It was just a bit of hyperbole ;)
Every year a new phenom player is actively compared to MJ. Most of them have the talent, but few have had the luck/skill/drive to succeed in the long term. And let's face it, the league is more competitve right now than it was in the 80s early 90s.
But even then, there was Clyde the Glide from Phi Slamma Jamma, Bernand King, James Worthy, Bird, Johnson, Vinnie Microwave used to do damage in detroit. So, MJ was the shit, but there are plenty of players that have the potential and ABILITY to do the same.
No one has compared shaq to any living or dead player since high school / college freshman. Every active center / power forward combination in the W. Coast was selected with the exception of the clippers to try to handle shaq. PPL used to think of Wilt as the ideal dominate center until Shaq.
Shaq is a fuckin freak of nature 7'2" 360 pounds and nimble...His first season nobody could defend him and he lead the league in FG % all on dunks.
And the Magic with Shaq, no matter how unseasoned and or lucky went through the bulls and MJ like butter.
Kobe no matter how hard he tries isn't MJ, his rings were won on the basis of shaq's success not his own. We'll see if Kobe is worth the hype next season, if he doesn't go to jail. But physically, and even in terms of skills there are a few players every year in the DRAFT that can compete with Kobe et. al.
What's more it really isn't a decsion of strictly shaq v. Kobe. as far as the lakers were concerned. 60Mil is a ton of loot to pay in a few years of rebuilding.
Quote:
Originally posted by D-Money
The Shaq part I will agree to, but a new MJ comes out of high school or college every year?
Name one that has come out since MJ?
The closest thing would be Kobe based on his age and championships, and even he still isn't up to MJ level yet.
I see your point if you just saying lot's of good players come out every year, I'll buy that one. But MJ?
Man, watching MJ play, you knew he would win certain games. Like if someone talks trash the week before about him, he'd get 45 points or better. If it's a must win game, he'd take over and find a way to win. Using both team strategeies or just MJ vs. the other team. No player has had that mentality and physical game since.
Shaq is unique, one of a kind. One day there will be another Shaq, but don't expect it to happen soon. He'll be missed in LA for sure.
I'm cool with keeping Kobe over Shaq, tough call for sure. Kobe can still learn to play as a team, just like Jordan took years to learn that. So at Kobe's age and experience, he could be the next Jordan, but he still has to win the championship at least 2 more times. AND a league scoring title a shit load of times as well.
|