Kobe has a strong case over Bird in the all-time list

[iDefend5]

Check this stuff out...

Prime vs prime in the playoffs, per 36:

Bird (82-88): 21.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 5.6 apg, 2.6 TOpg, 56.2% TS

League average over this time was 53.9% TS, so Bird was +2.3%.

Kobe (01-10): 24.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2.7 TOpg, 54.8% TS

League average over this time was 53.1% TS, so Kobe was +1.7%.

From 82-88, in the playoffs, the Celtics averaged 109.8 ppg, which would be 82.35 pp36, so Bird was scoring 25.9% of the team's points.

From 01-10, in the playoffs, the Lakers averaged 99.2 ppg, which would be 74.4 pp36, so Kobe was scoring 32.8% of the team's points.

Analysis made by another poster, same poster who found these statistics.

What does all this mean in terms of who I'd take in the playoffs? I honestly don't know. Bird was more efficient, but barely, and Kobe was taking on more of a scoring load than Bird had to. However, this was probably mainly due to the fact that Bird was in a multipolar offense, and not because Bird couldn't take on more of a scoring load. But if Bird had to score more, then his efficiency probably takes a hit. Neither guy turns it over that much, which is more impressive for Kobe, because he played way more on-ball than Bird did. However, the fact that Bird was still getting a greater volume of assists despite playing off-ball is also very impressive. But then again, Kobe played in the triangle, which deflates assists totals. It's also clear that Bird had better court vision and was a more willing passer. But then again (again), like someone else mentioned, Kobe faced tougher defenses in the playoffs.

Defensively, Kobe is clearly a better man to man defender, but Bird was a very good team defender, and imo, whatever disadvantage he ends up having on defense is made up by his superior rebounding. Bird was anywhere from 11.9-16.7 TRB% from 82-88, Kobe was only at 6.2-9.1 TRB% from 01-10. Clear edge to Bird.

It's a tossup personally. Kobe is the better scorer, and he takes better care of the basketball, considering his role. Due to the rebounding of Bird and due to Kobe's man defense, I'm going to call defense a draw. Bird is the superior passer.

They're pretty much equal, but I'll lean Kobe, because of the durability (9 playoff runs vs 7 for Bird), and the fact that he put up comparable production against tougher defenses.

The fact that Kobe was probably the better post-season performer of the two during their prime seasons should be eye-popping to you. Then factor in how Kobe is the one with longevity while Bird is the one that doesn't makes you realize that Kobe has a strong case.

[Mr. Jabbar]

Bird was white, kobe wins the matchup, case dismissed.

[Miserio]

***** please.

[Jasi]

lol at ISHiots trying to decide who is better than who looking at stats.

[AlexanderRight]

Stats.

[Bigsmoke]

I'll have Kobe over Bird if he continues to play this well for 1 more year or 2.

Bird in his peak was better than Kobe in his but I might rank Kobe higher because of longevity

[Haymaker]

Bird > Kobe

/end thread

[blablabla]

bird is a top5 player

[quick96]

bird is a top5 player

KB24 has a case for top 3 G.O.A.T. son.

[N0Skillz]

Kareem > MJ

[kidachi]

Bird was white, kobe wins the matchup, case dismissed.

[blablabla]

KB24 has a case for top 3 G.O.A.T. son.

i never said he doesn't

[oolalaa]

1. It's pretty stupid to compare players by exclusively using STATS.

2. Why have you said that Birds peak started in '82 rather than '81? You know that he led Boston to a championship in '81, right?

[cbombdotcom]

Yea, I say if Kobe maintains his level for play for another year or so, his case is very strong. Of course there are die hard and old school fans that would never allow Kobe to pass Bird on mystique alone, but hey...

And that pic of "Bert" Flacco has me

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

I rank Bird anywhere near the 6-8 range and Kobe around 9-10 (I have him at #10). So while it's close, they're ranked in different tiers. I feel what Larry didn't give you on the defensive end, he made up for it by crashing the boards and getting his teammates involved (things that Kobe doesn't do nearly as well). He also played better in BIG moments and didn't need to shoot the ball to be clutch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uk1O0DqxQk

Kobe is great, but Larry Legend was a better all-around player.