NBA Monarchy of Greatness: All-Time Greats (Part I)

Today, I would like to take the time to explore NBA History and analyze each decade to see who was the Greatest Player of each time frame. I will break down the time period that each player was at their most dominant. Players are seen by their fans all across the world as Emperors and Kings when they dominate. It will be like a "Game of Thrones" kind of approach so to speak. So please join me if you will on this journey through time.


I- 1946-54: King George of Minneapolis
Challengers: Bob Cousy, Dolph Schayes

During the Genesis of the NBA Monarchy, King George of Minneapolis ruled the Basketball Kingdom with sheer force as he laid waste to his competition. Mikan was the first Emperor of Basketball as he lead his Lakers of Minneapolis to 5 NBA Championships. King George may not have looked intimidating, but he struck fear into the hearts of those that would stand in his way.

1954-56: Transitional Period

As King Mikan would relinquish the throne in 1954, the Basketball Kingdom would go through a transitional phase. The likes of Bob Pettit, Bob Cousy, Dolph Schayes and others would have moments where it seemed like they would be the successor. However,

II- 1956-67: Emperor William of Boston
Challengers: Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson

In the Summer of 1956, Emperor William the Conqueror entered the Basketball world and revolutionized Defense in a way that was never seen before or seen since as his Emerald Kingdom of Boston known as the Celtics would build a Wall of Defense around the NBA Crown for the Entire Decade of the 1960's. The Celtic Kingdom led by Elder Council Arnold the Red, Russell would elevate a race of people that were once seen as unfit to rule the Basketball world. King William would break many barriers during his reign by winning 11 Championships with 8 straight in between. He would also make history as the first Player/Coach. Russell would also win 5 MVP Awards while conquering fellow Giant Wilt The Warrior. William is the only King/General to never fall in a 7-game do or die battle.

III- 1964-72: King Wilt The Warrior
Challengers: Bill Russell, Willis Reed, Jerry West, Lew Alcindor, Oscar Robertson

As Emperor Russell ruled the NBA with an Iron Fist, there was another Giant that had his own throne as he pillaged opponents with Brute Strength and Force. King Wilt the Warrior was unlike anything that Russell and others had ever seen. Wilt broke ground as the first dominant 7-foot Giant with monster like athleticism and power. They knew that he was coming, but could not stop him. From the moment young Wilt arrived on the landscape in 1959-60, he dominated and destroyed his adversaries by winning both the MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. King Wilt would continue to leave a trail of bodies in his wake when he averaged 50.4 PPG, along with an unprecedented 100 point game as his Warriors would defeat the Yorkshires of New York on the 2nd of March of 1962. However, King Wilt's only weakness was that he lacked a consistent army that he could assemble to capture the Basketball Crown. For the first 7 Seasons, King Wilt was seen as the best Individual Player, but it wasn't until 1967 where he put the Basketball Kingdom on notice by showing that he can win with the best team around him. That season, King Wilt would win the first of 3 consecutive MVP Awards as his army of 76ers carried the Spirit of '76 to victory by winning his first NBA Championship. On his road to victory, King Wilt finally defeated his arch-nemesis Emperor William Russell as the Sixers eviscerated the Celts and their Emerald Kingdom.

1969-70: Second Transition
By this time, the NBA Kingdom was going through another transitional period. Emperor William Russell relinquished his throne after winning his final war against the Lakers of Los Angeles led by King Wilt and Jerry of the West. In between this time, there would come another Giant that would reign across the Basketball World, Alcindor the Wise (later known as Kareem). Young Lew would dominate in his first season as he would win Rookie of the Year, nearly shades of King Wilt a decade earlier. However, neither of them could claim the throne as King Wilt battled injuries and Alcindor faced inexperience. At this time, the Yorkshires of New York would claim supremacy as Willis the Unbreakable would defeat the Lakers of Los Angeles in seven games. The Celts would also be taken over by Sir John Havlicek.

IV-1970-81: Alcindor/Kareem The Wise King.
Challengers: Willis Reed & Walt Frazier, John Havlicek & Dave Cowens, Julius Erving, Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes, Bill Walton

In an Era of a new Basketball Renaissance, the Basketball Universe witnessed a new exploration as players would explore more colorful worlds. Meanwhile, in the NBA Kingdom, the stoic discipline of Alcindor the wise would win out. In 1970-71, Alcindor would gain a new ally in legendary soldier Oscar the Great as he would lead the Bucks of the Native Milwaukee to an NBA Championship while winning Finals MVP. That season, he would also win his first Scoring Crown and first of a remarkable 6 MVP Awards. Shortly afterwards, Alcindor would change his name to Kareem after converting to the Muslim Religion. Even with a new name, Kareem was still the same Captain that would overthrow opponents one Sky Hook at a time. During his reign of dominance in Milwaukee, Kareem would win another Scoring Title along with two more MVP Crowns. Soon, things would begin to crumble in the Land of Milwaukee. Oscar the Great would retire, and Kareem the Wise would soon need to migrate for cultural reasons. As things in Milwaukee would decline, Kareem the Wise would move to the Western Town of Los Angeles where he would continue his dominance despite a struggling army around him.

V- 1971-77: Julius The Doctor
Challengers: George Gervin, George McGinnis, Artis Gilmore, Dan Issel, Moses Malone, Mel Daniels, Connie Hawkins, David Thompson

As Kareem the Wise dominated with Discipline, there was a completely different world in the Basketball Universe that was discovered. This world was filled by many colors, mainly Red, White and Blue. This animated world was ruled by Julius the Doctor, King of the far away colorful land of the ABA. Julius ruled this world with his royal Scepter and his Red, White and Blue robe. This was a land of creativity, freedom and expression as Julius became an innovator within the Basketball Universe. Even as Kareem struggled Julius The Doctor prospered in the Land of the ABA, as he lead the Nets of Yorkshire to two ABA Crowns. King Julius would then take his talents to the Holy Land of Basketball known as Philadelphia as he would join the Sixers of 76. However, Julius the Doctor would show signs of vulnerability as his army would fall to the likes of the Blazers of Portland.

1981-84: Third Transition/Dawn of the Golden Age
After a long and prosperous reign, Kareem the Wise while not yet ready to relinquish power under too great of an attack to hold the keys to the Kingdom of his own. Meanwhile, two young princes would come across the horizon to take the Basketball Universe by storm with their arrival in 1979. One prince was Earvin the Magician and the other was Larry the Legendary. Young Prince Earvin would travel from the land of Spartans to join Great King Kareem with the Lakers in the City of Angels to rejuvenate a once proud Kingdom. Larry the Legendary traveled from the farmlands to join the Celts of the Emerald Kingdom of Boston to continue his rivalry with Earvin, the one they called "Magic". There was also a Man-child of promise named Moses deep in the heart of Texas that would dominate the Basketball Landscape before joining the Basketball Holy Land of Philadelphia (known as the City of Brotherly Love). Moses would help Julius The Doctor lead the Sixers of Philadelphia to the Promise Land of Hoopdom.

VI- 1981-87: Larry the Legendary
Challengers: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Moses Malone

Upon his arrival in 1979-80, Larry the Legendary would make his presence known in the Emerald Kingdom as he took the doormant Celts from an abysmal 29 wins to 61 wins, earning Rookie of the Year Honors. The young Warrior would give an encore the next season as he would lead the Celts of Boston to another NBA Championship in 1981 as they would defeat the Rockets of Houston led by Moses the Man-Child. In 1984, Larry the Legendary would cement himself as the Supreme Ruler of the Basketball Kingdom by winning his first of three straight MVP Awards. He would close that campaign by conquering arch nemesis Earvin the Magician and the Lakers of Los Angeles. The Celts of Boston would rule the East with a variety of long and short range attacks as Larry's star continued to grow brighter. No matter the challenger, the Mighty Ruler of the Emerald Kingdom would lead his troops to victory. His greatest soldiers were Sir Kevin and Robert The Chief.


VII- 1982-91: Earvin The Magician
Challengers: Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon

As Larry the Legendary ruled the East, Prince Earvin the Magician ruled the Western World with the Lakers of Los Angeles with Kareem the Wise King. Young Earvin used a variety of attacks and tricks that would captivate the fans and terrify the opponents. As Kareem fell to injury in the 1980 Finals, Prince Earvin would lead the troops to victory over Julius the Doctor and the 76ers. In the 1982 rematch, the Lakers of Los Angeles would cement their place on the Western Throne as Earvin the Magician would conquer the 76ers of Philadelphia once again in the Finals. The Sixers would gain their revenge with the addition of Moses the Man Child in 1983. Prince Earvin was truly a Wizard with the Basketball, with his genius and creativity on the Hardwood. His battles with Larry the Legendary were Epic as they dethroned the Emerald Kingdom of the Celts twice, in 1985 and finally in 1987. After vanquishing Larry the Legend once and for all, Earvin the Magician was the Undisputed King of Hoopdom. Hiding behind the charismatic smile was a competitive fire that would destroy you if you gave him the chance. When the sun set on the Golden Decade of the 80's, the Lakers were the Great Western Dynasty and the Celts were the Emerald Kingdom once again. During this reign, other young future princes would arrive onto the Basketball Kingdom in 1984. One of them was a Prince from Nigeria with a Dream, and another would shake up the World of Hoopdom with his gift of Flight.

1989-91: Fourth Transition/Barbaric Attack

With the Sun setting on the reign of the great Princes of the East and West, an Army of Barbaric Invaders would arrive from deep in the Mid Western Land called the Motor City. This army was more cruel and ruthless than anyone that has come before or since. A vicious, blood thirsty group with savage names like Zeke, Lamb, Spider, Worm, Microwave and Joe (not all names were evil). These Motor City Barbarians would destroy the Emerald Kingdom of Boston while destroying the Lakers Great Western Dynasty en route to planting their Red, White and Blue flag on top of the Basketball Mountain. The Motor City Barbarians would rule the throne at they would hold up the inevitable on coming Air Assault from a futuristic Jedi like Warrior that no one could have ever seen come. Make sure to look out for Part II of our journey through history.

History Rewritten: NBA MVP Awards (1973)

In this edition of "History Rewritten", I would like to explore the travesty of the 1973 NBA MVP Award. This was yet another fishy MVP Race that I did not agree with. Without question, I will rename a much better choice for the MVP Award. However, I believe that the 1969 MVP Race was even more egregious than this one. There is no way in the world that I believe Wes Unseld was the Most Valuable Player for that season. I think Elvin Hayes was a more valuable rookie than Wes that year. The 1973 Race was not on the same level as the '62 Race, but better than the one in 1969. Here is the background for that season. The Boston Celtics won a franchise record 68 games. Bill Russell's teams NEVER won that many games. Even Larry Bird's teams NEVER won 68 games either. The 1986 Celtics won 67 games instead. Boston was pretty deep that season, with the combination of Dave Cowens and John Havlicek along with JoJo White and others. This team was a year away from winning the championship. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was on fire that season with yet another stellar campaign with Milwaukee. He was the defending two-time MVP, as he was the Alpha Dog of the league. Nate "Tiny" Archibald became the smallest Scoring Champion in NBA History, when he averaged 34.0 ppg. That season, Tiny also led the league in Assists with 11.4 apg. Those were the three strongest cases.

With that said, the NBA decided to narrow the Award to one man:

Dave Cowens:

Cowens Season Statistics: (20.5 ppg/16.2 rpg/4.1 apg/45.2% FG/77.9% FT)

Cowens had a great season, but he blended within a team that was very strong that season. Individually, he had his share of flaws that would keep me from naming him the MVP of the entire league. While he averaged 16.2 rpg, his Field Goal Percentage left much to be desired at 45 %. When you look at the Metrics, Cowens did not even contribute the most Win Shares for the league. The NBA was already in a down period anyway, and honestly, it looks pretty underwhelming to see him win the MVP during one of the more competitive races of that decade. Here is the competition that Dave Cowens faced:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: (30.2 ppg/16.1 rpg/5.0 apg/55.4% FG/71.3% FT)
Nate Archibald: (34.0 ppg/2.8 rpg/11.4 apg/48.8 FG%/84.7% FT)
Wilt Chamberlain: (13.2 ppg/18.6 rpg/4.5 apg/72.7% FG%/51% FT)
John Havlicek: (23.8 ppg/7.1 rpg/6.6 apg/45% FG/85.8% FT)
Jerry West: (22.8 ppg/4.2 rpg/8.8 apg/47.9% FG/80.5% FT)

This was a fairly tight race, especially with Kareem's typical monster numbers during his heyday with Milwaukee. In my view, he was the most consistent player during that time period. Jabbar's field goal percentage was 10% higher than Cowens. Tiny pulled double duty as the Scoring Champion and the Assists Champion on a very subpar Kings team. Even he had a better shooting percentage than Cowens, while only playing as a POINT GUARD! Wilt led the NBA in Rebounding and Field Goal Percentage in his final season. He shot 72 percent. 72 PERCENT in his LAST Season!! That is the direct opposite of what he shot during his legendary rookie campaign in 1960 when he only shot 46%. These three players also had better Win Share numbers than Dave that season. Even his own teammate John Havlicek was building a pretty nice case for himself, although he was outclassed. Dave's numbers and efficiency were obviously eclipsed by the leading candidates in the race.

Now, here is where things really became shady. Here are the voting results:

Cowens won with 444 total votes. Here is the voting breakdown:
Dave Cowens: 444 votes (67 first place votes)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 339 votes (33 first place votes)
Nate "Tiny" Archibald: 319 votes (44 first place votes)
Wilt Chamberlain: 123 votes (12 first place votes)

This has to be the most bizarre voting system that I have ever seen. Kareem ranked second in voting, but had eleven fewer votes than Archibald who ranked third? Cowens received 67 first place votes to win, which gave him twice as many votes as Jabbar who only had 33. Meanwhile, Tiny had 44 while finishing third. As far as I know, the player that finishes in second place should have more first place votes than the player who finishes in third. This MVP race was very much backwards. In typical Celtics fashion, Cowens was surrounded by a strong team. Meanwhile, he did not have a very transcendant season. Tiny was a scoring machine, but he loses points in my book because he KILLED his Team with his scoring. I cannot call you an MVP when you cannot carry your team into the Playoffs. Tiny was the Russell Westbrook of that time. Outstanding numbers, but could not lead the team into the postseason. If you are really valuable, you can take your team to that next level.

Rewrite:
With everything taken into account, I would like to rewrite history in my own way by awarding the MVP to the Alpha Dog of the NBA at that time. This man lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first ever NBA Championship two years earlier with a veteran Point Guard named Oscar Robertson. This young, dynamic star won the Finals MVP that year, as he also led the NBA in Scoring that season. The following year, he led the NBA in Scoring again en route to another MVP with a career high 34.7 ppg. His campaign in 1973 was no different, with 30.2 ppg and 16.1 rpg as he continued to lead the Bucks as contenders. That player is none other than, Mr. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In all honesty, I felt that Kareem was seriously ROBBED of the MVP that Season. People talk about the 1993 & 1997 MVP Screwjobs where Michael Jordan was robbed in favor of Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. Well, Kareem himself is very familiar with that feeling as he experienced it 20 years earlier. I could accept Sir Charles and The Mailman as MVP's before I could accept Dave Cowens. Kareem was an Unstoppable Force down low in the Paint with the Greatest Weapon in NBA History, The Skyhook. He was the single most devastating player in Basketball, and the NBA needed to continue that trend of awarding him the MVP Trophy when he produced MVP worthy numbers. Kareem's individual numbers rivaled those of Nate Archibald. However, he made his team contenders the same way that Dave Cowens did. Kareem had better stats than Cowens, and was a better team leader than Tiny. Everyone knew who the Top Star was for the Bucks, and it was Kareem himself. Dave probably has the most flaws of any MVP Winner besides Wes Unseld and Bill Walton (more on that later). Even though I chose Wilt as the MVP of 1962, I can still respect Bill Russell's case more than Cowens. Kareem was the MOST Dominant Player of that Era, and he deserves to be rewarded whenever he had a season of dominance. Although he already has 6 MVP Awards, I can look back and say that it would be nice for him to have one more. In my world, Kareem is now a 7-time NBA Most Valuable Player. For the 1972-73 Season, Kareem was the REAL MVP.

History Rewritten: NBA MVP Awards (1962)

Throughout the course of NBA History, we have seen our share of definitive NBA MVP Award Winners. Other years, it seems like the race can be fishy. This has been an issue that I have wrestled with for years because even great players have won Awards in seasons that I felt were not quite their best campaign. After reading literature such as Bill Simmons "The Book of Basketball", I have been inspired to do my own reconstruction of history. I may not have a DeLorean like Marty McFly with a Flux Capacitor to travel back in time, but I will use this platform to do just that. For today's case study, I would like to examine the 1962 NBA MVP Award.

1962 NBA MVP: Bill Russell:

Bill Russell's Season Statline: 18.9 ppg, 23.6 rpg, 4.5 apg, 45.7% FG, 59.5% FT

Already a two-time MVP winner, Russell peaked this season like many others, averaging an incredible 19-24-5 for a 60-win Boston team as he was the superhuman anchor of a great defensive minded team. Bill was certainly one of the defining players of his generation. On the other hand, this was one of the most competitive MVP races in NBA History and the most competitive of that era.

Here are his rivals from that season:

Wilt Chamberlain: (50.4 ppg, 25.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 50.6% FG, 61.3% FT)
Oscar Robertson: (30.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 11.4 apg, 47.8% FG, 80.3% FT)
Elgin Baylor: (38.3 ppg, 18.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, 42.8% FG, 75.4% FT)
Jerry West: (30.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 5.4 apg, 44.5% FG, 76.9% FT)
Bob Pettit: (31.1 ppg, 18.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 45% FG, 77.1% FT)
Richie Guerin: (29.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.9 apg, 44.2% FG, 82% FT)
Bob Cousy: (15.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 7.8 apg, 39.1% FG, 75.4% FT)

That was a very stiff battle, especially among the likes of Wilt, Big O and Elgin with West not too far behind. Wilt's numbers were just unheard of then and are still unheard of now. Oscar averaged an insane triple-double, regarded as the best point guard season in history outside of Magic Johnson. Elgin averaged 38-19-5 while only playing 48 games because of military duty that season. Fellow two-time MVP Bob Pettit still played at a high level and was among the elite scorers with a career-high of 31.1 ppg. His numbers were obviously eclipsed by those ahead of him in the race.


Russell won the honor with 297 votes. Here is the MVP voting breakdown:
Russell: 297 (51-12-6)
Wilt: 152 (9-30-17)
Oscar: 135 (13-13-31)
Elgin: 82 (3-18-13)
West: 60 (6-8-6)


Bill Russell took home the award with 51 first-place votes. Wilt finished second with 30-second place votes, 9 first place votes, leading to 152 overall votes. Oscar finished third with 31 third place votes but received more votes in first than Wilt. I have come to believe that perhaps Chamberlain was not very popular among the voters, as some of them happened to have been players themselves. Robertson finished with 135 votes. Elgin and West would round out the votes with Pettit, Guerin, and Cousy carrying the rear. Russell's season was very dominant and it should never be taken away from him. The stamp that he left on that team is remarkable. However, when it comes to that season, I would like to respectfully object to the voting as I look back on it. Bill had a great system around him, even though he did have a huge hand in making several teammates look better. He also had a Hall of Fame Architect named Red Auerbach as his coach.

Rewrite:
With Bill Russell's already impressive line of MVP Awards, I would like to rename the MVP for that Season. It will be none other than his archrival. A man that was the single most dominant force of that time, both physically and statistically. This MVP should go to none other than the other player that would have a stronghold on that trophy along with Russell. This player would also define the NBA during that Era.

That man is none other than, Wilt Chamberlain:

The Season that Wilt recorded is transcendent, regardless of the era. Statistics like those have never been seen before or since, even from Chamberlain himself. Contrary to what some may say, Chamberlain's supporting cast did not perform as a unit the same way that Russell's did. Nothing against Wilt's teams, but Russell's teammates collectively played like a machine. Chamberlain was the standout story that season. From his 100 point game to averaging 50+ ppg, the things that he did were astounding. Oscar's Triple Double was spectacular in and of itself. If Big O had those numbers without playing against Wilt and Russell, he would easily win the award. However, Wilt stood like a giant shadow over that season. He went above and beyond many of his contemporaries that season.  This is in no way to slight his peers. Some may accuse him of being a ball hog (he may have had a tendency to concern himself with stats sometimes), but he brought plenty of value to that team. Chamberlain added value to his team, as they would not have been the same if he was not there. This MVP Race seemed somewhat fishy, but it was given to someone who was equal to Wilt's caliber. In the end, Wilt was the king of that season. No offense to Russell, but I look at Wilt's resume and feel as though that 1962 Season ended without the proper respect. That kind of season should not have gone without the recognition that it greatly deserved. In my book, for the 1961-62 Season, Wilt Chamberlain was the REAL MVP.

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.