Kobe Bryant Myths

[dh144498]

"A big man like Hakeem Olajuwon who can defend, rebound, pass and score in the post holds far more value than a one-dimensional scoring guard like Kobe Bryant."

[ThunderStruk022]

Exposing Kobe hater myths is my specialty but I had to bail right about here..

A self proclaimed "specialist"? You might want to make sure you're actually good at said specialty before calling yourself a specialist.

[RRR3]

Ok, "good" shot blocker. I'll give him that. But shit, Andrew Bynum could block shots. Doesn't mean he was a good defender just because of that alone.

My point was that it doesn't mean much when you give up wing penetration because you don't hedge or are trotting back down the floor.

He's 14th in Blocks Per Game out of thousands of players to ever play the game. That's called a great shot blocker. Whether he was a great defender or not is irrelevant if we're solely discussing how frequently he blocked shots, which is what we're going over. I only remember watching older Shaq, and I didn't watch him that much, so I won't argue with you on his defense, but he got a shit ton of blocks.

[Yao Ming's Foot]

A self proclaimed "specialist"? You might want to make sure you're actually good at said specialty before calling yourself a specialist.

Which myth specifically do you believe went unanswered?

[ThunderStruk022]

Wait, you're talking about Shaq?!

I'm pretty sure even Phil ackson himself said a big part of their defensive game plan was to funnel ball handlers towards Shaq. He may not be on the same level as guys like Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Robinson, Ewing, etc. as a defensive anchor. During the 3-peat, though, he was an excellent defensive anchor.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

He's 14th in Blocks Per Game out of thousands of players to ever play the game. That's called a great shot blocker. Whether he was a great defender or not is irrelevant if we're solely discussing how frequently he blocked shots, which is what we're going over. I only remember watching older Shaq, and I didn't watch him that much, so I won't argue with you on his defense, but he got a shit ton of blocks.

Alright, you win, great shot blocker. My point still stands though.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

No one cares that hes a scrumbag as evidenced by the fact that he can get 40 million per fight. You dope.

Okay by that logic nobody scrutinizes Kobe as evidenced by the fact that he makes a lot of money.

[lilgodfather1]

The only Kobe myth is that he was the best player in the league for years. I just don't see it. His statistical prime was on a first round loser, and on a lotto team. The best player can't be on a lotto team. In 2008 Paul deserved the MVP. Since 2009 LeBron has been the unquestionable best player in the NBA. You can say Kobe might have been the best player in the league for 2 years, and not sound crazy. I'd say '07, and '08 he was the best player in the NBA.

Before that he was on Shaq's team, or on lotto teams, or wasn't good enough.

[Yao Ming's Foot]

Okay by that logic nobody scrutinizes Kobe as evidenced by the fact that he makes a lot of money.

Let me clarify. Floyd doesn't inspire the media to care. His haters are lower in number than the disgruntled Kobe haters. Since you are apparently Floyd's #1 fan I apologize for insulting you by saying nobody cares. Clearly you do.

[monkeypox]

Lol, Kobe can't even be the most scrutinized athlete? Damn, some people won't let him have anything. Meanwhile you're the same people hating about everything, down to the way his voice sounds and his facial expressions. Yeah Michelle Wie is more scrutinized. Dumb article.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Let me clarify. Floyd doesn't inspire the media to care. His haters are lower in number than the disgruntled Kobe haters. Since you are apparently Floyd's #1 fan I apologize for insulting you by saying nobody cares. Clearly you do.

Lmao i'm not his #1 fan. It's just hilarious that you think no one cares just because you are not a boxing fan. And no they are not lower in number. Dude is hated by the entire philippines.

[Rondo]

"A big man like Hakeem Olajuwon who can defend, rebound, pass and score in the post holds far more value than a one-dimensional scoring guard like Kobe Bryant."

What's your point?

[dh144498]

What's your point?

clearly just a kobe bashing article...

[DMAVS41]

The only Kobe myth is that he was the best player in the league for years. I just don't see it. His statistical prime was on a first round loser, and on a lotto team. The best player can't be on a lotto team. In 2008 Paul deserved the MVP. Since 2009 LeBron has been the unquestionable best player in the NBA. You can say Kobe might have been the best player in the league for 2 years, and not sound crazy. I'd say '07, and '08 he was the best player in the NBA.

Before that he was on Shaq's team, or on lotto teams, or wasn't good enough.

You can make the case for Kobe as the best player in the league from 06-08...and he was over that 3 year span. If you break it down to individual years, it gets a little less clear.

But that is really it. Shaq and Duncan...and KG a couple years were the best up through 04...and then Lebron has owned the league since 09.

[Overdrive]

yeah cause Shaq affected perimeter defense.
the level of stupidity from these idiot posters.

A rim protecting big changes everything about perimeter defense. You can guard slashers way closer, because they will go for the midrange pull up or pass more often than trying to face the center in the middle.

A defensive big causes the other team to shoot more and drive less, which of course is less effective and helps the wings' defensive stats.