Mar.19 at 11:59 am

Ryan Jones says:
Nobody is arguing this point. Comments for this column are now closed.

Mar.19 at 12:00 pm

Max Airington says:
“Kob’s a living legend and I’ll tell you why. Everybody wanna be Kob and Kob’s still alive…”

Mar.19 at 12:10 pm

DEVILb0y says:
tru dat max tru dat

Mar.19 at 12:11 pm

Sam Rubenstein says:
I will promote for Max on this topic, so he doesn’t have to self-promote:
http://mybleedingfingertips.blogspot.com/2007/03/hugh-hefner-of-this-shit.html
Khalid, I’m glad you used the Big Pun reference because I make the same arguments about Pun that you do about Kobe. Top 10 ever! Even if he was a horrible horrible person that would pistol whip his wife among other things.

Mar.19 at 12:16 pm

Bleek says:
Kobe over Big O? Over Duncan? Gimme a break. Kobe has 3 titles but never was a leading guy on a winning team. We all know what those other guys have done. Lets wait for these kinds of arguments till the guys career is all said and done.

Mar.19 at 12:23 pm

Max Airington says:
“Flawless victory, y’all n*ggas can’t do sh*t to me. Physically, lyrically, hypothetically, realistically. Im the epitome of cathcin wreck, catch you when you cash your check…” I heart Sam.

Mar.19 at 12:24 pm

Harlem_World says:
Not sure about Moses making top 10 all time. I don’t like the guy, but Kobe Bryant is better than Doctor J.

Mar.19 at 12:27 pm

Ryan Jones says:
“The only thing they have in common is that they both black.” Tell ‘em, Chuck!

Mar.19 at 12:28 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
Bleek, i have no problem putting Duncan in the top 10. like i said i don’t know what the order is after mj and shaq but kobe is in the top ten somewhere. you cannot argue this point

Mar.19 at 12:28 pm

New era says:
Kobe is a top 10. Everybody talks about how Kobe never won a title as the leading man Shaq has never won a title with out having a top five superstar player on his team. Give Kobe his props his one of the top players in history and people want realize it till he’s gone.

Mar.19 at 12:38 pm

uamini says:
So do you still rank him top 10 ALL-TIME if he spends the rest of his career scoring 30 ppg on average teams? It’s always difficult to compare someone who’s still playing to older players so I’ll wait for him to turn the Lakers into a contender again before adding him to that list…as for top 10 most talented players, he definitely makes that list.

Mar.19 at 12:42 pm

Harlem_World says:
Triple double average earns top 10 all time, no doubt. That’s the sickest line in NBA stats history. Good call Bleek.

Mar.19 at 12:42 pm

Colin says:
I might take Bill Russell over Moses Malone, but I am not a Sixers fan.

Mar.19 at 1:03 pm

Omar says:
Kobe is top 10, i ain’t gonna lie. As bitch made as he is, he got game like Ray Allen in that Spike Lee movie. Or does he have game like Rosario Dawson in that flick…?

Mar.19 at 1:05 pm

Bigi says:
Mamba IS SICK!!!You Can Hate Him Now,But He Won’t Stop Now…Kobe would NEVER drop His head like Mr.Robot after a sweep few years back.NO!Back to the gym…1000 jumpers…Done.

Mar.19 at 1:11 pm

Omar says:
Who would the be the better franchise player for the Brooklyn Nets:: Kobe or Lebron?

Mar.19 at 1:16 pm

Max Airington says:
Actually, there isnt room for them all. 1.Money 2.Magic 3.Bird 4.Oscar 5.West 6.Russell 7.Wilt 8.Cap Those spots are undisputed. Who gets the last two? Someone’s getting the shaft. What about Hakeem, Shaq, both Malones, Doc, Baylor etc? Its getting crowded in here.

Mar.19 at 1:17 pm

Max Airington says:
Bron.

Mar.19 at 1:20 pm

Ryan Jones says:
It’s not even close, O.

Mar.19 at 1:29 pm

Harlem_World says:
You’re getting the best part of another decade with Bron. Gotta go with Bron.

Mar.19 at 1:33 pm

Harlem_World says:
Put the propaganda down for a hot one, and look at it on the real - is West really better than Kobe?

Mar.19 at 1:36 pm

PIMPN says:
kobe is a great player, no doubt. but top 10 ALL TIME??? i dont think so. hes the best player now, except maybe t robot. and khalid, in that scenario, i would take amare. he would get my fam back with a quickness

Mar.19 at 1:36 pm

Chris says:
Shaq is the greatest Center of all time. Bill Russell, I don’t even know if you can call him top 10 ever because look at the teams he played on, he was the defensive powerhouse, but it was a team effort every year that won those 9 championships. Of course that argument can be made for all championships, but it really was a TEAM effort with those old Celtics championship teams. Bird and Magic are great, but I don’t even know if you can put them above Shaq as Diesel is the M.D.E. and look at his winning record. Every team dude plays for, he wins. Dude’s winning percentage is ridiculous. M.J. of course is the greatest, there’s no argument there. Hakeem Olajuwon is a top 3 all-time center (along with Wilt), and I think Tim Duncan can be considered top 10 of all time, if not the best 4 (PF) to ever do it. No doubt though, KB8, as hated as he is (and I am not a “Kobe fan,” as I have always been a “Kobe Hater,” but dude’s game is serious. I have been arguing all yeah with my other Kobe Hater acquaintances about how, despite the hate, he is top 10 ever.

Mar.19 at 1:37 pm

Max Airington says:
Are you serious? West is so good he’s the only player from the LOSING team in Finals history to win MVP. When it’s all said and done, probably not, but right now? Hells yeah.

Mar.19 at 1:44 pm

Harlem_World says:
But Max, if memory serves, that series was against a very balanced celtics team and it went 4-3. If Jordan had lost any finals he was in, he’d prolly have been MVP too - but thats the point, when he got to the finals, money never lost. West was incredible, no blasphemy here - but for real, as great a scorer as he was, do you really see him as ‘better’ than kobe? And please remember, I don’t like Kobe.

Mar.19 at 1:44 pm

Big T says:
I agree that Kobe would be near the top of my list for players to choose if my family’s life depended on it. Kobe has that cut-throat and ruthless factor to him that not many do, but I wouldnt put him top 10. I wouldnt put Moses or Olajuwon top 10 either. Olajuwon of 92′-95′ is the greatest player of all time, but the rest of his career is not top-10 caliber.
To choose one player for my team in your scenario, I’d have to go with Bill Russell, ‘cuase, you know, he just always wins.

Mar.19 at 1:47 pm

galo says:
i’d agree with that, if AI is top10 too. He changed the game too much not too. And there isnt a criteria that would put Kobe in and leave AI out. but… top 10 lists sucks, and y’all know it.

Mar.19 at 1:49 pm

FLUXLAND says:
If he’s not in everyones to 10, ppl need to review their knowledge of the game.

Mar.19 at 1:49 pm

galo says:
and for that scenario, i’d choose Artest. I mean, you get a preety good ball player WITH a battle plan AND a sawed off. good deal…

Mar.19 at 2:04 pm

Max Airington says:
West lost 9 times in the Finals to a superior Celtic teams, but 9 times in the Finals are still the same, win or loss. Plus he was part of a 33 game winning streak. 33 games! He’s the logo for a reason. I heart Kobe, and he definitely a more skilled and talented player, but his body of work next to West’s, as of now, is inferior. In two years, I will be completely prepared to revise these statements…

Mar.19 at 2:09 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
yeah but artest might use the sawed off on you…and forgive me for forgetting bill russell. that was an oversight because even if he couldn’t bring the ball up and couldn’t score in bunches he would lock down the other team so my team could have a chance. AI is not top 10 all time. and i’m prob the biggest ai fan u know but there is no way he’s that good. in order to be on this list you have to have rings. big T why are you hating on moses? dude was sick. dream too. and pimpn, in my scenario you would take amare over kobe? dude, who is gonna bring the ball up? hit the 3? guard the perimeter? hit the game winner? you?? c’mon man, its kobe. just admit it.

Mar.19 at 2:10 pm

allenp says:
How come nobody mentions that Jerry West couldn’t win a championship until he got Wilt on his team? And then I think they only won one or two. I’m just curious.

Mar.19 at 2:12 pm

Ned says:
i’m interested in this idea of a player at his absolute peak. There are two lists here: 1) top 10 all time career focused, and 2) What Big T is saying about Dream, a player at their absolute best, where do they compare then?
Anyhow i am not capable of coming up with a specific list, but i am absolutely down with what Khalid is saying.. Kobe’s silly.

Mar.19 at 2:16 pm

Harlem_World says:
The logo has nothing to do with it. Thats a whole ‘notha can of worms we don’t need to get into. If it was related to the greatest, then shouldn’t russell or Wilt have been the logo? How about updating it with Jumpman logo? There’s more there than just him being good. But anyway…His body of work is great, for sure. But I would say Kobe is a better player. Plus Kobe has 3 shaqrings. West only won with help too.

Mar.19 at 2:19 pm

Max Airington says:
Cause Wilt wasn’t exactly known for winning either. The Celtics kicked his ass too. West was the leader and had much more of a killer instinct than Wilt, who should’ve owned a one legged Willis Reed in that Game 7.

Mar.19 at 2:21 pm

Omar says:
That dude Kha is on a rampage. “…hit the game winner? you??” That was comedy.

Mar.19 at 2:23 pm

Elyse says:
Why does it only go one way? When has Shaq won without a great guard? Who was the one in the fourth quarter, in crunch time who the lakers relied on to get those rings? It wasn’t shaq, b/c the hack-a-shaq rule had not been instituted and he would just go to the line and miss. Before you throw around how Kobe can’t win without Shaq, go watch some of the playoff tapes. I’m pretty sure shaq wouldn’t have won those without Kobe either. And then he had Wade, and 90 and some change freethrows… I would like to see Shaq win one “on his own”. The fact of the matter is, you need to have a talented team to win, so no one does it alone. MJ didn’t do it alone either, he had Pippen.

Mar.19 at 2:23 pm

Max Airington says:
I feel you on that logo talk Harlem, but it was meant to be an addendum to the original point that Jerry West was an exceptional player who continually came up short against the most dominant team in sports history. Of course he needed help. Kobe & Shaq teamed up to dominate an already floundering league. They’re easily the weakest three peat team of the bunch, so I dont lean too heavily on those chips. And Im a Laker fan.

Mar.19 at 2:40 pm

Aaron says:
I’m sorry but he isn’t a top ten player. This may change before his career is over but right now he’s in the top 20.

Mar.19 at 2:43 pm

Harlem_World says:
Jerry West was a bad mothaeffer. No doubt. Anyone who questions that is just crazy. But this is that age old question of judging era’s of greatness. We all know if they went head to head Kobe would dominate that matchup - but that is not the best way to measure greatness. You can never say how good a player from a past era who mastered the game and got to the top of his class would do in todays game, given the advancements in training techniques/athleticism etc. To me, the intangible is the winning. Also the ability to deliver in the clutch. I’d have to check the stats, but I’d say Kobe wins out on the winning (or soon will) but West has him on the clutchability. The only players in history I’d give the ball to with the game on the line, for the last shot/play would be MJ and possibly Bird.

Mar.19 at 2:44 pm

Harlem_World says:
That last point: MJ, Bird THEN West (and possibly West second, in all honesty).

Mar.19 at 2:51 pm

akimana says:
max airington’s blog entry almost got me fired!

Mar.19 at 2:53 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Khalid, while the rest of the order might be tough, Wilt is obviously number 1, as far as being the individual greatest player of all time. Let me just put two stats out there that everyone should be aware of, first of all, Kobe became only the 2nd player to follow up a 60 point effort with a 50 point game. The first guy? Wilt. Oh, by the way, he did it FOURTEEN TIMES! Also, how many young kids know that Wilt Chamberlain led the league in assists per game?! The only man to ever have a triple-double-double. 20, 20, 20… unreal. Wilt has to be #1 … Also, Khalid, how is big O not on the top 10 list?

Mar.19 at 2:59 pm

W. Mack says:
I’m glad someone made the point about Russ. And I see that you said that that was your oversight, Khalid. But this cat played 13 years and he has 11 rings. Who else comes close? The great players on the team around him, he made them with his defense and rebounding. They (Hondo, Cousy, Jones, etc) scored points in bunches from fast break points from Russ’s shot blocking and rebounding. He made all 11 of those championships. Oscar is the only man in history to mess around and get a triple-double (for an entire season). And he freaked brothers every way like MJ before MJ was freakin ANYTHING. Gotta have him in the top 10. As far as Kobe though. I’m a hater. But I gotta give the man his. Like O said, he needs to be checked for excessive estrogen levels, but the boy can flat out ball. Top 20? Definitley. Top 15? Sure..why not. But I don’t know about Top 10, dude.

Mar.19 at 3:02 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
Subconsciously i made this list with the idea of rings being a dealbreaker. kobe has more rings than Oscar so thats why. You want to put OR in the top 10 thats cool. i don’t care. this isn’t about the top ten all time really. i’m saying that however you put your 10 together you have to put kobe in it. what spot exactly is a secondary concern for me.

Mar.19 at 3:04 pm

Max Airington says:
Harlem, I agree. Akimana, why? The title? And where do you work?

Mar.19 at 3:05 pm

Tom Jackson says:
I’m with you on Kobe, Khalid. I just really wanted to make that point about Wilt. By the way, his exact numbers from that double-triple-double 22 points, 25 boards, and 21 assists. lol.. that’s so f*cking stupid. If they made a movie like that, everyone would laugh and call it the most unrealistic garbage ever.

Mar.19 at 3:07 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
BTW, if you don’ agree with Kobe top 10 placement then i have to ask why. Doesn’t he get high marks on every known grading system? handle, shooting, man to man defense, clutch ability, weakside d, fundamentals, quickness, strength, court vision, heart, tenacity, intimidation, dunks, etc. again think about it using my scenario. i’m not saying you do you think is good.i’m saying who you know will come through. if you had 1 game to play that would decide everything how could you leave him off your list?

Mar.19 at 3:16 pm

JP says:
yes he’s definitely a top 10 all time and I’m sure the best is yet to come with him since he’s still 28 years old. He still have time to close all those haters mouths and he will. Come on basketball fans you’ve got to enjoy this living legend if you really love this game. And you at Slam it’s time to step up for KB24 and put him on the cover of your magazine again with those words “KOBE best basketball player on Earth”.

Mar.19 at 3:17 pm

Tom Jackson says:
I wonder why they don’t make a movie about Wilt? I guess because no one could play him. Oden could play Bill Russell, tho. Maybe they could get Kobe to play one of Wilt’s girlfriends.

Mar.19 at 3:17 pm

Tom Jackson says:
OOPS! I meant um.. Hal Greer. Yeah. He could play Hal Greer.

Mar.19 at 3:20 pm

Max Airington says:
Kobe has no MVPs. Everyone else on that list does. Replace him with Nash.

Mar.19 at 3:24 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
Max i assume you are just trying to antagonize the board. Because i know, you know, you sound retarded.

Mar.19 at 3:27 pm

Max Airington says:
Actually, I was just trying to see how many people would agree. But apparently sarcasm isn’t my strong suit.

Mar.19 at 3:31 pm

W. Mack says:
let’s just say clutch performers. In that case, Kobe’s top 3.

Mar.19 at 3:33 pm

Benjamin says:
3 secs in the key, goaltending, wider key, no moving forward when shooting free-throw, no passes over the backboard. All those rules were made to limit Wilt dominance. New rules help a guy like kobe go to the FT. Rookie season: 37 and 27, kobe will never have a season close to that. C Wilt, Russell, Saq
PF Duncan, McHale
F Bird
SG Jordan, West
PG Stockton and Big O

Mar.19 at 3:40 pm

thesubwayconnection says:
There is NO WAY that Nash is as good as Kobe, and I’m a white Canadian. I’d take all of the people above, and Kobe would make the list, solely for his cutthroat attitude. His skills are ridiculous, but I’d be worried about one thing, IF the other team is really a “team”, would Kob’ quit? Mike wouldn’t, but KB24 has that reputation . . .

Mar.19 at 3:56 pm

akimana says:
lol nah it almost got me fired cuz we’re supposed to be getting work done at an accounting firm, not watching classic kobe footage from youtube.

Mar.19 at 4:00 pm

Max Airington says:
Oh, well don’t blame me for that sh*t! But thanks for checking it out.

Mar.19 at 4:03 pm

Vitor says:
If you count rings, then i have to agree with Khalid. But West must be in this list. One of the best crunch time players of all time and gets left off? Also, I don’t know if he has enough killer instinct to save my family (although he may bring his arsenal), but KG would be a pretty good pick too. He can pass, shoot, defend, post up — you name it! But of course he isn’t any better than the guys mentioned by Khalid.

Mar.19 at 4:05 pm

Vitor says:
Oh, and what about AI? He would take no prisoners in such situation!

Mar.19 at 4:05 pm

SuperMan says:
I hate kobe but there’s no denying he’s the best out there right now.

Mar.19 at 4:05 pm

Mark says:
The only change AI made to the game is the palming violation– You must be young - see Nate Archibald for the greatest “little” player ever or even Zeke — not AI.
West is better than Kobe.
MJ,Tragic,Bird,Wilt,Russell,Shaq,Big O,Duncan,and West. and if you ask me this question again in 5 or 10 years the only change I could see making is Dirk Nowitzki over Shaq. Give me a 7-footer with that range and mobility over a beastly offensive-foul-per-minute-Ogre.

Mar.19 at 4:09 pm

Big T says:
Khalid, I wasnt hating on Moses or The Dream, they are two of my favourite players…but the fact of the matter is that 10 is just not that big of a number. They were both incredible players, but if your putting those guys in the top ten then you gotta fit in Mailman, Charles, West, Baylor, Isiah, and others who there just isnt any room for in the elite 10.
Another choice of mine would be Robert Horry, cause we all know that when something is on the line he’s the best player ever.

Mar.19 at 4:12 pm

Sparker says:
i guess “mark” is “mark cuban” (or someone smoking crack to pick dirk over shaq)

Mar.19 at 4:12 pm

Vitor says:
Yes Mark, i’m young, but i understand AI isn’t better than Zeke. I’m just saying under those circunstances, with my family being kept hostage, AI would be the ideal teammate. He would only leave the court dead…

Mar.19 at 4:13 pm

Vitor says:
Oh yeah Big T, the Chuckster is a terrific pick. but only over Moses in Khalid’s list. And Dirk over Shaq is insane.

Mar.19 at 4:14 pm

Coach says:
Kobe Bryant’s on court heriocs will forever be the stuff of this generations urban lore. There should be no debate on this matter. “Where were you when Kobe dropped 81 on the Raptors?” is akin to the question posed to baby boomers “where were you when Wilt hit 100?” However, this is pretty much where the similarities end. Kobe has never ( and may never) be seen as THE MOST DOMINATE FORCE in the game. Such a moniker was given to the likes of Stilt, and Mike ever carried the tag while he held it down over 6 championship runs. It is in my opinion that until Mr. Bryant wins a title WITHOUT the assistance of the game’s most dominate force, then his place in basketball history in cemented. Top 20? Most certainly! Top 10? a heated debate could ensue, Top 5? Somebody better alert the authorities because there is a riot iminent, But to say numero uno? Top Dog? Of all time? What are you giving Vanessa lessions in felatio?

Mar.19 at 4:15 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
Dirk over Shaq?? Mark you are no longer allowed to post on this blog anymore. Go to Farmer Jones and don’t come back.

Mar.19 at 4:16 pm

Albert says:
Benjamin: You’re right, those rules were instituted to limit Wilt. However, they worked. Wilt would have never had some of those ridiculous seasons in modern center rules. Plus, he started in a league where there was less talent — very few roster spots for black players, average height was way shorter, and the then struggling NBA was not the draw for athletic talent the way it is now. That is not to say he was not a legendary player. He was, but we have to put those stats in perspective.

Mar.19 at 4:28 pm

Mike says:
Of all the players in the league today, which one makes you for real nervous when the game is on the line, when there are a few seconds left, the play is for him, he curls off a screen, catches, raises and shoots? For me, Kobe is that player. If I’m rooting for whatever team the Lakers are playing, and the scenario is similar to what I’ve described, Kobe scares the shit outta me.

Mar.19 at 4:30 pm

Mike says:
But if I had to choose a player, past or present, to win my family back, I’m taking Charles Oakley. The kidnappers would be so afraid of getting beat the f*ck up by Oak-tree, they’d just let my family go. With presents and juiceboxes.

Mar.19 at 4:36 pm

Harlem_World says:
Big T, Horry is clutch, but he isn’t money. Jordan is the most clutch player in NBA history. And re-reading Khalid’s criteria, I might have to find a spot on my team for Isiah in his prime. He’d cut your mommas heart out on TV if it meant getting the win. Cold blooded. And I’m AI all day, but Isiah was FAR more clutch than AI and more deadly. And as far as Shaq comments go? Go look at him during the Lakers second title year. He was embarassing the league in a way only 1 or 2 players ever have in the history of basketball. Pure dominance.

Mar.19 at 4:37 pm

Bleek says:
Out of Bron, D-Wade and Kobe who will have the best career? Kobe with 2 chips already, D-Wade with one(wonder wat happens if he doesnt hurt his rib against the Pistons) and LeBron is still only 21 so we all know hes gonna shatter all kinds of records?

Mar.19 at 4:38 pm

Bleek says:
Kobe with 3 trophies..my bad

Mar.19 at 4:44 pm

kobe for life says:
everyone knows kobe is the best basketball player of all time even jordan didnt have any 81 point games
if u think anyone is better than kobe ur just kidding ur self

Mar.19 at 4:46 pm

Max Airington says:
Ah, Harlem now I have to disagree with you. Shaq was dominant, but during that particular postseason, Kobe held it down-ask the Spurs. Hell, ask Shaq. After that series, he said “Kobe is my hero. He’s the best player in the league, by far.”

Mar.19 at 4:50 pm

Lang Whitaker says:
I’m making my point with silence.

Mar.19 at 4:51 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Sure, Khalid, send me the dummies.

Mar.19 at 4:54 pm

doctor j says:
Bleek, kobe has 3 ‘chips, not two. You know, THREE-PEAT?!?!?!?!?!? anyway, bron will have the best career. oh, and bleek, bron’s 22.

Mar.19 at 5:02 pm

Big T says:
Bleek was way off….kobe has three rings; wade hurt his shoulder; and lebron is 22.
As far as the comment about Mike never scoring 81 like Kobe, I am willing to admit that Kobe is a greater offensive player than Jordan was. Kobe is top two offensive players of all time in my opinion, along with Wilt. Jordan, though, was more of the complete package of greatness. Nobody will match his intensity and leaderships and court-savy and pure awsomeness.

Mar.19 at 5:07 pm

Mark says:
woah - Don’t hate on Dirk - -my goodness - look at all the hate from the east coast. I said in 5 or 10 years .. not right now. Dirk can play at this level for probably 5 more years putting up sick numbers. On that team, I would already have my low post presence with Wilt, Russell and Duncan. Let’s try to maintain a little intellectual honesty here - There are only a few folks who have a virtually unstoppable post move - Kareem (surprised nobody mentioned him yet by the way) with the Sky hook Mchale (arguably the best low post player ever) and Jordan with that fade-a-way… Shaq would fall out - if Dirk continues this level of play and ends up with probably 3 or 4 rings and two MVP trophies. -
Just like some er most of us hate KB - I hate the Mavs. I am a Spurs loyalist and by default — much like Celtic loyalist will always hate the Lakers — I will always hate the Mavs.
What rules will this game be played with anyway ? International rules? If so then Shaq will be useless anyway because he won’t be able to get away with running people over like he does in the league. Look I am from San Antone and played highschool ball a year behind Shaq - used to play pick up ball at Ft. Sam and Randolph with him — played AAU ball - summer league…. I definitely wouldn’t put him as the best center ever - How can Wilt not be the best center ever? How can you argue that?

Mar.19 at 5:08 pm

Mark says:
You guys are giving Lebron WAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY too much hype by the way…..

Mar.19 at 5:14 pm

notorious says:
kobe is hads down the number 1 shooting guard in the l. Now imagine if he and shaq were still toghter. At least 4 more rings,right?

Mar.19 at 5:20 pm

jbn74sb says:
Get out your pencil and some paper, because the lesson is about to be taught.
First, Kobe was the go to player on all 3 championship teams, as a go to player is who gets the ball in the 4th quarter of a close game. Certainly not Shaq, because of his atrocious free throw shooting.
Second, Kobe’s rep as a ball hog is blown way out of proportion. Look at his assist stats.
Third, Shaq (not Kobe) blew up the Lakers by demanding a ridiculous amount of money at the end of his carreer, when he couldn’t keep himself in shape and healthy during his prime. Buss decided not to pay him as a business decision.
Fourth, it took the Bulls years of building a team expressly around Jordan to win a title. The Lakers have been building around Kobe for only 3 years, and would have made the playoffs every year had they not finished 2-19 when Kobe and Lamar got hurt at the end of 2004-2005. Give it some time kids.
Fifth, whether or not Kobe is a nice guy is totally irrelevant to this discussion. Jordan is regarded as a terrible teammate and not a vary good human being, but was able to strong-arm the media and therefore the public into believing that he was some Disney character.
Sixth, Jordan is not the GOAT, Wilt is, and it is not even close. And talk to me about eras. Wilt went against the best of his time including Bill Russell and Kareem. Who exactly was it that Shaq dominated? Hakeem? Stop smoking. Ewing? Okay. Robinson? I don’t think so. Shaq didn’t win a damn thing until those 3 guys were on their downside, and it is today, not the 60s, that is regarded as being the end of the Center Era.
Seventh, Jerry West is regarded as the most clutch player in history - Jordan gets all the credit because it is more recent and he had such a huge cultural impact.
Right now, as of this moment, Kobe is easily Top 10 of all time. At an age when I don’t even think that Jordan had won his first title yet. In 10 years, Kobe could very well end up being the 2nd best player of all time (behind Wilt), and should crack the Top 5 with ease if he stays healthy. Class is over for today.

Mar.19 at 5:21 pm

Harlem_World says:
Max, I may have the year messed up, but then again maybe not. I’m talking about the Shaq who was at his abosolute PRIME during one of the years in the lakers run. The shaq who could do 35 and 18. That guy. We all know he couldn’t hit FT’s, but neither could Wilt - so cancel one, then you cancel the other. As a side, what would Shaq do playing in Wilts era? And BIG T!!!! When Kobe AVERAGES 37.1ppg for a whole season, then follows up with another season of 35ppg, come holla at me - until then, don’t even think about mentioning him being a ‘better’ offensive player than Jordan.

Mar.19 at 5:25 pm

Harlem_World says:
jbn…I have one piece of advice for you…It may not happen immediately, and you may even get your kicks along the way, but please be aware, in many cases…CRACK KILLS. Put the pipe down son, it’s not worth it.

Mar.19 at 5:27 pm

aez says:
Interesting how many of you (including the editors here) jump to hyperbolic conclusions once Kobe goes off against two non-playoff teams.

Mar.19 at 5:29 pm

mark says:
pencil and paper?
I agree Wilt is the GOAT no question - no contention. Jordan is the benefactor of television and being smaller than Wilt - it is hard to relate to the big guy. As far as your KB love - I think you might need to take off those purple and gold goggles. Your comparisons are just a tad bit biased — kinda like Cuban is a tad bit biased about the Mavs… Jordan, like Wilt , played in a different era and still won. still dominated…No wa is Kobe better than MJ — offensively or defensively. No way.

Mar.19 at 5:31 pm

mark says:
KB won titles with Shaq (and lost them with Shaq, Malone and Payton) - Jordan won them with Bill Cartwright, Will Perdue and Luc Longley.

Mar.19 at 5:36 pm

Max Airington says:
The numbers wont reflect it Harlem, but Kobe is a better offensive player. He has a better handle and jumper than Jordan, plus he’s taller and stronger. Of course Jordan dominated an era of hand check, knock down defense, but I dont doubt for a f*cking second that Kobe would’ve done the same thing. Stop and think about all the times-I know at least four off the top of my head-that Kobe scored 50+ in only three quarters. What if he wouldve finished those games? He’d have at least two more 70 point games.

Mar.19 at 5:42 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Max, didn’t people used to say Phil Jackson held MJ back from getting 70 several times?

Mar.19 at 5:43 pm

mark says:
Kobe has a better handle ? a beter jumper ? according to who ? check those stats again brother -Kobe has never shot above 50% for a season Jordan did it 6 times — averaging 35 , 33, 32, 31 and 30 for 5 of those years. Kobe’s best year was in 2000 when he shot .468% averaging 22 ppg. Not even close man -

Mar.19 at 5:44 pm

mark says:
Kobe plays in a watered down league in an era wher ethe Sternman has made rule changes to increase scoring –and make it easier for the offensive player to score.

Mar.19 at 5:50 pm

jbn74sb says:
Uh, it was Jordan who played in a watered down league, and Jordan didn’t win sh-t until Magic, Bird, and Isiah got old. Who exactly did Jordan have to go up against? Craig Ehlo?

Mar.19 at 5:52 pm

Tom Jackson says:
jbn74sb: I always love when people say Chicago “built the team around MJ.” or “to his strengths.” The man played with Jud Buechler and Bill Wennington. Even HoGrant was mediocore after he left the Chi. BJ, Craig Hodges.. I mean we can go on and on. How did he keep Rodman straight for those years, that was his finest work. It was MJ and Pip. There wasn’t no team built around them, dawg. Luc F*cking Longley?! MJ is the best player ever not named Wilt.

Mar.19 at 5:53 pm

aez says:
Your logic fails me Max. If Kobe can’t put up the same numbers, when the NBA has increasingly become an entertainment show, as Jordan had during the 80s (arguably the most physical and big-man oriented era ever) then how can he do the same thing against “hand check, knock-down”, defensive-oriented teams?

Mar.19 at 5:53 pm

jbn74sb says:
Mark - using your logic, Shaq has a better jumper than Kobe because his FG% is higher. Additionally, FG% is an outdated statistic when used as an attempt to measure scoring effeciency. Modernly, scoring efficiency is measured by the number of shots taken (2 pt FGA + 3 pt FGA + FTA) divided by the total number of points scored.

Mar.19 at 5:55 pm

jbn74sb says:
Tom - stick to analyzing the NFL. I loved your work on NFL Primetime, and am bummed it was cancelled.

Mar.19 at 5:55 pm

Harlem_World says:
Max, I’m so glad you brought this up. First of all, he does not have a better mid-range jumper than Jordan. Compare their FG% Jordan is at 50% (.497 on his CAREER) going over 50% a few seasons. Kobe is a career 45% shooter. 5% might not seem like much, but when you shoot as much as either of these guys, that’s huge. Jordan did not have the killer crossover handle, but didn’t need it, he SUPERIOR QUICKNESS got him to the hole, or free for his jumper whenever he needed it. You sure kobe’s stronger than mike’s second run? You sure? Mike put on at least 20lbs of muscle and definitely bulked up to handle that post up game he mastered second time around. You say Kobe is taller, Mike is quicker and overall, more explosive. Plus, though Kobe has excellent body control, Mikes was even better. Ultimately, Kobe may have one of the coldest mentalities of the present day players, but mikes was the coldest of ALL TIME. And you already said it yourself, Mike did his thing during the days of hand-checking and ‘knock you out if you come in the lane’ Detroit and Knicks. You really think Kobe is built like that? Really?…

Mar.19 at 5:55 pm

Tom Jackson says:
MJ laid Magic down in his prime dawg, what are you talking about?! He put up 63 on Bird’s Celtics. He gave it to Drexler, Barkley… he gave it to Malone and Stockton (most under rated team ever). He put down Zeke in the east, he put down Patrick Ewing in the east, in their prime! Zeke wasn’t old in 91, dawg. MJ was giving it to motherf*ckers 30 a night for his CAREER through one of the toughest eras EVER. Do you remember when someone finally hit the 30 point mark a couple years ago for the SEASON, they had that ish on SportsCenter for a week. Watered down era?!

Mar.19 at 5:58 pm

Max Airington says:
MJ fought for his scoring average to the very end. His second highest total of 64 came on 49 SHOTS. Jordan only had a crossover jab step, not a killer crossover, cause there werent crosses like that til the class of 96. That spin move through the entire Piston D for the fadeaway? That reverse through the legs dribble and pivot into the fade for a clutch bucket in last year’s ASG? Jordan didnt do that. Those two impossible three’s against Portland for the division? Jordan never did that. His game was on the low block or the pinch post if he wasn’t creating off of the dribble. Jordan never made 9 straight threes or 12 in a game. He was a better defender and won more, but Kobe’s a better offensive player. According to who? Me.

Mar.19 at 5:58 pm

Tom Jackson says:
And I’m-a tell you this right now, if they had the rules and refs set up in the late 80’s the way they do now, MJ wins 9 championships, not 6. The Pistons murdered him for 2 years straight, man. Like Jay said, “do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?” Craig Ehlo was one shot man, MJ made a career of killing giants.

Mar.19 at 5:59 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Max, Kobe is a better long-distance shooter. He had the benefit of it never having to play without it. MJ didn’t even see that shit until college. Hey Max, whatever happened to Kob being 6′8″? Remember when they used to list him at that in his first year?

Mar.19 at 6:00 pm

Harlem_World says:
jbn, who did jordan go up against? Are you for real? Do the names Drexler (in his prime), Barkley (in his prime), Ewing (in his prime), Stockton (in his prime), Malone (in his prime) mean anything to you? Jordan has kept more Top 50 HOF’ers from getting that ring than any other player not named Russell.

Mar.19 at 6:00 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Harlem, JBN is obviously about 12 years old. He’s been watching too much Inside Stuff.

Mar.19 at 6:03 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Magic was 31 and Zeke was 29 when MJ busted them boys up in back to back series, in case you didn’t know JBN, 31 and 29 is considered to be the top of your prime.

Mar.19 at 6:05 pm

jbn74sb says:
Nice work Harlem_World. You mentioned exactly one player who guarded Jordan. Solid basketball knowledge.

Mar.19 at 6:05 pm

Harlem_World says:
Max, do you really want to do ‘back catalog’ memorable shots? Really? You think Kobe can hang? Jordan floats through 4 Nets (wearing the ill tie die uni’s) gets to the glass and floats some more to the other side to get the lay in. Kobe never did that. Jordan down the lane against the Lakers, switches up in mid-air from kiss the rim to reverse scoop shot in the finals. Kobe never did that. Jordan trapped in the corner in the garden WHEN THE KNICKS MEANT SOMETHING, spins out of the double goes baseline and puts his armpit on the rim as he dunks on the Hoya Destroya. Kobe never did that. C’mon…I can go on. Jordan has more ’shots’ (meaningful ones too) than Kobe. More rings than kobe. More game than kobe. This isn’t even a fair discussion. Kobe’s nice but as the infamous Big L said ‘you think he’s as nice as Jordan? HA HA..you’s a funny n….’ Oh, and word to Tom Jackson. He understands basketball.

Mar.19 at 6:07 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Yeah, JBN because Will Perdue, Ron Harper, and Stacey King, and Bill Wennington were the real reasons why the Bulls won all those games (those, collectively are the guys that guarded the other players that Harlem_World mentioned)

Mar.19 at 6:07 pm

Max Airington says:
They list Kob at 6′6 now, but we know thats not true either. Kobe is bigger than Mike and just as much of a competitor, why wouldn’t he handle hand check defense? And Jordan may be a competitor, but Kobe played some of the best basketball of the modern era in 03-04 and he did it with a f*cking rape charge and a rabid media hanging around his neck. Is that a situation of his own making? Partially, but it’s still alot more pressure nonetheless.

Mar.19 at 6:08 pm

jbn74sb says:
Isiah retired 3 years later, and that was Magic’s last season.

Mar.19 at 6:12 pm

Max Airington says:
Kobe made that baseline fake for a game winning three pointer and his 65 point. I’d call that pretty f’in significant and I’ve never seen Money do that either. That alley oop from Brian Shaw where he turned his spine into silly putty and came up on the other side of the rim for the bang? That LEFT HANDED buzzer beating three against Dallas in 04? Any one of the numerous reverse baseline windmills over…everyone? Jordan never did that. They would play a mean game of horse, that’s all I’m sayin.

Mar.19 at 6:12 pm

Tom Jackson says:
JBN, you’re just going to say that and blindly ignore any and all circumstances, just put that propaganda on the table? Magic retired because he had HIV, but since you’re such a basketball historian, you’ll remember the way he dominated mofos in the next year’s All-Star game. Or were you in 2nd grade then? And Zeke retired because he was sick of MJ giving it to his ass ever year.

Mar.19 at 6:13 pm

jbn74sb says:
And, for the record, I would never claim that at this stage of their careers that Kobe is a better player than Jordan was. Although at this age, Jordan had one title under his belt.

Mar.19 at 6:13 pm

Tom Jackson says:
Is that a McDonald’s plug, Max?

Mar.19 at 6:15 pm

Harlem_World says:
Max, Kobe is dope for the modern era. No doubt. But his competitiveness isn’t the same as Jordan. I’ll tell you why…Kobe is ultimately about him and his legacy first, whereas Jordan grew into chasing rings as his ultimate legacy. Jordan is a more of a winner than Kobe. Kobe is skilled, nobody is saying he isn’t - but comparing to mike on any level (other than having a killer crossover and a more renowned 3 ball) is just swimming against the tide of common sense. As an interesting side, have you seen their comparative 3pt fg%? Might surprise you…

Mar.19 at 6:17 pm

Max Airington says:
And people should stop bringing up the scrubs Jordan played with unless they also want to mention that the ‘94 Bulls won 55 games after Jordan retired. Again, just sayin’…

Mar.19 at 6:17 pm

jbn74sb says:
Tom - Wake up dude, this isn’t personal, we’re just having a discussion here. Jordan was amazing to watch and is certainly in the running for GOAT. But is funny to see the media and the public at large to criticize Kobe for exhibiting the exact same characteristics that Jordan gets praised and idolized for. And, by the way, I graduated from high school in 1992, so you might want to recalibrate whatever insticnt you’re using to guess another man’s age.

Mar.19 at 6:18 pm

Chris says:
Jordan never lost in the finals while Kobe was taken out by the Pistons for what that’s worth. Kobe’s got killer instinct but not like Mike

Mar.19 at 6:20 pm

Harlem_World says:
But Max…no ring in ‘94…They didn’t even get out of the East. Don’t you think that speaks volumes in itself?

Mar.19 at 6:20 pm

Tom Jackson says:
jbn, not personal, I wasn’t calling you immature or stupid, I was just illustrating that you have a very selective (or strange) memory of MJ’s career, which might lead me to believe you’re a kid. Also, if it’s not personal, why you gotta put me on NFL Primetime?

Mar.19 at 6:21 pm

chief sucks says:
Top 10 players ever:
1. Michael Jordan- Greatest of all time,no one can touch M.J.
2. Wilt-greatest center of all time,sorry Shaq.
3. Kareem-All time scoring leader, enough said
4. Magic-best pg ever
5. Larry Legend-Best small forward,awesome all around player.
6. Hakeem-Best center combo of o and d, unless Kareem is.
7. Russell-9 chips,period.
8. Shaq-Not the M.D.E., but M.D of his time.
9. Tim Duncaan- Just wins, best pf ever.
10. Jerry West-The Logo,best clutch player ever.
Kobe doesn’t make the cut,neither do Moses,Baylor and Doc,all just barely.

Mar.19 at 6:22 pm

Max Airington says:
Jordan was about himself first. When his career was essentially over playing for the Wizards, he was supposed to play for the team to evaluate talent and be a mentor to the youngn’s. Instead his massive ego took over, he crushed Kwame-who still hasnt recovered to this day-and traded away Rip when he challenged the God. Then he started gunning at the end to protect his career 30ppg avg. All of this is the behavior of a 40 year old man. An “older, wiser” MJ. Dont get it twisted, the man was more about himiself than anyone. Ever.

Mar.19 at 6:23 pm

Tom Jackson says:
MJ did play with some scrubs, and as I mentioned when I mentioned it, Pippen. Like Charles Barkley said years ago “Scottie Pippen is the best player in the league. Michael Jordan is the best player in the world.”

Mar.19 at 6:23 pm

Max Airington says:
Why didnt the 94 Bulls make it out of the East? Hue F*cking Hollins. If you’re a NY’er you know exactly what Im talking about.

Mar.19 at 6:24 pm

Vitor says:
Comparing Kobe to MJ is just plain stupid. I agree that Kobe is a (slightly) better 3-point shooter, but that’s it. The day he averages 35+ and 8 assists going up against Isiah, Barkley, Magic, Bird and so on. And to compare the competition these two went up against is even dumber. Who did Kobe have to overtake (even when riding Shaq)? As much as I love the Robot, he’s the only dominant superstar of this era besides Shaq. MJ constantly took down Zeke, Malone & Stockton, Barkley and the Dream. I won’t even mention Ewing and Robinson because they were two soft-ass centers. And I won’t compare them defensively because what’s the point in doing that? the best defensive swingman against a good defensive player who often loses his focus?

Mar.19 at 6:25 pm

Vitor says:
Max, remember Kobe quit on a Game 7 last year. Can you imagine his Airness ever doing that? I sure can’t. That’s a me-first player.

Mar.19 at 6:26 pm

jbn74sb says:
Agreed, Max. In fact, Jordan himself admitted this when Tex Winter told him that “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Jordan’s response: “But there is in win.”
The question to me is whether or not that quality (being all about himself) is necessary in a world class athlete. I say that it is almost essential, a player like Magic being the exception.

Mar.19 at 6:26 pm

James says:
He can’t do crap without the DIESEL

Mar.19 at 6:27 pm

Max Airington says:
Jordan did do that. Wilt too. Look it up. They both quit in Game 7’s. I WATCHED Jordan do it against the Pistons.

Mar.19 at 6:28 pm

Big T says:
Listen, Jordan did play in a tough era and it was not watered down. But thats just it, the era was tough…not long and athletic with complex defensive schemes like today’s game. Aside from the odd Clyde Drexler, there was nobody else playing the type of game Jordan did. These were all grown ass men taking jump shots and making the smart pass, not incredible drives to the hoop. Kobe is playing in an era filled with Lebron’s and Wade’s, making his game somewhat less impressive. I say you take an athletic 6′6 shooting guard like, say, Jason Richardson, and with his current game stick him in the 84′ draft at 3rd overall, and he’s not the best player ever like Jordan but hes having a semi hall-of-fame career.

Mar.19 at 6:29 pm

DP says:
Bleek, did you just say Duncan? Ha, that is pretty damn funny. Before it is all said and done, Kobe will be the best ever to play the game so get over it. play wit it.

Mar.19 at 6:29 pm

John S. says:
kobe is not in the top 10 players all-time, he is the top 2 right behind the great jordan.

Mar.19 at 6:33 pm

Chris says:
And Kobe had the benefit of watching Jordan play, that’s why Money is always hesitant to say he’s the greatest of all time, because you can’t compare eras at least not fairly. the guys that come later are at an advantage. you’re telling me if jordan grew up watching kobe, he would have the killer cross-over and all the other moves kobe has, plus some. That’s why when comparing guys from different eras for Khalid’s scenario you’ve got to look at the intangibles like heart, will-to-win, which guy would just flat out refuse to lose. Would kobe make my top ten? Yeah problaby, but not ahead of mike

Mar.19 at 6:35 pm

Vitor says:
DP, wait until Kobe wins 3 more rings before anointing him the GOAT. Because really, since Shaq left, he’s worrying more about making the playoffs than winning it all.

Mar.19 at 6:36 pm

jbn74sb says:
Tom Jackson - Jacked Up! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jackson_%28American_football%29

Mar.19 at 6:37 pm

chief sucks says:
big t, did you just say j-rich? ha.

Mar.19 at 6:38 pm

Harlem_World says:
Max, stop hatin. Knicks in ‘94 deserved that series. How many Knicks haters are gonna keep bringing up Hollins? Fair is fair. Even Pip knew they couldn’t win without Jordan. And for Big T, let Richardson see how well he could do playing against a league of legalized hand checking. I can’t believe anyone could have the audacity to marginalize Jordan. Max, you better be careful, you might have that SLAM pass revoked!

Mar.19 at 6:40 pm

Vitor says:
Khalid, please remove this column. Guys are starting to put J-Rich in the same breath as Jordan. That is a crime in some countries.

Mar.19 at 6:42 pm

Harlem_World says:
Matter of fact, let’s stop this ish RIGHT NOW! We’ve gone from politikin whether Kobe is or isn’t better than West, and all of a sudden we’ve jumped to Mike? How in the hell did that happen?! He’s got to go through the rest of them before he gets up to Mike. Blasphemy! Khalid…where you at? Shut this DOWN!

Mar.19 at 6:47 pm

Max Airington says:
If Hollins doesnt make that late ass call, the Bulls are going back the Stadium with a chacne to close out. Hubert Davis had already let the ball go and was well into his follow through. Worst call ever, not including Wade. Three chips later, the Chi stil wont let go of that call. And they shouldnt. No hate, just truth.

Mar.19 at 6:58 pm

chief sucks says:
mj=g.o.a.t.

Mar.19 at 6:58 pm

fsmith says:
kobe is the G.O.A.T!!!! GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!

Mar.19 at 7:18 pm

Harlem_World says:
But Max, don’t you think we were due????! This was before the visible red light on the shot clock, fair referee’s discretion. Chicago need to let that go.

Mar.19 at 7:28 pm

Albert says:
On the MJ vs Magic debate, you realize that the Bulls won that title in ‘91 with the help of having James Worthy and Byron Scott on the sideline, right? I’m not saying the Bulls weren’t deserving, but it wasn’t exactly a fair matchup with the injuries. Despite this, Magic averaged 18.6 points, 12.4 assists and 8.0 rebounds, with 2 triple-doubles over the 5 games.

Mar.19 at 7:42 pm

Chris O'Leary says:
Khalid, you’re very slowly bringing my Kobe hate to an end. First it was the writeup you did on him for the SLAM top 50, now this. Assuming I could get Kobe to stop obsessing on himself for a minute to care enough about my family to play to save them, I wouldn’t have too many worries. I’d have to figure that I’d never see the ball and I’d have to show enthusiasm while he’s doing his thing to my fam’s kidnappers, but I wouldn’t have too many worries. When the O’Leary family is saved, I’d invite Kobe over for my Dad’s renowned BBQ ribs and burgers. He’d bail and send Grant Hill over in his place—G Hill’s too nice of a guy to not show up, after all the drama my fam would have been through that day. We’d sit around a fire pit in the backyard and have some beers, while Grant would play the sax for us and tell us what it’s like to be married to Tamia. Personally though, I’d put MJ on my team instead of Kobe.

Mar.19 at 7:49 pm

Ian says:
AGREED. KOBE IS AMAZING

Mar.19 at 8:12 pm

DANNY G says:
FALSE…A.I. IS IN DERE OVER KOBE!!! LOOK AT DA STATS!!!!!!!

Mar.19 at 8:15 pm

Darksaber says:
Winning eh Khalid? Winning? yeah he’s top ten alright, top ten conceited, overhyped überathlete. C’mon, Wade, Mcgrady, Carter, Jesus Shuttlesworth, even Manu… they can alllll go off at any given moment (especially Flash pre shoulder injury) so chill with the top ten ALL TIME (come ON) comparisons for Mambiatch. not justified, like Timberlake

Mar.19 at 8:17 pm

Darksaber says:
And yes, i can argue this point, i just chose not to, cause i hates me some Kobs

Mar.19 at 8:53 pm

Nathalie says:
Khalid!!!
I’m writing this on your behalf. It seems that our comments have been caught up in the ‘top 10′ list and fail to realize the situation you are in!!
YOU HAVE TO SAVE YOUR FAMILY!!!
Who are you really gonna pick in this game…think about it?
What if the game was to 12, like in pick up. ones and twos? I’m sorry but you need to score Quick, which takes out a couple of people we’re arguing about.
Better yet, if you had to pick this ten to play the game with, I hope you realize that the ones you DON’T pick, you’ll probably be playing against.
IN THIS SITUATION: Kobe’s definately in. One word- Clutch.

Mar.19 at 8:56 pm

Nathalie says:
oh, yeah, thanks Mr. O’leary

Mar.19 at 9:18 pm

rj says:
thank u khalid for puttin it out there that hes one of the best to ever touch a ball.. haters are gonna hate but you cant argue kobes greatness..u just cant… dont do it.. stop it

Mar.19 at 10:47 pm

James says:
LeBron would own Kobe any day any time because he’s an amazing player and can carry an entire team on his back and Kobe can’t win without the Shaq. Shaq prove that with Wade end of story. Kobe’s just another Kevin Garnett all hype no action

Mar.19 at 11:27 pm

S.K says:
Kobe’s a OUTSTANDING player. he averages 29.2 ppg like 5 rpg and 1 apg. On the other hand LB James averages 25+ ppg 7 rpg and 7 apg. I the LB James will be a better player but Kobe right now is the best.

Mar.19 at 11:50 pm

Sean says:
Saying Kobe is better than MJ is punishable by death. Just look at one of the many ways, who has more awards? MJ is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. NO DOUBT. FULL STOP.

Mar.20 at 12:59 am

Candice says:
I rather have 47 assists and 114 pts through 4 games that was wins than 115 pts through two games.

Mar.20 at 1:08 am

Chief says:
yeah, yeah whatever Koe is good, but when it’s all said and done. Jordan had two threepeats. Without shaq.
And Chief sucks, tell your mom i said thanks for the flowers.
it was great for me too.

Mar.20 at 1:19 am

Sherri says:
lol cant help but notice James,”Kobe can’t win without the Shaq. Shaq prove that with Wade end of story. Kobe’s just another Kevin Garnett all hype no action” as i can tell ur bball IQ is tht of a 12 yr old, u havent really put forward any argument throughout except KOBE apparently is nothing w/o shaq bull shyt. i hereby advise you to do your research on KG & KOBE, & wht was ur point again when u said ‘Shaq proved tht with wade, end of story????’ am sorry am i challengin` ur 12 year old` brain alot? =]

Mar.20 at 1:37 am

rj says:
yah lebron…hahahah …right buddy…wade iverson can go off? thats why they all do right? they all drop back to back 50’s its so easy…idiot

Mar.20 at 2:02 am

mark says:
AIght - again Jordan is not the GOAT - WILT is - look at those stats - and remember Wilt didn’t have the advantage of stepping out and crossing someone up - he did all if his damage not against double teams but with 4 and 5 people hanging off his arms and still averaged 50 and dude went out and dominated with assists too — just because he could. back to KB - no way bro - no way is KB better than Jordan - this is almost a stupid conversation. How were the 80’s watered down ? Nobdoy has even mentioned Gary Payton, Ron Harper, Joe Dumars or the “Jordan Rules” the Pistons used against the Bulls - some of you cats need to hit the video store and rent “Playground”, “Hangtime”, “Michael Jordan to the Max” — man I never thought I would live to see the day when folks were already doubting Jordan… Comparing him to the Black Mamba —alleged rapist — Is this stuff for real ?
Jordan never threw up air balls in a playoff game (see Jazz)…
Jordan did hit threes — see Portland series
Jordan would have had at least 9 rings if he wouldn’t have sat out for those few years — 9 rings LEADING the way — Kobe got his three following Shaq….The game is a little bit easier when you have a 350 pound giant in the paint tearing the rim down. Jordan changed the game … Jordan created Kobe — Spawned him if you will. Kobe is a great player and he will end his career with three rings. Dude will not sniff the championship game again— ever.

Mar.20 at 2:03 am

mark says:
wait a minute — I get it — we are talking Wizards era Jordan right — then yes in that case Kobe right now is better than Wizards Jordan. Or is this an early April Fools ? Kobe is Xerxes to Jordan’s Leonidis

Mar.20 at 3:42 am

Chingster says:
Michael Compare to Kobe Part 1 Kobe only have edge Michael in a few games and stats
Like 12 3s in a game to MJ 8 3s
Like 81pts career to MJ 69 etc
But over in a span of career in greatness
So how can they be compare? Michael acheivement are much much greater.
Where as Kobe is still young but he can never achieve what michael did
Maybe half or a bit better than half of what MJ achieved. Here’s the proof MJ Kobe Nba Champion – 6 3
Season MVP - 5 zero
All NBA first team - 11 4
Most scoring titles—10 once
NBA Finals MVP- 6 zero
time All-Star - 14 9
all defensive 1stteam – 9 4
defensive player- 1 zero
rookie of yr —Yes nope
All star MVP 3 2
Slam dunk champ-2 once
Career averages career averages
30.1 / 6.2 /5.3 24.3 / 5.2/ 4.5
steal leader 3 zero it’s such a distance ..if Say gilbert arenas next season scores 83 pts in a game
and lead the league in 36pts per game…is he going to be the greatest. tat’s alot of greats that needs to be respected as well.

Mar.20 at 3:55 am

Chingster says:
MJ over Kobe Part 2 to sum it all up
in regards to titles…becos that’s what it is all about…Kobe have shaq - MVP winner cum most dominate player in the last decade. MJ do have Scottie as well considered one of the best in all around skills… do take note..who is the star.. Shaq is the star..3 time nba finals MVPs..and MJ is the star as
well…for the 6 titles. kobe and scottie earn it due to the 2 players.. MJ is the only player in history with titles plus numberous awards.. if you wan titles..bill rusell…if you wan stats domination, we have the late wilt.. or kareem.. clutch we have reggie miller . slam dunk we have vince carter..but if you wan all of it, it will be MJ…if you wan half of what MJ Did i will give it to kobe provided he keep it up a few more yrs…yes..it is “half” the achievement.

Mar.20 at 4:25 am

Brad says:
1) MJ
2) Kareem
3) Magic
4) Wilt
5) Larry
6) Oscar
7) Shaq
8) Hakeem the Dream
9) Kobe Bryant
10) Dr J The Bottom 3 could be in any order tho. They are the best all time tho

Mar.20 at 5:45 am

Andy says:
Time to really stir shit up. If I had to take one player to take a shot that would save my life, I’m picking Reggie Miller. Oh yeah, I did…

Mar.20 at 6:07 am

Western_dream says:
there is no doubt shaq would be my first pick. Not only would he win the game for me he would have the best after game quote! and just remember “That has nothing to do with basketball. That’s just because I’m sexy.”

Mar.20 at 6:09 am

gy bose says:
80’s-90’s stars never would have lost to Peurto Rico or the like,PLAY WIT IT U SISSIES

Mar.20 at 6:20 am

Western_dream says:
Wilt would be hard to go past though. 55 rebounds in ONE GAME. Eddy Curry struggles to rack that many up over a ten game stretch and he is the future of NBA centers (sorry Yao I am making a point). A 50 ppg season? 3 seasons with over 25 rebounds a game with a high of 27.2 in his SECOND SEASON. The man is undeniable. 118 games with over 50 points. I could go on forever but i am tired. Show some respect for history.

Mar.20 at 6:46 am

RedRum says:
I agree with the list, I would only replace moses or Dr J with Duncan. There simply is not way TD, 3 rings LEADING a team, going over kobe-Shaq-Jax lakers twice (3 if it was not for the Fisher 3 pointer…) is not worthy to be in the top 10 list. Actually I will put him in my top 5 list: magic, MJ, Bird (or kobe..), TD, Shaq.

Mar.20 at 8:21 am

Ryan Jones says:
Khalid, no more stat-podding columns. You’re like the Ann Coulter of basketball blogs, saying sh*t solely to get a rise out of people. Next time write about Clark Atlanta basketball or I’m gonna have Sam ban you from the site.

Mar.20 at 8:52 am

Ben Osborne says:
Wasn’t last year’s Game 7 between Lakers and Suns the basketball equivalent of playing for your life? And didn’t Kobe suck? He’s an ice-cold player for sure, but he’s definitely no Jordan. Not to sound like Ryan, but I really hope the Cavs make a run this year so LeBron can re-enter this debate.

Mar.20 at 10:24 am

Ryan Jones says:
Quit sounding like me, Ben.

Mar.20 at 11:21 am

Brad says:
I would pick Jordan first, then Magic, then Kobe and the rest is history

Mar.20 at 11:38 am

Coston says:
No doubt. Give em 5 more years and he’ll be in the top 5.

Mar.20 at 11:50 am

Max Airington says:
JORDAN QUIT IN A GAME 7!!!! Damn.

Mar.20 at 12:05 pm

Jbens says:
Kobe has top ten talent no doubt, but he’s not a top ten player…yet. Every time Kobe steps on the court he’s always trying to prove a point, and unfortunately that point isn’t always about winning. One day it’s scoring, the next day it’s getting teammates involved (see game 7 last year), etc.,etc. Until Kobe becomes a stone cold winner no matter what it takes, he’s just on the fringe of the top 10.

Mar.20 at 12:30 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
I thought the blog was done when i left work last night. I’m just now seeing how much has been written. I think its cool that everybody is responding to this column although i can’t take too much credit. Kobe is as much of a lightning rod as anyone in sports period. Even more than Bonds. Just mention his name and people get crazy. Let me bring some clarity to this blog though. Please recall my initial scenario. I don’t care about top 10, just saying that he’s on that list somewhere. Just look at his total game and ability. He has no talent flaws, there isn’t anything he can’t do and do well. His flaw is in his personality. A personality thats brings word like sociopath into basketball convo’s. To each his own i guess but i try to separate a guys ability from his personality. Its hard i know but you can’t let emotions control you all the time. sometimes yeah but not all the time. then you’re just a hater. I don’t know him personally. Talked to him in locker rooms a few times and thats it. What i’m sayiing is this guy is an exceptional talent and his name has to have a place. Several of you have put together lists of who you think the best ever should consist of. Cool. I hope that when it comes to players of our parents generation you have more than just stats and word of mouth to go by. You better undertand context. Yeah i know Wilt did this and did that but if you think Shaq wouldn’t have done the same or better you are crazy. Say what you want but i put Shaq over everyone except MJ. I would not put Kobe over MJ. i would not put Kobe over Shaq either. but Kobe over Jerry West yeah. You think West could defend like KB24? Yeah ok. West is clutch fine so is kobe. dude is still only 28 who knows what the ceiling is for him. and yeah bron has all the talent in the world. but he has a lot to still do before he enters this convo. he’s still 3 rings behind kobe and light years behind in clutch ability. Sure if we’re building a team for the next 10 seasons yeah okay he’s your man. Or wade. i’m fine with that. but in my scenario? hell no. We’d be down by 2 points to the team that has my fam and bron might F around and pass me the ball. and i don’t want that.

Mar.20 at 12:30 pm

Old School Baller says:
It’s impossible to compare Kobe Bryant to Dr. J and other players from back in the day. You can only compare Kobe to other players of his era . . . the era of a watered down league. If these guys played back during Dr. J’s era, half of them would be in college, Europe, the CBA or playing streetball.

Mar.20 at 12:36 pm

Nathan Gonzales says:
You are right Kobe would be in my list but I don’t know about Dream why not Zeek who happens to be a really good scorer when need to be of course you have magic but what if you want to free Magic up to get some points Zeek could do that.

Mar.20 at 2:03 pm

Sean Sheldon says:
Kobe is great, but will never win another chip because he isn’t a tru leader for LA.

Mar.20 at 3:16 pm

Tom says:
No doubt Kobe deserves to be on that list, and for Khalid’s situation I would even put him ahead of Jordan, because even though Jordan had the fade away and the explosiveness, he never had them at the same time. He used the fade cause he understood that he’s not as explosive as he was, meanwhile I think Kobe has both of those qualities at the same time And for those of you who don’t think dream belongs there must be crazy, next to shaq and kareem, he’s the best I’ve ever seen. Over 2 years he didn’t just beat, but embarassed every dominant centre of the 90’s, ewing, robinson, shaq, not to mention he’s the all time leader in blocks, so he played both ends.

Mar.20 at 3:20 pm

mak3 says:
Yes !! he is in Top5 all time !! the best !

Mar.20 at 3:31 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
Thanks Tom. Quiet as its kept, Dream was the man

Mar.20 at 4:01 pm

Alan says:
The GOAT is Wilt. End of discussion. The many caused rule changes (widening the lane, 3 seconds in the lane). The year Will dropped 100 points in a game, he also averaged 50.4 per game. He owns the next three highest seasonal averages at 44.8 ppg, 38.4 PPG and 37.6 PPG The next closest? “Money” with 37.1 in the 1986-87 season. Rebounding average CAREER: 22.9/game (had 55 in one game).Oh yeah, and Wilt led the league in assists in 1968. Just because he could.

Mar.20 at 4:01 pm

Realist says:
F*cking idiots, he is top 40 at best. What exactly has he done as the #1? Oh yeah, choked away a first round playoff. Talk to me when he is able to win as the #1 guy, until then, he’s nothing.

Mar.20 at 4:02 pm

vince says:
duncan, hakeem, russel, oscar, west could all be there over kobe. even over moses maybe.

Mar.20 at 4:38 pm

Max Airington says:
Khalid, how can you demand more than stats and word of mouth for making the case from previous generations and then say that Shaq would’ve done the same things as Wilt? Shaq got dominated in the 96 ECF by Rodman, and was swept out of the playoffs three other times, including a domination by the Dream. You think he could’ve handled Russell and the Celtics? In a one game scenario either Dream or Russ would own Shaq. Shaq didn’t win anything until Kobe evolved as a player, so their achievements are shared in my book. He dominated ‘05, probably was MVP, but no chip. The one he got was when Wade did all the heavy lifting. I dont see why Shaq is the easy pick. Or that West couldn’t play D like Kobe on today’s players? He handled HOF’ers consistently, and they’ve testified to that too many times. He can’t play today? There arent too many premier two that he couldnt handle athletically, and there’s more to defense than that anyway. He cant D up Vince Carter? Yeah VC might bang on him once or twice, but West would strip him clean in the open court just as many times. Where’s the context? Like Harlem said, it’s just plain unfair to cross eras and if you’re going to we should only go forward since the game is supposed to improve, not regress. Why isn’t Oscar Robertson still doin those numbers today? Kidd is. And didn’t you say yourself that Kobe quit in a game 7 cause he got sick of the haters? Who’s to say he wouldn’t do the same with YOUR family on the line, not his? I grew up on Michael, in the Stadi