- Thread starter
- #1
OutlawImmortal
Certified Member
Who's the best of their generation? As a lifelong Lakers and Kobe fan, I've often viewed it as a toss-up. But, after much thought I've come to a conclusion that most basketball fans would view as obvious. Tim Duncan was the better person, leader, as well as the more consistent player.
It''s ironic that the thing that ended up ending Kobe's career was his selfishness and lack of trust in his teammates. If he had trusted the system and his teammates more perhaps he could have avoided his career ending injuries.
The proof is in the pudding, Magic Johnson often said that his strategy was to get the worst player on the team going. Kobe's strategy was to demean that player and treat him as though he were nothing. Tim Duncan is a far better leader in that aspect. Further proof is shown in Luke Walton's recent comments about Kobe wanting to help the team; he would only contact Kobe if the team was in need of tough love. That's all you need to hear in regards to Kobe's personality as a player.
Kobe had the potential to become his generation's Bill Russell but his selfishness and arrogance lead him to chase Shaquille O'Neal (one of the most dominant Centers in NBA history) out of town, as well as derail the Lakers' rebuild by demanding the ball and ignoring the development of the future of the franchise. Of course, some of the blame lies with Byron Scott, who showed no shame in being Kobe's fanboy during his final years with the Lakers. Kobe accomplished much during his career but could have been much more. In the same vein that we often view Shaq as having untapped potential due to being lazy, we have to view Kobe in the same light due to his arrogance.
In conclusion, there is no more doubt in my mind as to who was the greater person, player, and leader. Tim Duncan wins this one in a landslide.
It''s ironic that the thing that ended up ending Kobe's career was his selfishness and lack of trust in his teammates. If he had trusted the system and his teammates more perhaps he could have avoided his career ending injuries.
The proof is in the pudding, Magic Johnson often said that his strategy was to get the worst player on the team going. Kobe's strategy was to demean that player and treat him as though he were nothing. Tim Duncan is a far better leader in that aspect. Further proof is shown in Luke Walton's recent comments about Kobe wanting to help the team; he would only contact Kobe if the team was in need of tough love. That's all you need to hear in regards to Kobe's personality as a player.
Kobe had the potential to become his generation's Bill Russell but his selfishness and arrogance lead him to chase Shaquille O'Neal (one of the most dominant Centers in NBA history) out of town, as well as derail the Lakers' rebuild by demanding the ball and ignoring the development of the future of the franchise. Of course, some of the blame lies with Byron Scott, who showed no shame in being Kobe's fanboy during his final years with the Lakers. Kobe accomplished much during his career but could have been much more. In the same vein that we often view Shaq as having untapped potential due to being lazy, we have to view Kobe in the same light due to his arrogance.
In conclusion, there is no more doubt in my mind as to who was the greater person, player, and leader. Tim Duncan wins this one in a landslide.