ESPN projects Kobe Bryant outside top 10 of SGs for 2014-15

Kobe Bryant is coming off two injuries and played just six games last season. However, ESPN has apparently completely written off Bryant, projected him outside of their top ten shooting guards next season. Brian Doolittle used some metric stats to calculate the top ten for next season, and Bryant fell number 11.

"As for Bryant, his playing-time forecast is predictably suppressed, but even if it weren’t, his projected winning percentage would just barely get him into the top 10."

Of those ahead of Bryant? Victor Oladipo (#7), Dion Waiters (#5), and Jimmy Butler (#4) as well as placing Dwyane Wade at 2nd.

Wow. I understand doubting Bryant on his return, but predicting that he won’t finish in the top ten shooting guards in the league is crazy at best. While obviously biased, I imagine Bryant will be a top five shooting guard at worst next season, with the chance to likely be top three.

As if Bryant needed any more motivation, this will certainly do the trick. Judging by this ranking, his ranking in their top 100 players later this summer will be further mind-boggling.

Given Bryant’s insane work ethic and immense physical conditioning, counting him out would be a mistake. These season feels like the one where Bryant reminds fans and opponents he’s still one of the best.