A great article was written on Hoffman’s Blog on the Fox Sports community network site. Hoffman wrote about how Hatred for Kobe Bryant is all about perception! He had some great points. I wanted to take some time and outline some of the points he made because they are accurate and common sense. The problem with the “Kobe Haters” out there is that their perception is off. Their reality is skewed. They only care about their opinion. No matter what Kobe does he will always be hated by these same people. These “Kobe Haters” make unfair assessments of Kobe. Their perception is not only off, it is wrong. Here are some of the parts of the article I wanted to highlight. The author compares Kobe Bryant with Michael Jordan in a “what would Michael do” type of scenario. Good stuff.
“Many comparisons have been made between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. I think there are more parallels than most would consider. Jordan and Bryant share similar basketball skills and while I don’t think anyone will ever approach MJ’s intensity or drive, Kobe is the only player who has come close. MJ was a fierce competitor whose goal was not only to become the best player he could be, but to become the greatest player who ever played. Kobe has the same goal.”
“Neither MJ nor Kobe has ever been labeled as “fun” to play with. MJ rode his teammates relentlessly in practice and in games so that they would adhere to his standard of excellence. His intensity once resulted in a punch to Steve Kerr’s eye and the departure of Horace Grant to Orlando. Jordan, like Bryant also received more than his fair share of criticism for dominating the basketball and not being a “team player” early in his career. Even Chicago’s last three championships were a result of MJ averaging around 26 shot attempts per game and shooting below 50%.”
“Imagine Michael Jordan having been drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers instead of Bryant. Regardless of whether you believe they belong in the same company when comparing basketball skill, realize that they share the same competitive drive. I find it very difficult to envisioning a young, tongue wagging Jordan (the same one who averaged 37 points early in his career) taking a backseat to Shaq any easier or longer than Kobe did. Jordan would never have sat back and watched Shaquille coast through regular seasons without feeling a need to take over and an overwhelming desire to show the world his skills.”
“Imagine Jordan being forced to endure first round exits in the prime of his career. As great as MJ was, one player can only do so much. Jordan was BLESSED to play with Scottie Pippen and an assortment of veterans who knew their roles and played them to a T. If you think MJ could win titles surrounded by the likes of Kobe’s supporting cast the past three years, you’re sorely mistaken.”
“MJ would never been content with anything other than a championship supporting cast. Jordan absolutely could not stand to lose or fail, Kobe is the same way. The very thing that drives great players like Jordan and Bryant can also be to their detriment. They have enormous egos, are in love with their abilities, have unrattling confidence that they will succeed in any endeavor, and will take a backseat to no one.”
“Would MJ have gone about voicing his displeasure in the manner that Bryant did? Probably not for fear that his immaculate image would be tarnished and he wouldn’t sell as many Air Jordans, but then again, he never had to. Jordan hated Chicago’s General Manager Jerry Krause and by association the Bulls owner, Jerry Reinsdorf. The only thing that kept things together in Chicago was the fact that Krause put together a supporting cast that Jordan could not have won without.”
He went on to then talk about Kobe Bryant’s intentions. His perception of the game. Unfortunately there are idiots out there who still think that Kobe Bryant is selfish, and that he plays for scoring titles and self achievements. Here is what the author had to say.:
“Kobe Bryant doesn’t play for scoring titles, he plays for NBA championships. It’s easy to be amazed at that five game 50-point stretch last season but I don’t think anyone realizes the type of commitment that it takes to achieve that level of basketball mastery. Now imagine working that HARD year in and year out, only to be rewarded with an inept supporting cast and an early exit out of the playoffs.”
“It’s impossible to absolve Kobe of all responsibility in the drama that has enveloped the Los Angeles Lakers over the past 4 years. It is possible to note the factors that led to his behavior. Up until this season, the Lakers had FAILED MISERABLY at building around him. Lamar Odom was never a legitimate second option and the trade of Caron Butler for Kwame Brown was a travesty. Key free agent opportunities (Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer) had come and gone.”
“Bryant knows that NBA championships won with him as “the man” are the only way to distinguish himself as worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as MJ. This isn’t a man who plays for celebrity or a paycheck. Kobe Bryant plays for legacy, a legacy that he hopes is culminated with him being crowned the greatest player ever.”
“Kobe’s career will never be as picture perfect as MJ’s was. From the feuds with Shaquille, to the sexual assault allegation, to the trade demands, it’s been one tumultuous turn after another over the past decade. I hope that this season marks an end to the turmoil and Kobe achieves some sense of basketball peace.”
“I don’t agree with everything that Bryant has done throughout his career. But I do believe that many of the mistakes he has made result from his desire to win and leave a lasting legacy. I respect his commitment to the game. I love that Kobe fears no one and no thing on the basketball court and he truly strives and puts in the work necessary to become the game’s greatest player. I admire the fact that he doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind and hasn’t created a false image. For better or worse, what you see is what you get, take it or leave it, this is Kobe Bryant.”
“One can choose to perceive Kobe as a self centered, egotistical individual with no sense of loyalty. I, and many others choose to view him as a player who has made his fair share of mistakes but also as someone trying desperately to become the best basketball player he can be; the greatest player who has ever played.”
Thank you! Finally a great article on Kobe Bryant. Better than 90% of the trash that exists out there. Great points were made here. I
