Enough about stats…
Posted: March 5th, 2009 | Author: Jeff Miller | Filed under: Competitors, Kobe Bryant | 2 Comments »
The "Gold" Standard
Although I love me some stats, even I will admit they are not the be-all-end-all when trying to compare NBA players. Most of my focus on Kobe and LeBron has been on sheer numbers. So, outside of numbers, what advantages does Kobe have over LeBron (the Stat Stuffing King)? Kobe’s advantage is in:
- Mental toughness
- Low post moves
- Outside consistency/range
- Work ethic
- Ability to instill confidence in teammates
- Focus
- Decision making
- Better on the ball defender
The ironic thing is that, while LeBron has taken great strides this year on the defensive end, and is closing fast on Kobe, he really owes it all to his work over the summer in the Olympics. Being able to see Kobe’s work ethic, day in and day out, especially his focus on the defensive end, really paid dividends for the young LeBron. No worries though, Kobe has given credit in the past to the guy ahead of him — MJ — for much of where his game is today. Mimicry is the ultimate flattery. On the flipside, we all know Kobe’s game, while LeBron’s does not appear to have a ceiling.
“Stats are like a bikini, they show some but not the goods”. – Nick Tabar
Jeff, great piece man. The fact of the matter is I have to disagree with you. It is hard for me to say that, considering you never really flat out picked either one, which is why I respect the article so much. Clearly there is a slant and lean toward the Black Mamba (I know you bleed purple and gold so I guess I can excuse you), but the genuine respect and ‘mystique’ towards BronBrons’ future is what makes this debate the ETERNAL debate. In barbershops and cubicles everywhere, the debate rages on. The 6′8 MONSTER who does what he wants, when he wants on the court? Or the 6′6 Chess Player ( I say this with much discretion considering he is also a freak of an athlete) that ALWAYS knows your move, your next move, and the BEST move. He simply doesn’t make mistakes.
There is NO question when it is all said and done, 20 years from now, you will be able to mix and match the top 3 best players of all time, and the eternal debate will live on. No need to mention who they will be.
The real reason why there is a bias on my end toward Kobe is that I have watched 1100 of his 1123 career games, including the playoffs. I have seen him at his best (81) and at his worst (17-47 vs Bos in ‘02). There is nothing I haven’t seen him do on the basketball court and maybe it’s not fair for me to compare with LeBron because I have not seen as many games. There is just no way I ever bet against Kobe. He’s too good and I’ve seen him do the impossible time and time again. Having said that, it doesn’t get much better than LeBron. As always, thanks for the comment.