is it safe to say the tale of Kobe's demise has been greatly exaggerated?

[305Baller]

I have always felt people are too obsessed with mileage. Your body still ages relative to your age. 33 sure as heck isn't young, but it's not that old either. Barring serious injury, superstars historically have still managed to be very good at 33.

Depends on if your game is based on athleticism.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

You said best like Kobe is the best in the league or something.

Why does everybody get so annal when the word 'best' is thrown around? Is Kobe not one of the best?

[Indian guy]

Depends on if your game is based on athleticism.

That's why I said superstars. Superstars are very skilled.

[305Baller]

That's why I said superstars. Superstars are very skilled.

Most of the time, at least.

[LA_Showtime]

No. Though his stats have gone down, Kobe hasn't affected the game in the same way. He used to be one of the best facilitators in the league, and starting with the 09-10 season he went away from that and became more of a finisher. What's so exciting about this season is that Kobe is facilitating again and moving much better.

[Micku]

So far so good.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

is it safe to say the tale of Kobe's demise has been greatly exaggerated?

No. Though his stats have gone down, Kobe hasn't affected the game in the same way. He used to be one of the best facilitators in the league, and starting with the 09-10 season he went away from that and became more of a finisher. What's so exciting about this season is that Kobe is facilitating again and moving much better.

keyword being greatly.

[LA_Showtime]

keyword being greatly.

Most people still thought of him as a top 5 player before the season started. Only a select few thought he was done or whatever.

[juju151111]

Why does everybody get so annal when the word 'best' is thrown around? Is Kobe not one of the best?

Yes

[ThePointGuard11]

we're 4 games into the season... He's playing good, no doubt, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet.

[TOUCH MY BODY]

When you are at the top, everyone hates on you. I don't care who your team is, you give credit where it's due. Kobe ballin

[G-Funk]

It seems like he's becoming more injury prone with age.

[Heavincent]

It's extremely impressive that he's in his 16th season and is still an elite player.

[Jacks3]

Not really. Current Kobe isn't even close to what he was in 2003/2006/2007,especially in terms of shot-creation/take-over abilty and defense, but who cares?

He's still a monster of a player. Still top 5 in the league IMO.

[I.R.Beast]

I have always felt people are too obsessed with mileage. Your body still ages relative to your age. 33 sure as heck isn't young, but it's not that old either. Barring serious injury, superstars historically have still managed to be very good at 33.

the mileage is more tolling than the age. The age is the part that people get to obsessed, players that played less years and games at 33 are better equipped to last than a guy that player 4+ years of more games at the same age.