Michael Jordan has always been the face of the NBA. The name that is mentioned at the top of the mountain. His name is synonymous with anything that is regarded as the best, in all walks of life. Since the day he crossed over Byron Russell as he hit that perfect jump shot to lock up his 6th title, he was set to go down as the greatest to ever lace them up. That is until a cocky, confident, driven, skinny 17 year old from Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia was on a mission to change all that.
Comparisons started the day that Kobe first stepped on the court his rookie season. He was regarded as either an "MJ wanna be" or the second coming. Over time their games became more identical. Kobe studied Jordan's game relentlessly and constantly worked, almost literally around the clock, fine tuning his game and conditioning. He welcomed the comparison and was motivated by it. He was going to be the greatest ever by any means necessary.
Throughout NBA history, there was always famous battles or duels between teams and players. From Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Bird and Magic, Jordan and Isaiah Thomas. When Kobe hit his prime he was regarded as the best active player. He had the respect of his peers, he had the rings, gold medals and MVP's. While Kobe was accomplishing all this, Tim Duncan of the Spurs was also doing the same but even with that, it never seemed as if they were rivals. Kobe was competing against a retired legend.
Kobe loves and respects Jordan but his mission was to dethrone him. That's where his hunger and competitiveness lies. At the end of the day when you line up resumes, Jordan has the statistical advantage. Rings its 6-5, Jordan. MVP's its 5-1, Jordan. Scoring titles it's 10-2, Jordan. Finals MVP's it's 6-2, Jordan. There also many factors that play into that aside from individual play. Jordan has always had the all around better team and had it for a longer run. Kobe dealt with instability in the franchise, especially after losing Shaq. Kobe was playing along side Smush Parker and Chris Mihm for crying out loud. He played through terrible seasons with bad teams. He's also played with numerous unsuccessful coaches that were fired during awful seasons.
When I look at overall talent I see them as equals. The nod to Jordan defensively and the nod to Kobe offensively. No one could lock someone up like MJ. Offensively, Kobe is a better 3 point shooter and ball handler. Can't forget about their brand and influence; no other player has had the same influence as they did, ever. Kobe now is recognized as the face of the NBA; respected, feared and looked at in awe by his peers. At the end of the day Jordan's statistical resume will always out weigh Kobe's. To many, Kobe will down as the closest player humanly possible that could have passed up Jordan for that top spot. Whatever you may think, make sure you appreciate a living legend and one of the five greatest players to ever grace the basketball court. In my eyes, Kobe will always be #1.
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