There are many reasons why Kobe Bryant should not be considered the next Jordan. He doesn't posses the leadership skills that Jordan has. He doesn't have the team-first attitude that the Jordan brought to the Bulls' dynasty. And he doesn't have the humility of Jordan that kept him from thinking he was bigger than the game.

   How many out-of-control shots did Michael Jordan take in the Playoffs? How many times did he pass up an easy shot to make the 11:00 SportsCenter? How many times did you hear Michael Jordan refer to Phil Jackson as "PJ" to a national audience? It is indisputable that Kobe Bryant is a great talent and is great for the league, but there are too many intangibles that he is missing which will prevent him from ever being known as the next "MJ."

   Vince Carter is another player who has drawn early comparisons to Jordan. While Air Canada certainly has as many, if not more, plays above the rim, Air Jordan has got him beat on everything below the rim. Michael Jordan played such great defense that he became a fixture on the NBA All-Defensive teams. If Vince Carter continues going the same direction as he's been, he'll definitely be a fixture at the Slam Dunk Contest, but little more. He tanked in the playoffs, which is when the Raptors needed him the most.
Granted it was great that the Raptors even made it, being this was their fifth year in the league, but you still have to perform every night. Until Carter takes as much pride in defense as he does on the dunk, he'll just be known as Air Canada, and never a champion.

   Allen Iverson showed his toughness during the playoffs this year, but in no way can he be considered "Jordanesque." While he carried the 76ers through the first round, injuries and all, he still needs to improve his off-court behavior. It's not the headlines he gets for being in trouble, because he doesn't get in trouble. It's the lack of mental toughness that he shows when Larry Brown doesn't play him or when someone in upper management criticizes him. You can't melt down every time a negative word is spoken about you. Jordan was known for his mental toughness, as he practiced hard everyday and didn't let the media's criticism affect his game or life. If that were the case, he would have quit baseball after his first at-bat.

   It takes a lot to be Michael Jordan, and there is never going to be another Michael Jordan. Never. The league's marketing department is hoping that there will be another Jordan soon, but there is just no way that it will happen. It takes a lot more than ability to be known as the greatest, and none of the players in today's league have it. There is great talent today, but the complete package retired with Jordan.

6/25/2000
 
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