Kobe Bryant: After Passing MJ, Where Does He Rank All-Time
Perhaps the greatest debate in all of sports involves rankings the greatest competitors of all-time. Has Kobe Bryant entered the ranks of the elites following his recent achievement in passing Michael Jordan in scoring?
The great thing about the NBA is that we can actually debate a top five list and make somewhat good arguments. With so many positions in the MLB and the NFL, it is nearly impossible to compare the greatest to ever play. I mean, how in the world would you say Lawrence Taylor was better than John Elway? With basketball, there are only five positions, all with the same job: put the ball in the basket.
That being said, it can still be hard to compare the great bigs in NBA history with the more skilled, perimeter-oriented players. Look at Wilt Chamberlain, for example. Sure he averaged 50 points and 25 rebounds in a season, but based on skill he wouldn’t even crack the top 50 of all time. This is why in basketball, there are so many different factors we have to take into account when we are comparing the greatest.
You CAN look at the advanced statistics, but for me, I like to keep it simple. When I make my list I’m really looking at:
1. Championships
2. Final’s MVPs
3. MVPs
4. Career Averages
5. Career Totals
6. Legacy
Note that I put career averages in front of career totals. Sure Kobe Bryant recently passed his idol in total points, but does it really mean he is a better scorer? Of course not. Michael Jordan led the league in scoring 10 times to Bryant’s 2. Jordan also averages nearly 5 more points per game than Bryant does, while shooting a significantly better percentage. (MJ: 49.7%, Kobe: 45.2%). And we can expect Bryant’s career field goal percentage to continue to go down until he retires.
Not that Bryants’s recent feat isn’t significant. To say Bryant is in the top three all time scorers, as well as the all time scoring non-big man, will look quite good on his long, impressive resume. Although it does look impressive, it doesn’t by any means place him ahead of lets say Bill Russell. Look at Karl Malone. Sure he is second all time in scoring, but I would no way put him in my top ten all time. The Mailman would maybe crack the top 15.
Before we start his list, one thing I would like to clarify is that Kobe Bryant, as well as Tim Duncan still have at least another year left. Tim Duncan will probably accomplish more throughout the rest of his career than Kobe will. The black mamba will continue to rack up the points, but assuming he retires after next season (when his contract expires), he won’t add much more to the resume besides a few more all star appearances.
Duncan on the other hand is a whole different story. The Spurs remain to be one of the NBA’s top teams, and are very much still a threat to defend their title. Duncan can still add one more ring, maybe even two. His contract does expire after this season, but there is no doubt that Mr. Fundamental would take a pay cut to go for another run. Also, Duncan can end up 6th on the all time rebounding list, and if he plays another year, might be able to move into the top ten in scoring.