In all endeavors, there are always obstacles to overcome. The fact that MJ was at his "prime" at 26 [debatable - IMHO 28 - 30 is a primed basketball player] PHYSICALLY does not mean that he had built the confidence required to beat lesser players at that time [even thought they had a "greater" reputation.] I have seen it so many times in so many "sports" - those that are far more talented than the status quo, but are unable to beat them because of the mental maturity that is required to overcome. In fact, alot of these guys are equally physically talented as MJ. What they lack, and cannot be seen [only in retrospect] is the fact that he overcame whatever doubts he had and won his first championship by bringging together all of his gifts that so overshadow every other player. Once he did it, and his teammates had overcome their doubts, there was no stopping that team from winning 10 championships in a row. nitro
Or six in 8 years......But they had to go get D-rodd fro the last three....and Bill Cartwright for the first three.....
Unlike Kobe who claims he can score at will on anyone anytime, MJ understands the team aspect of the game.
MJ used to be the same way, until Jackson weaned it out of him and told him he could either be a superstar with no ring, or one with it. It is part of the mental maturity and bad habits you develop being sorrounded by those you do not trust/respect. It is to Jackson's credit that he was able to train that out of MJ. MENTAL, it is all MENTAL. nitro
WHich MJ are we talking about???? The one who scored 60 + points in LOSING efforts against the celtics? The one who Would not pass to his team mates in consecutive series losses to the Pistons? or the one who Phill convinced to actually trust his teammates and to pass the ball????....listen, MJ is the greatest player I've ever seen lace -em up....but let's not forget his first six years in the league when many were talking about him the same way they dis George Gervin...slam dunk and scoring titles and little else...How quickly we can forget..and Jordan was absolutely taunting and talking trash to Bird the whole time he was torching him for 60....but that's ok ???? Kobe could very easily go to a team like memphis or the clips and avg 40 per night taking all the shots...kind of like KG an T-mac.....But Kobe plays tough ass D and has his share of assists. Jordan did not play D at 22
Kobe has the luxury of Shaq. Let me ask any Kobe fan the following question: If Shaq calls it quits, would Phil Jackson continue to coach with just Kobe? No fucking way. The only reason Jackson continues is he knows Shaq is the meal ticket. Kobe is just icing, not the cake.
Kobe wasn't shit until Jackson came along, just a wild kid. Give Jackson all the credit, not Kobe, and if Jackson leaves, watch Kobe revert to his basic instincts.