2004-05 regardless of location- at-the-rim shots, short-and deep-mid range and 3-pointers. Does this surprise you, especially the higher percentages from 3-point range?"

Jackson: "It doesn't. With the rule and interpretation changes, it has become more difficult for defenders to defend penetration, cover the entire floor on defensive rotations and recover to shooters. This has provided more time for shooters to ready themselves for quality shots. With more dribble penetration, ball handlers are getting more opportunities at the rim. Additionally, teams now realize the 3-point shot is a great competitive equalizer, so they are taking more; they have improved their skill level on threes and are making them at a higher rate."

Finally, it is time to for the man himself, Michael Jordan:

"The history book inspires them to be some of the best", said Jordan. "Rules have changed to help them. I could have averaged 50 points today."

Jordan also says due to the hand checking rule changes, triple digits would be reachable for him in today's game. "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously." says Jordan. "Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points."

I decided to test that theory myself in video game form. Recently, I played NBA 2k12, and used Michael Jordan in Create A Legend Mode. During the season, MJ won MVP. (50 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.6 spg, 61% FG, 38% 3pt, 92% FT) This may seem like a game, but for me, it is also a symbol of art imitating life. Not only did MJ break his own scoring record (3,041) from 1987, but he also broke Wilt's 1962 scoring record (4,029). MJ finished with 4,045.

Now, let's take a look at Jordan's 1986-87 season:
Points: 3,041
Points Per Game: 37.1
FG%: 48%
FT%: 85%
Rebounds: 430
RPG: 5.2
Assists: 377
APG: 4.6
Steals: 236
SPG: 2.9
Blocks: 125
BPG: 1.5


Now, here is a more realistic view of what MJ would average in today's game. (61% was a bit of a stretch by the way, no matter how bad today's defense is)

MJ in the Modern NBA:
Points: 4,041
PPG: 50.5
FG%: 50.6% (51%)
FT%: 85%
Rebounds: 525
RPG: 6.5
Assists: 400
APG: 5.5
Steals: 265
SPG: 3.2
Blocks: 150
BPG: 1.9

With that said, I firmly believe that he would score at least 1,000 more points than that season with the modern rules. With his advantage in free throw shooting, he would be able to break Wilt's 1962 scoring record. Naturally, Wilt would have an advantage in shooting percentage from the field, because of his position. Chamberlain shot 50.6% (51%). The other stats are a bit miscellaneous, but I believe that Jordan's field goal percentage would increase because of how much easier it would be for him to score without resistance. If you look at Jordan's other seasons where he shot between 52-54% (88-92), those percentages would increase as well.

Here is a look at the difference in defense:

Jordan vs. Old School Defense:

Modern Era Defense:

The difference in contact is clearly obvious. If that doesn't cement it even more, here is something else that will blow you away.

Michael Jordan had 39 career 50+ point games. 22 of them came against Top 10 Defenses, 13 against Top 5 Defenses.

Here is a career timeline of Jordan's 50 point games:

1. 63 points vs. Boston Celtics (4/20/1986) (Playoff Career-high)
Defensive Rank: #1
2. 50 points vs. New York Knicks (11/1/1986)
Defensive Rank: #20
3. 53 points vs. Portland Trailblazers (1/8/1987)
Defensive Rank: #13
4. 58 points vs. New Jersey Nets (2/6/1987)
Defensive Rank: #18
5. 61 points vs. Detroit Pistons (3/4/1987)
Defensive Rank: #5 (DPOY: Dennis Rodman)
6. 56 points vs. Philadelphia 76ers (3/24/1987)
Defensive Rank: #12
7. 53 points vs. Indiana Pacers (4/12/1987)
Defensive Rank: #8
8. 50 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks (4/13/1987)
Defensive Rank: #4 (DPOY: Sidney Moncrief)
9. 61 points vs. Atlanta Hawks (4/16/1987)
Defensive Rank: #2
10. 52 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (12/17/1987)
Defensive Rank: #11
11. 52 points vs. Portland Trailblazers (2/26/1988)
Defensive Rank: #10
12. 59 points vs. Detroit Pistons (3/3/1988)
Defensive Rank: #2 (DPOY: Dennis Rodman)
13. 50 points vs. Boston Celtics (3/18/1988)
Defensive Rank: #17
14. 50 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4/28/1988)
Defensive Rank: #5
15. 55 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (5/1/1988)
Defensive Rank: #5
16. 52 points vs. Boston Celtics (11/9/1988)
Defensive Rank: #20
17. 52 points vs. Philadelphia 76ers (11/16/1988)
Defensive Rank: #24
18. 52 points vs. Denver Nuggets (11/26/1988)
Defensive Rank: #8
19. 53 points vs. Phoenix Suns (1/21/1989)
Defensive Rank: #5
20. 50 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks (2/16/1989)
Defensive Rank: #6
21. 50 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (5/5/1989)
Defensive Rank: #2
22. 54 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (11/3/1989)
Defensive Rank: #9
23. 52 points vs. Orlando Magic (12/20/1989)
Defensive Rank: #27
24. 69 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (3/28/1990) (Career-high)
Defensive Rank: #9
25. 51 points vs. Washington Bullets (3/19/1992)
Defensive Rank: #12
26. 50 points vs. Denver Nuggets (3/24/1992)
Defensive Rank: #13 (DPOY: Dikembe Mutombo)
27. 56 points vs. Miami Heat (4/29/1992)
Defensive Rank: #25
28. 54 points vs. LA Lakers (11/20/1992)
Defensive Rank: #17
29. 57 points vs. Washington Bullets (12/23/1992)
Defensive Rank: #25
30. 64 points vs. Orlando Magic (1/16/1993)
Defensive Rank: #11
31. 52 points vs. Charlotte Hornets (3/12/1993)
Defensive Rank: #19
32. 54 points vs. New York Knicks (5/31/1993)
Defensive Rank: #1
33. 55 points vs. Phoenix Suns (6/16/1993)
Defensive Rank: #9
34. 55 points vs. New York Knicks (3/28/1995)
Defensive Rank: #1
35. 53 points vs. Detroit Pistons (3/7/1996)
Defensive Rank: #7
36. 50 points vs. Miami Heat (11/6/1996)
Defensive Rank: #1
37. 51 points vs. New York Knicks (1/21/1997)
Defensive Rank: #2
38. 55 points vs. Washington Bullets (4/30/1997)
Defensive Rank: #13
39. 51 points vs. Charlotte Hornets (12/29/2001)
Defensive Rank: #10

Here is a breakdown of this timeline:
Jordan had 34 games between 50-59 points. (27 during the regular season, 7 in the playoffs)
Jordan scored 60+ points 5 times. (4 during the regular season, 1 playoffs)

The fact that Michael scored a playoff record 63 points against the powerhouse 1986 Celtics, is beyond impressive. Boston not only had the 1st ranked Defense, but they went on to win the Championship that season as well. I am much more impressed with that game, than Kobe scoring 81 points against a bottom feeder Toronto Raptors team. (WORST defense in the league that season)

Jordan also had 4 50+ point games against teams with a Defensive Player of the Year:
61 points vs. Dennis Rodman (Detroit- 3/4/1987)
50 points vs. Sidney Moncrief (Milwaukee- 4/13/1987)
59 points vs. Dennis Rodman (Detroit- 3/3/1988)
50 points vs. Dikembe Mutombo (Denver- 3/24/1992)

Bonus:
Here are the players that won Defensive Player of the Year that Jordan scored 40+ points:

41 points vs. Los Angeles Lakers (11/28/1986)
(D.P.O.Y- Michael Cooper)
41 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks (12/12/1986)
(D.P.O.Y- Sidney Moncrief)
43 points vs. Houston Rockets (1/15/1987)
(D.P.O.Y- Hakeem Olajuwon)
44 points vs. Houston Rockets (3/16/1987)
(D.P.O.Y- Hakeem Olajuwon)
44 points vs. Houston Rockets (12/12/1987)
(D.P.O.Y- Hakeem Olajuwon)
42 points vs. Los Angeles Lakers (12/20/1988)
(D.P.O.Y- Michael Cooper)
46 points vs. Detroit Pistons (1989 ECF- Game 3)
(D.P.O.Y- Dennis Rodman)
44 points vs. San Antonio Spurs (2/3/1990)
(D.P.O.Y- David Robinson)
42 points vs. San Antonio Spurs (1/24/1993)
(D.P.O.Y- David Robinson)
40 points vs. Seattle Supersonics (1/13/1998)
(D.P.O.Y- Gary Payton)

Notice how 6 out of these 10 games came against Big Men (Centers) who won Defensive Player of the Year:
David Robinson ('92)
Hakeem Olajuwon ('93 & '94)


Kobe has had 25 50 point games in his career. Only 7 of them came against Top 10 Defenses.
Out of those games, Kobe has played 20 games with 50-59 points. (19 regular season, 1 playoffs)
Kobe also has 5 60+ point games (5 regular season, 0 playoffs)

Scoring in the Jordan Era (Old School Rules):

1988-89 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 32.5
2. Karl Malone- 29.1
3. Dale Ellis- 27.5
4. Clyde Drexler- 27.2
5. Chris Mullin- 26.5
6. Alex English- 26.5
7. Dominique Wilkins- 26.2
8. Charles Barkley- 25.8
9. Tom Chambers- 25.7
10. Hakeem Olajuwon- 24.8
(Hakeem was the only player under 25 ppg)

1989-90 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 33.6
2. Karl Malone- 31.0
3. Patrick Ewing- 28.6
4. Tom Chambers- 27.2
5. Dominique Wilkins- 26.7
6. Charles Barkley- 25.2
7. Chris Mullin- 25.1
8. Reggie Miller- 24.6
9. Hakeem Olajuwon- 24.3
10. David Robinson 24.3

1990-91 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 31.5
2. Karl Malone- 29.0
3. Bernard King- 28.4
4. Charles Barkley- 27.6
5. Patrick Ewing- 26.6
6. Michael Adams- 26.5
7. Dominique Wilkins- 25.9
8. Chris Mullin- 25.7
9. David Robinson- 25.6
10. Mitch Richmond- 23.9

1991-92 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 30.1
2. Karl Malone- 28.0
3. Chris Mullin- 25.6
4. Clyde Drexler- 25.0
5. Patrick Ewing- 24.0

1992-93 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 32.6
2. Dominique Wilkins- 29.9
3. Karl Malone- 27.0
4. Hakeem Olajuwon- 26.1
5. Charles Barkley- 25.6
6. Patrick Ewing- 24.2

1993-94 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. David Robinson- 29.8
2. Shaquille O'Neal- 29.3
3. Hakeem Olajuwon- 27.3
4. Dominique Wilkins- 26.0
5. Karl Malone- 25.2
6. Patrick Ewing- 24.5

1994-95 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Shaquille O'Neal- 29.3
2. Hakeem Olajuwon- 27.8
3. David Robinson- 27.6
4. Karl Malone- 26.7
5. Jamal Mashburn- 24.1

(The league's scoring was ruled by Big Men when during Jordan's 1st retirement)

1995-96:
1. Michael Jordan- 30.4
2. Hakeem Olajuwon- 26.9
3. Shaquille O'Neal- 26.6
4. Karl Malone- 25.7
5. David Robinson- 25.0

1996-97:
1. Michael Jordan- 29.6
2. Karl Malone- 27.4
3. Glen Rice- 26.8
4. Mitch Richmond- 25.9
5. Latrell Sprewell- 24.2

1997-98:
1. Michael Jordan- 28.7
2. Shaquille O'Neal- 28.3
3. Karl Malone- 27.0

Now, a look at the Modern NBA:

2003-04 Point Per Game Leaders (Pre-Rules Changes):
1. Tracy McGrady- 28.0
2. Peja Stojakovic- 24.2
3. Kevin Garnett- 24.2
4. Kobe Bryant- 24.0
(Anyone notice how low the scoring was during this season? Does anyone also notice where Kobe is on the list? Immediately, the NBA changed the rules to speed up the pace of the scoring, and to open the floor.)

2004-05 Scoring Leaders- (The floodgates opened for perimeter players with the rule changes):
1. Allen Iverson- 30.7
2. Kobe Bryant- 27.6
3. LeBron James- 27.2
4. Dirk Nowitzki- 26.1
5. Amare Stoudemire- 26.0
6. Tracy McGrady- 25.7
7. Gilbert Arenas- 25.5
8. Vince Carter- 24.5
9. Dwyane Wade- 24.1

2005-06:
1. Kobe Bryant- 35.4
2. Allen Iverson- 33.0
3. LeBron James- 31.4
4. Gilbert Arenas- 29.3
5. Dwyane Wade- 27.2
6. Paul Pierce- 26.8
7. Dirk Nowitzki- 26.6
8. Carmelo Anthony- 26.5
9. Michael Redd- 25.4
10. Ray Allen- 25.1
11. Elton Brand- 24.7
12. Vince Carter- 24.2
(This was the same season where Kobe scored the notoriously overrated 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, a below sub-par team. Overall, this was the WORST season for perimeter defense, because of how many players averaged 24.0 ppg or higher. 11 out of those 12 play on the perimeter. Nowitzki is a hybrid PF that plays outside.)

2006-07:
1. Kobe Bryant- 31.7
2. Carmelo Anthony- 28.9
3. Gilbert Arenas- 28.4
4. LeBron James- 27.3
5. Michael Redd- 26.7
6. Ray Allen- 26.4
7. Allen Iverson- 26.3
8. Vince Carter- 25.2
9. Joe Johnson- 25.0
10. Tracy McGrady- 24.6
11. Dirk Nowitzki- 24.6

2007-08:
1. LeBron James- 30.0
2. Kobe Bryant- 28.3
3. Allen Iverson- 26.4
4. Carmelo Anthony- 25.7
5. Amare Stoudemire- 25.2

2008-09:
1. Dwyane Wade- 30.2
2. LeBron James- 28.4
3. Kobe Bryant- 26.8
4. Dirk Nowitzki- 25.9
5. Danny Granger- 25.8
6. Kevin Durant- 25.3

2009-10:
1. Kevin Durant- 30.1
2. LeBron James- 29.7
3. Carmelo Anthony- 28.2
4. Kobe Bryant- 27.0
5. Dwyane Wade- 26.6

2010-11:
1. Kevin Durant- 27.7
2. LeBron James- 26.7
3. Carmelo Anthony- 25.6
4. Dwyane Wade- 25.5
5. Kobe Bryant- 25.3

Just for fun, let's take a look at how some of the other players from Jordan's era would hold their own under today's rules:

Clyde Drexler:
1987-88:
Points: 2,185
Points Per Game: 27.0
FG%: 50.6%
FT%: 81%

Drexler (Modern Era):
Points: 2,500
Points Per Game: 32.0
FG%: 52.6% (53%)
FT%: 83%


Dominique Wilkins:
1987-88:
Points: 2,397
Points Per Game: 30.7
FG%: 46%
FT%: 82%

Wilkins (Modern Era):
Points: 2,700
Points Per Game: 34.7
FG%: 51%
FT%: 84%
(These are mere projections. The Big Men would have a field day under these rules.)

The amount of perimeter players that led in scoring since 2004-05 is alarming! This is the direct example of the extinction of the interior scorers like Shaq, Hakeem, Robinson, and others.

In Conclusion, Michael Jordan will always be the ultimate measuring stick for perimeter players to be measured by. The facts speak for themselves. Players in Jordan's era were still very impressive, in spite of the physical resistance during that time. Michael not only overcame the best perimeter players, but also the best interior players when he got to the basket under very stiff, and intense competition. Michael Jordan reigns supreme in ANY ERA!

Case Closed!


(Special Thanks to Bruce Blitz, Basketball-Reference, and NBA.com)