11/17/24
September 24, 2009
The Sporting News names Kobe Bryant NBA 'Athlete of the Decade': Even Shaq has a few nice things to say.
posted by lilnemo to basketball at 07:14 PM - 4 comments
Duncan, Shaq and Kobe all have been part of four NBA champs in this decade. Bryant also was on two teams that reached the finals and lost, and O'Neal was on one.
Since Kobe has been in the finals more than half of the decade, and his supporting cast has been weaker the last two than Duncan ever had or Shaq had in LA, I can't see any other choice making sense.
Except in my alternate reality where Nash stayed in Dallas and won a fourpeat with Dirk.
posted by rcade at 10:31 AM on September 25, 2009
Did Kobe win because Duncan is the most boring superstar on the world has ever seen?
I think it has more to do with the fact that big men seem far less multi-dimensional than SG/SFs. Duncan has been a hell of a player, but he does 90% of his work within the key or a few feet away from it. Your typical 2-3 is involved in bringing the ball up the floor, perimeter defense, driving the lane, guarding PGs, SGs, SFs, and occasionally smaller PFs, and are expected not just to score, but also have decent assist and rebound numbers.
Except in my alternate reality where Nash stayed in Dallas and won a fourpeat with Dirk.
I just cried a little bit, on the inside.
posted by Ufez Jones at 12:34 PM on September 25, 2009
Not to take away from their athleticism, but Duncan and Shaq are giants--physically marvelous for sure. But Kobe? That man is an athlete.
posted by Spitztengle at 12:55 PM on September 25, 2009
I want a revote. Did Kobe win because Duncan is the most boring superstar on the world has ever seen?