Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
Kobe isn't in the top 3 right now either (LeBron, Durant, Rose). If he wants another ring, he's going to have to accept deferring a lot more. Kobe needs to be around somewhere like 20 shots a game at most, but we all know Kobe is going to have a hard time giving up his touches. He still has dreams of catching Kareem for the all-time scoring record, and I think to him that will really help his case against Jordan as the GOAT (it won't). Kobe would be a much more effective player averaging 22 points a game and involving everyone else in the offense.
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I disagree with you that Rose is #3. Based in large part on the fact that he seems to be too injury prone to become one of the truly elite players in the game. His MVP season was impressive no doubt, but one great season does not put him above Bryant yet. Meanwhile Bryant continues to prove himself at the age of 33.
There is a reason why most analysts expect Kobe to take the big shots if needed during the Olympics, and not LeBron or any of the other elite players playing in London. In 2008 surrounded by other stars he scored 14 points in the 4th against Spain, and led them to victory while being surrounded by stars.
This past year he finished 4th in MVP voting, only behind James, Durant, and Paul (barely). The same with 2011 where again he finished 4th close behind James and Howard.
Right now James is heads above the rest, then after that it's either Durant or Kobe for second place. And by that I mean best player TODAY. Obviously Rose, Paul, and Durant are going to be better players soon enough, just not today.
Also don't underestimate Kobe's leadership qualities. It is quite apparent that he is the leader in London, while guys like James and Durant are following his lead. Considering Bryant is a student of the game and has won everything in his career multiple times, it makes sense to go to him for advice.