Tex Winter Compares Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan March 29, 2007 1:59 PM
Roland Lazenby's Lakernoise blog has all kinds of interesting points to add to this debate, from Phil Jackson's longtime right-hand man (and current Laker consultant) Tex Winter. Winter has been around both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant for almost their entire careers. You should really read the whole thing, but here are some excerpts that Lazenby has generously let me cut and paste:
A few years back, the Lakers coaching staff concluded Bryant and Jordan were much alike, almost eerie, in fact, when it came to the alpha male qualities of their competitive natures. Kobe and Michael were ruthless when it came to winning, everyone agreed. And their skills were similar. Except Michael's hands were larger. The major difference between the two came with college experience. Jordan had played in a basketball system for Dean Smith at North Carolina, thus he was better prepared to play within a team concept. Winter says they're both very much alike: "They both display tremendous reaction, quickness and jumping ability. Both have a good shooting touch. Some people say Kobe is a better shooter, but Michael really developed as a shooter as he went along. I don't know if Kobe is a better shooter than Michael was at his best."
Observers like to point out that Jordan played on a Chicago Bulls team with no great center, but Winter always countered that Jordan was a great post-up player and in essence was the premier post weapon of his time.
Bryant himself came into the NBA with amazingly good post skills, but there was never room for him to play in the post with Shaquille O'Neal occupying the lane during their years together with the Lakers. In a lot of ways, Bryant is Jordan's equal as a post player, Winter said, except for one critical element. "What's happened to Kobe and his post play - and he is a great post player - is that he's catching the ball just out of the lane and the defenders are forcing him out toward the wing." As a result of getting pushed out of the post, Winter worries that Bryant may rely too heavily on three-pointers, which Bryant often shoots against intense pressure. Winter also admits that Bryant abandons aspects of the triangle offense with some regularity. But that's not Winter's main complaint with the guard: "I'd like to see him play better defense," Winter said, adding that he had addressed the issue recently with Bryant but didn't come away with the idea that Bryant was intent on changing his approach. "You know Kobe," Winter said with a chuckle. "He has his game plan. I think he heard me. But he feels there's a certain way he's got to play the game. But it doesn't involve a lot of basically sound defense." Because the Lakers need so much of his effort at the offensive end, Bryant has adopted a save-energy plan on the defensive end, Winter said. "He's basically playing a lot of one-man zone. He's doing a lot of switching, zoning up, trying to come up with the interception. "The way Kobe plays defensively affects the team," Winter added. "Anybody that doesn't play consistently good defense hurts the team. That's not only Kobe. Our other guards tend to gamble and get beat. Another problem is that the screen and roll is not played correctly." Winter never really says who's better. But to me, at this stage that's a victory for the legacy of Kobe Bryant. Winter is tough, honest, and as good an authority on this topic as we'll ever get. If he thinks it's a debate worth having, that's really something. Not all that long ago only die-hard Laker fans were seriously making the case that Bryant might be Jordan's equal.
Los Angeles Lakers, Basketball History, Chicago Bulls
Sign in to add comment buffedel5 (March 29, 2007 2:49 PM) This is what a comparison article is supposed to look like. Rather then hearing the vague generalizations by Jemele Hill, Tex Winter gets into specifics about the difference in their games and (at least clearly to me) implies Jordan is better. It is very interesting to hear how Winter thinks Bryant doesn't play very good defense, because one of the big arguments that most Kobe supporters make is that he plays such great defense. I'll have to look for some of the things Winter said the next time I watch the Lakers. Great article.
lakerman80 (March 29, 2007 3:24 PM) hey buff, the only reason u like this article is because he agrees with u. so u rip hills article and praise this 1
allahtruth (March 29, 2007 3:25 PM) buffedel5: "Tex Winter gets into specifics about the difference in their games and (at least clearly to me) implies Jordan is better." Well I didn't get that at all. I think Tex basically said they were very similar. With Jordan playing better defense and had a better concept of team ball because he went to college. But as far as talent, when asked who was better Tex did not say either one. Probably because Kobe is not threw playing. He is 28 yrs old and still with a lot to learn and go in his career! Remember Jordan won his 1st title at 27/28 and the legacy of MJ was born. Before that He was just this spectacular player. (the most talented in the league) but not a winner. With that said I think Kobe has time to become something more special then what you are seeing!
MSR0024 (March 29, 2007 3:28 PM) I agree, great article. Tex is the man who knows (maybe PJ himself only knows better). The defense comment is interesting and eye opening. I'm not one to say that Kobe is a superb defender, but I sure like his attitude of wanting to hold the best player, especially during crunch time. Even though Arenas hit him up for 60 that game, Kobe would not let PJ take him off of Arenas. I'm an old fashioned guy, but when Kobe was a young pup and took that wild shot in the playoffs against Utah (airball) as well as personally asked Jordan "How do you maintain shooting strength when you shoot the fadeaway", I knew he would be special and he has become my favorite player ever sense. Doesn't seem to be the most likable guy, but I'm not asking him to babysit my kids. As far as I can tell, he takes his job more seriously than most, and works like a chain gang in the off season to improve his game. Tex never chooses between the two though, which is interesting. He saw Jordan at his very best, and Kobe is still improving. I hope this will be a topic when Kobe's career is over, then we can all look at it more objectively.
webb157 (March 29, 2007 3:44 PM) Michael Jordan average 35/7/7 in an era when league offensive averages were lower than they are today. He also shot over 50% for almost his entire career. Kobe has yet to do either of these. Some people say that the competition is much better today than it was then, but that's really impossible to prove, even though I agree myself. Could be that the rule changes have simply allowed less skilled players to put up bigger numbers. Let's not forget that a 40-year-old Jordan lit up some of the current competition not too long ago. Regardless, Jordan dominated the entire league from the 2-guard position and won 6 titles. I hated him the entire time he did it too - but there's no way anyone with half a brain has the right to claim Kobe is better than MJ. That has to be one of the dumbest articles I've ever read. Jemele Hill should be banned from ever writing about sports again.
MSR0024 (March 29, 2007 3:56 PM) Nah, can't ban her because that article has created a nice wave of post and conversation. Although Kobe is my guy, I also find it hard to compare him to MJ right now. Skill wise, he's right there, but Mike is and was an athletic phenomenon. He actually created a basketball culture. Kids go to the movies and on dates in jersey's and shorts because Mike made it look so damn cool! Beware though, don't write Kobe the killer off, he'll read these post, get pissed off and score 125 on somebody (joking)!
blaklicorice (March 29, 2007 4:29 PM) I grew up watching Michael, and being from L.A. I've watched Kobe for a great while now. I must admit, when people started comparing Kobe to Michael I was annoid. I didn't believe Kobe would reach that status. However, after watching Kobe these past couple years Kobe IS the best player in basketball, and can be compared (talent wise) to Jordan. I disagree however with Tex on one point. Kobe doesn't have the strength to be as good in the post as Michael was. I watched Mike develope his post game gradually over a couple years until he was automatic. Jordan was much stronger than Kobe was. Not only was Jordan's post game better, but his D was much better than Kobe's is. Kobe has the ability to play great D, but he takes time off unlike Jordan who was a pitbull on D...ALWAYS. Kobe can shoot the lights out and I've seen both players (Michael & Kobe) be unstoppable on the offensive end. They both can take over at will. Kobe's jumper was developed much sooner than Mike's but Mike worked hard developing his shot. Lastly, I don't think there has ever been a player like Mike as far as mentally defeating his opponent. I'm not saying Kobe isn't mentally tough, but he's no match for mike. I still think Mike is the All-Time greatest, but Kobe can be mentioned in the same breath as Michael with no problem.
trevorrmuniz (March 29, 2007 5:09 PM) It is ridiculous to compare Michael and Kobe, just like Byrd and Jordan. They both dominate their era's and that is how it should be looked at. There were things that Byrd did that Jordan or Kobe could never do, and the same for Michael that Kobe can and will never do. Jordan would get his shot blocked, or someone would steel the ball from him, and he would make sure that they did not score on the possession that they recieved from him. I mean he would block the fastbreak shot or steal it right back. Kobe on the other hand turns and looks at the refs instead of using his talent to go fight for what they just took from him. Just like it has been said Jordan was perfectly rounded, not saying Kobe can't be, but right now with the team he has and the personel around him there is no way to compare the two. Without Pippen, Armstrong, Paxon, Kerr, or Rodman (and yes Rodman was a key ingrediant to their titles) Jordan would have only won three titles out of the six finals, and the Pacers probably would have a title as well as the Knicks. Once Kobe gets a supporting cast and the personel that fit just like Jordan did, the titles will once again flow for Kobe, and he might end up with 9 total titles. Time can only tell that.
zeekling (March 29, 2007 5:20 PM) MJ is the Greatest, hands down...for now. Kobe has been the "Golden Child" every since he entered the league. What has spurned all this Kobe vs. MJ is that Kobe has so much potential. And all of you Kobe haters realize that Kobe has the POTENTIAL to go down as the greatest ever. He's still learning, and with his killer work ethic, Kobe Haters beware!!
andrewpalazzolo@hotmail.com (March 29, 2007 5:40 PM) One comparison that you guys left out was that jordan won six rings....in a row
showtime40117 (March 29, 2007 5:44 PM) I agree with Tex's analysis of Kobe's defense, but...confidently playing tough man to man defense on this Laker team is a little different than the confidence that you have while being out there on the floor playing defense with 1)scottie pippen 2)ron harper and 3)dennis rodman. Playing tough man, only to look over your shoulder while your teammates are gettting burned time after time gets a little frustrating after a while I'm sure. He needs to save himself a little right now for offense, and also play a little center field on D with this team. In basketball, no one will really own the title of KING. My vote goes to Magic Johnson to be honest. I'm sure Kobe will happy that he has and will put in enough work for his bust to be included on the Mt. Rushmore of Basketball.
laker_skin1 (March 29, 2007 5:50 PM) very true, if he wasnt at least equall. we wouldnt be talking about it, and only the most extremest lean toward bias decisions.
bgeronimo (March 29, 2007 6:00 PM) Michael Jordan is the Greatest of All-time. Enough Said.
buffedel5 (March 29, 2007 6:06 PM) Lakerman80- I disagree with that. I like this article because it gets into DETAIL and doesn't enter into it with an agenda. I think when you enter into an article at "This player is better" and try and support that, you overlook the argument. I think writers are better off examining the question of who is better and looking at it from both sides, rather then writing an opinion piece, because in all reality, who cares about some columnists opinion? They're just another fan of sports, very few of them are qualified in experts as what they are writing about. AllahTruth- I think the idea of ranking "talent" is misleading, because plenty of guys have a lot of talent but never put it together. You don't examine the talent of players, at least in my opinion, you evaluate who is the better basketball player. As for Kobe, I agree with that sentiment that he is just entering his prime. If Kobe can win a championship as the lead dog, that'll certainly raise his profile. I said this in another thread, but Kobe's only titles came when he was the 2nd best player on the team, Jordan was the best on his team. If Kobe can win a title or two with himself as the alpha male of the team, I think only then can you really begin to consider putting him in Jordan's league. vincent reyes (March 29, 2007 6:20 PM) First I want to say this was a good article, and I love the fact this is comming from Tex. Sometimes as a fan we get tired of hearing "think they know everything sports writers". I agree on what Tex said about Kobe and Jordans killer instinct to win. At the same time I disagree with the whose the better shooting debate. I have to say Kobe has Jordan on that one. Jordan was awsome at his midrange fadeaways etc. but beyond the arc or the long jumpshots Jordan just was'nt up to par with Kobe. On the defense tip, I have to say Jordan was a better defender. At the same time Kobe could play defense as good as anybody but just does'nt make it a priority. (which he needs to do) And last but not least, I don't think Tex was saying who was better, but just simply you could make the comparison. In my opinion when it's all said and done Kobe will be the better of the two.
espnbricebrice (March 29, 2007 6:47 PM) Clearly Tex thinks MJ is better. Obviously the only reason he is only implying that and not saying it outright at this time is because he's actually coaching Kobe right now (and perhaps because he knows Kobe can push anyone he wants to out of town).
Validone (March 29, 2007 7:15 PM) Read the context clues. Tex is the creator of the triangle. He says they are alike, but he is smart not to flat out say that Kobe isn't in MJ's league., because he is still on Lakers staff and don't want to offend upper management or Kobe. Phil and Tex thinks that MJ is hands down the greatest, but they are on Lakers payroll. The context clues are that "Winter also admits that Bryant abandons aspects of the triangle offense with some regularity" and that he would"I'd like to see him play better defense" and "The way Kobe plays defensively affects the team," Jordan embodied the triangle so well that it looked like he was out of it. He referred to Jordan and Pippen as pitbulls on defense because they attacked the offensive players relentlessly. These are trademarks of championships. Notice he starts from the individual comparisons and ends with team stuff! Very intelligent Tex. Give us enough to know, but not TOO much to keep your job! Thanks
tsleezhy (March 29, 2007 7:20 PM) I don't think that Kobe is Jordan's equal. Kobe is equal to Kobe. People spend so much time trying to compare the two. Michael had his run and he was the greatest for his time. Kobe's time is now, and he is the best player in the game today. So, instead of trying to find Jordan's equal, why can't Kobe just be Kobe. And leave it at that. He deserves to be a name for himself. Not the other way around. Kobe has his strengths over Jordan and he has his weaknesses over Jordan. However, both of them are really really great players. And they are the best during their era's.
Ballin.024 (March 29, 2007 7:31 PM) I've read both articles and they're both good... The only difference between the two is Jordan has MVP's, a bunch of scoring titles, and much more... Whats the same... MJ didn't win a championship without Scottie... and Kobe hasn't won one without Shaq... So My eyes Mikes the best but the game has changed so much now since then... If you could take Kobe this year or last and Take MJ in the '96 or '92 season they'd be pretty evenly matched...and lets just hope when Kobe retires he doesn't make the same bad descion like MJ did and come back. God Bless to both
alvan1177 (March 29, 2007 7:50 PM) The only reason why Kobe is not going to get an mvp is because those so call writers wants to dictate every thing(should be the fans)....if it's not Nash its Lebron please writers..ps... john stocton is better than Nash...SIMPLY SAID KOBE IS THE CLOSEST THING TO JORDAN..RESPECT......
turnerburner123 (March 29, 2007 8:16 PM) You know, I like my superstars, too. No doubt about it. How they dunk, how they score, how they dominate, everything.
But the past years it's become a bit much in my opinion. There has been a "Race to MVP" column on NBA.com since the first week of the season, everybody is compared to who-knows-what kind of other superstar of the past or even the present. I mean, nowadays, the best player(s) of every team are superstar(s)! I'm just getting extremely tired of all this star talk 24-7, all year long. As I said before, I like my superstars, too, from time to time and Kobe's recent heroics certainly qualify for being discussed over and over again, and Kobe is also definetely worthy of being compared to MJ, but then you got the next day and it'll all be about a crazy game Arenas, Shaq, Yao, T-Mac, Duncan, Nash, Dirk, KG, Lebron, Wade or whoever had and what or who they compare to. See my point? There's probably even somebody writing me a response, that I forgot to mention this or that "superstar's" name in my listing. It's getting too much and I think the problem is that we all became obsessed with statistics at one point. Sometimes when I read some recaps about the games I just burst laughing because of some stupid "Elias Says"-column. Stuff like " It was the first time since 12 years that somebody who had scored 4 points the previous game scored 43 or more in the next.
Just imagine we would ban statistics from pro sports for 12 months. All you would know is who won, who lost, and if you really watch a lot of basketball or whatever sport it is, you'd still find out which player is hot and who's not. We just wouldn't be so stupidly obsessive about ever single game or every single player.
Sorry, John Hollinger, but true shooting percentage, margin of points scored and allowed, bla,bla,bla. In my opinion you're messing with the game.
aussie_tosser (March 29, 2007 8:35 PM) It's awesome to read Tex's take on both players. Yeah, Jordan didn't have the luxury of hiding in a zone defence during his prime, also another point I haven't heard being touched on is the defensive hand-checking rule that Jordan played against. You know, the rule that the league changed after Jordan retired. I was shocked that the Jemele Hill "article" was on espn at all, let alone the front page. I don't have the time and energy to dissect the key flaws and problems with her "story", unfortunatley I don't have the privilege of being paid by espn to rant and cheerlead about who my favourite player is and who's better. Kobe walks like Mike, talks like Mike, plays ball like Mike, but how could the carbon copy ever be an improvement on the original? He's an imitator not an innovator. naysface (March 29, 2007 8:40 PM) Good article, good points made. But guys, come on. Kobe is now almost as good offensively, no doubt. once his post play improves, he's there. But keep somethings in mind. MJ was named to 9 all nba first teams (which buy the way is the record) and won a DPY award. Not to mention 6 rings as the number one option. 6. Kobe won his rings on a team as the number 2 with Shaq. And buy the way who won the finals MVP's on those 3 teams? So come on. yeah he can score. big deal. so could bernard king and dominique. dont get me wrong, kobe is the best player in basketball today. but take over an entire game on both ends of the floor? Three peat twice on completely different teams as the number 1? Win DPY? he better get to work to mess with that resume.
*********************************************** Tex Winter Compares Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan March 29, 2007 1:59 PM
Roland Lazenby's Lakernoise blog has all kinds of interesting points to add to this debate, from Phil Jackson's longtime right-hand man (and current Laker consultant) Tex Winter. Winter has been around both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant for almost their entire careers. You should really read the whole thing, but here are some excerpts that Lazenby has generously let me cut and paste:
A few years back, the Lakers coaching staff concluded Bryant and Jordan were much alike, almost eerie, in fact, when it came to the alpha male qualities of their competitive natures. Kobe and Michael were ruthless when it came to winning, everyone agreed. And their skills were similar. Except Michael's hands were larger. The major difference between the two came with college experience. Jordan had played in a basketball system for Dean Smith at North Carolina, thus he was better prepared to play within a team concept. Winter says they're both very much alike: "They both display tremendous reaction, quickness and jumping ability. Both have a good shooting touch. Some people say Kobe is a better shooter, but Michael really developed as a shooter as he went along. I don't know if Kobe is a better shooter than Michael was at his best."
Observers like to point out that Jordan played on a Chicago Bulls team with no great center, but Winter always countered that Jordan was a great post-up player and in essence was the premier post weapon of his time.
Bryant himself came into the NBA with amazingly good post skills, but there was never room for him to play in the post with Shaquille O'Neal occupying the lane during their years together with the Lakers. In a lot of ways, Bryant is Jordan's equal as a post player, Winter said, except for one critical element. "What's happened to Kobe and his post play - and he is a great post player - is that he's catching the ball just out of the lane and the defenders are forcing him out toward the wing." As a result of getting pushed out of the post, Winter worries that Bryant may rely too heavily on three-pointers, which Bryant often shoots against intense pressure. Winter also admits that Bryant abandons aspects of the triangle offense with some regularity. But that's not Winter's main complaint with the guard: "I'd like to see him play better defense," Winter said, adding that he had addressed the issue recently with Bryant but didn't come away with the idea that Bryant was intent on changing his approach. "You know Kobe," Winter said with a chuckle. "He has his game plan. I think he heard me. But he feels there's a certain way he's got to play the game. But it doesn't involve a lot of basically sound defense." Because the Lakers need so much of his effort at the offensive end, Bryant has adopted a save-energy plan on the defensive end, Winter said. "He's basically playing a lot of one-man zone. He's doing a lot of switching, zoning up, trying to come up with the interception. "The way Kobe plays defensively affects the team," Winter added. "Anybody that doesn't play consistently good defense hurts the team. That's not only Kobe. Our other guards tend to gamble and get beat. Another problem is that the screen and roll is not played correctly." Winter never really says who's better. But to me, at this stage that's a victory for the legacy of Kobe Bryant. Winter is tough, honest, and as good an authority on this topic as we'll ever get. If he thinks it's a debate worth having, that's really something. Not all that long ago only die-hard Laker fans were seriously making the case that Bryant might be Jordan's equal.
Los Angeles Lakers, Basketball History, Chicago Bulls
Sign in to add comment buffedel5 (March 29, 2007 2:49 PM) This is what a comparison article is supposed to look like. Rather then hearing the vague generalizations by Jemele Hill, Tex Winter gets into specifics about the difference in their games and (at least clearly to me) implies Jordan is better. It is very interesting to hear how Winter thinks Bryant doesn't play very good defense, because one of the big arguments that most Kobe supporters make is that he plays such great defense. I'll have to look for some of the things Winter said the next time I watch the Lakers. Great article.
lakerman80 (March 29, 2007 3:24 PM) hey buff, the only reason u like this article is because he agrees with u. so u rip hills article and praise this 1
allahtruth (March 29, 2007 3:25 PM) buffedel5: "Tex Winter gets into specifics about the difference in their games and (at least clearly to me) implies Jordan is better." Well I didn't get that at all. I think Tex basically said they were very similar. With Jordan playing better defense and had a better concept of team ball because he went to college. But as far as talent, when asked who was better Tex did not say either one. Probably because Kobe is not threw playing. He is 28 yrs old and still with a lot to learn and go in his career! Remember Jordan won his 1st title at 27/28 and the legacy of MJ was born. Before that He was just this spectacular player. (the most talented in the league) but not a winner. With that said I think Kobe has time to become something more special then what you are seeing!
MSR0024 (March 29, 2007 3:28 PM) I agree, great article. Tex is the man who knows (maybe PJ himself only knows better). The defense comment is interesting and eye opening. I'm not one to say that Kobe is a superb defender, but I sure like his attitude of wanting to hold the best player, especially during crunch time. Even though Arenas hit him up for 60 that game, Kobe would not let PJ take him off of Arenas. I'm an old fashioned guy, but when Kobe was a young pup and took that wild shot in the playoffs against Utah (airball) as well as personally asked Jordan "How do you maintain shooting strength when you shoot the fadeaway", I knew he would be special and he has become my favorite player ever sense. Doesn't seem to be the most likable guy, but I'm not asking him to babysit my kids. As far as I can tell, he takes his job more seriously than most, and works like a chain gang in the off season to improve his game. Tex never chooses between the two though, which is interesting. He saw Jordan at his very best, and Kobe is still improving. I hope this will be a topic when Kobe's career is over, then we can all look at it more objectively.
webb157 (March 29, 2007 3:44 PM) Michael Jordan average 35/7/7 in an era when league offensive averages were lower than they are today. He also shot over 50% for almost his entire career. Kobe has yet to do either of these. Some people say that the competition is much better today than it was then, but that's really impossible to prove, even though I agree myself. Could be that the rule changes have simply allowed less skilled players to put up bigger numbers. Let's not forget that a 40-year-old Jordan lit up some of the current competition not too long ago. Regardless, Jordan dominated the entire league from the 2-guard position and won 6 titles. I hated him the entire time he did it too - but there's no way anyone with half a brain has the right to claim Kobe is better than MJ. That has to be one of the dumbest articles I've ever read. Jemele Hill should be banned from ever writing about sports again.
MSR0024 (March 29, 2007 3:56 PM) Nah, can't ban her because that article has created a nice wave of post and conversation. Although Kobe is my guy, I also find it hard to compare him to MJ right now. Skill wise, he's right there, but Mike is and was an athletic phenomenon. He actually created a basketball culture. Kids go to the movies and on dates in jersey's and shorts because Mike made it look so damn cool! Beware though, don't write Kobe the killer off, he'll read these post, get pissed off and score 125 on somebody (joking)!
blaklicorice (March 29, 2007 4:29 PM) I grew up watching Michael, and being from L.A. I've watched Kobe for a great while now. I must admit, when people started comparing Kobe to Michael I was annoid. I didn't believe Kobe would reach that status. However, after watching Kobe these past couple years Kobe IS the best player in basketball, and can be compared (talent wise) to Jordan. I disagree however with Tex on one point. Kobe doesn't have the strength to be as good in the post as Michael was. I watched Mike develope his post game gradually over a couple years until he was automatic. Jordan was much stronger than Kobe was. Not only was Jordan's post game better, but his D was much better than Kobe's is. Kobe has the ability to play great D, but he takes time off unlike Jordan who was a pitbull on D...ALWAYS. Kobe can shoot the lights out and I've seen both players (Michael & Kobe) be unstoppable on the offensive end. They both can take over at will. Kobe's jumper was developed much sooner than Mike's but Mike worked hard developing his shot. Lastly, I don't think there has ever been a player like Mike as far as mentally defeating his opponent. I'm not saying Kobe isn't mentally tough, but he's no match for mike. I still think Mike is the All-Time greatest, but Kobe can be mentioned in the same breath as Michael with no problem.
trevorrmuniz (March 29, 2007 5:09 PM) It is ridiculous to compare Michael and Kobe, just like Byrd and Jordan. They both dominate their era's and that is how it should be looked at. There were things that Byrd did that Jordan or Kobe could never do, and the same for Michael that Kobe can and will never do. Jordan would get his shot blocked, or someone would steel the ball from him, and he would make sure that they did not score on the possession that they recieved from him. I mean he would block the fastbreak shot or steal it right back. Kobe on the other hand turns and looks at the refs instead of using his talent to go fight for what they just took from him. Just like it has been said Jordan was perfectly rounded, not saying Kobe can't be, but right now with the team he has and the personel around him there is no way to compare the two. Without Pippen, Armstrong, Paxon, Kerr, or Rodman (and yes Rodman was a key ingrediant to their titles) Jordan would have only won three titles out of the six finals, and the Pacers probably would have a title as well as the Knicks. Once Kobe gets a supporting cast and the personel that fit just like Jordan did, the titles will once again flow for Kobe, and he might end up with 9 total titles. Time can only tell that.
zeekling (March 29, 2007 5:20 PM) MJ is the Greatest, hands down...for now. Kobe has been the "Golden Child" every since he entered the league. What has spurned all this Kobe vs. MJ is that Kobe has so much potential. And all of you Kobe haters realize that Kobe has the POTENTIAL to go down as the greatest ever. He's still learning, and with his killer work ethic, Kobe Haters beware!!
andrewpalazzolo@hotmail.com (March 29, 2007 5:40 PM) One comparison that you guys left out was that jordan won six rings....in a row
showtime40117 (March 29, 2007 5:44 PM) I agree with Tex's analysis of Kobe's defense, but...confidently playing tough man to man defense on this Laker team is a little different than the confidence that you have while being out there on the floor playing defense with 1)scottie pippen 2)ron harper and 3)dennis rodman. Playing tough man, only to look over your shoulder while your teammates are gettting burned time after time gets a little frustrating after a while I'm sure. He needs to save himself a little right now for offense, and also play a little center field on D with this team. In basketball, no one will really own the title of KING. My vote goes to Magic Johnson to be honest. I'm sure Kobe will happy that he has and will put in enough work for his bust to be included on the Mt. Rushmore of Basketball.
laker_skin1 (March 29, 2007 5:50 PM) very true, if he wasnt at least equall. we wouldnt be talking about it, and only the most extremest lean toward bias decisions.
bgeronimo (March 29, 2007 6:00 PM) Michael Jordan is the Greatest of All-time. Enough Said.
buffedel5 (March 29, 2007 6:06 PM) Lakerman80- I disagree with that. I like this article because it gets into DETAIL and doesn't enter into it with an agenda. I think when you enter into an article at "This player is better" and try and support that, you overlook the argument. I think writers are better off examining the question of who is better and looking at it from both sides, rather then writing an opinion piece, because in all reality, who cares about some columnists opinion? They're just another fan of sports, very few of them are qualified in experts as what they are writing about. AllahTruth- I think the idea of ranking "talent" is misleading, because plenty of guys have a lot of talent but never put it together. You don't examine the talent of players, at least in my opinion, you evaluate who is the better basketball player. As for Kobe, I agree with that sentiment that he is just entering his prime. If Kobe can win a championship as the lead dog, that'll certainly raise his profile. I said this in another thread, but Kobe's only titles came when he was the 2nd best player on the team, Jordan was the best on his team. If Kobe can win a title or two with himself as the alpha male of the team, I think only then can you really begin to consider putting him in Jordan's league. vincent reyes (March 29, 2007 6:20 PM) First I want to say this was a good article, and I love the fact this is comming from Tex. Sometimes as a fan we get tired of hearing "think they know everything sports writers". I agree on what Tex said about Kobe and Jordans killer instinct to win. At the same time I disagree with the whose the better shooting debate. I have to say Kobe has Jordan on that one. Jordan was awsome at his midrange fadeaways etc. but beyond the arc or the long jumpshots Jordan just was'nt up to par with Kobe. On the defense tip, I have to say Jordan was a better defender. At the same time Kobe could play defense as good as anybody but just does'nt make it a priority. (which he needs to do) And last but not least, I don't think Tex was saying who was better, but just simply you could make the comparison. In my opinion when it's all said and done Kobe will be the better of the two.
espnbricebrice (March 29, 2007 6:47 PM) Clearly Tex thinks MJ is better. Obviously the only reason he is only implying that and not saying it outright at this time is because he's actually coaching Kobe right now (and perhaps because he knows Kobe can push anyone he wants to out of town).
Validone (March 29, 2007 7:15 PM) Read the context clues. Tex is the creator of the triangle. He says they are alike, but he is smart not to flat out say that Kobe isn't in MJ's league., because he is still on Lakers staff and don't want to offend upper management or Kobe. Phil and Tex thinks that MJ is hands down the greatest, but they are on Lakers payroll. The context clues are that "Winter also admits that Bryant abandons aspects of the triangle offense with some regularity" and that he would"I'd like to see him play better defense" and "The way Kobe plays defensively affects the team," Jordan embodied the triangle so well that it looked like he was out of it. He referred to Jordan and Pippen as pitbulls on defense because they attacked the offensive players relentlessly. These are trademarks of championships. Notice he starts from the individual comparisons and ends with team stuff! Very intelligent Tex. Give us enough to know, but not TOO much to keep your job! Thanks
tsleezhy (March 29, 2007 7:20 PM) I don't think that Kobe is Jordan's equal. Kobe is equal to Kobe. People spend so much time trying to compare the two. Michael had his run and he was the greatest for his time. Kobe's time is now, and he is the best player in the game today. So, instead of trying to find Jordan's equal, why can't Kobe just be Kobe. And leave it at that. He deserves to be a name for himself. Not the other way around. Kobe has his strengths over Jordan and he has his weaknesses over Jordan. However, both of them are really really great players. And they are the best during their era's.
Ballin.024 (March 29, 2007 7:31 PM) I've read both articles and they're both good... The only difference between the two is Jordan has MVP's, a bunch of scoring titles, and much more... Whats the same... MJ didn't win a championship without Scottie... and Kobe hasn't won one without Shaq... So My eyes Mikes the best but the game has changed so much now since then... If you could take Kobe this year or last and Take MJ in the '96 or '92 season they'd be pretty evenly matched...and lets just hope when Kobe retires he doesn't make the same bad descion like MJ did and come back. God Bless to both
alvan1177 (March 29, 2007 7:50 PM) The only reason why Kobe is not going to get an mvp is because those so call writers wants to dictate every thing(should be the fans)....if it's not Nash its Lebron please writers..ps... john stocton is better than Nash...SIMPLY SAID KOBE IS THE CLOSEST THING TO JORDAN..RESPECT......
turnerburner123 (March 29, 2007 8:16 PM) You know, I like my superstars, too. No doubt about it. How they dunk, how they score, how they dominate, everything.
But the past years it's become a bit much in my opinion. There has been a "Race to MVP" column on NBA.com since the first week of the season, everybody is compared to who-knows-what kind of other superstar of the past or even the present. I mean, nowadays, the best player(s) of every team are superstar(s)! I'm just getting extremely tired of all this star talk 24-7, all year long. As I said before, I like my superstars, too, from time to time and Kobe's recent heroics certainly qualify for being discussed over and over again, and Kobe is also definetely worthy of being compared to MJ, but then you got the next day and it'll all be about a crazy game Arenas, Shaq, Yao, T-Mac, Duncan, Nash, Dirk, KG, Lebron, Wade or whoever had and what or who they compare to. See my point? There's probably even somebody writing me a response, that I forgot to mention this or that "superstar's" name in my listing. It's getting too much and I think the problem is that we all became obsessed with statistics at one point. Sometimes when I read some recaps about the games I just burst laughing because of some stupid "Elias Says"-column. Stuff like " It was the first time since 12 years that somebody who had scored 4 points the previous game scored 43 or more in the next.
Just imagine we would ban statistics from pro sports for 12 months. All you would know is who won, who lost, and if you really watch a lot of basketball or whatever sport it is, you'd still find out which player is hot and who's not. We just wouldn't be so stupidly obsessive about ever single game or every single player.
Sorry, John Hollinger, but true shooting percentage, margin of points scored and allowed, bla,bla,bla. In my opinion you're messing with the game.
aussie_tosser (March 29, 2007 8:35 PM) It's awesome to read Tex's take on both players. Yeah, Jordan didn't have the luxury of hiding in a zone defence during his prime, also another point I haven't heard being touched on is the defensive hand-checking rule that Jordan played against. You know, the rule that the league changed after Jordan retired. I was shocked that the Jemele Hill "article" was on espn at all, let alone the front page. I don't have the time and energy to dissect the key flaws and problems with her "story", unfortunatley I don't have the privilege of being paid by espn to rant and cheerlead about who my favourite player is and who's better. Kobe walks like Mike, talks like Mike, plays ball like Mike, but how could the carbon copy ever be an improvement on the original? He's an imitator not an innovator. naysface (March 29, 2007 8:40 PM) Good article, good points made. But guys, come on. Kobe is now almost as good offensively, no doubt. once his post play improves, he's there. But keep somethings in mind. MJ was named to 9 all nba first teams (which buy the way is the record) and won a DPY award. Not to mention 6 rings as the number one option. 6. Kobe won his rings on a team as the number 2 with Shaq. And buy the way who won the finals MVP's on those 3 teams? So come on. yeah he can score. big deal. so could bernard king and dominique. dont get me wrong, kobe is the best player in basketball today. but take over an entire game on both ends of the floor? Three peat twice on completely different teams as the number 1? Win DPY? he better get to work to mess with that resume.
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Since emerging as a household name early in his NBA career, 
