I’m feeling the same way as I did back in Super Bowl XXXVI (that year, I predicted that the Patriots–the big underdogs–would pull out an upset against the Rams and win by a field goal. I was right). That’s why I’m betting on the Seahawks.
Seahawks 21, Steelers 17
In this article on SI.com, the columnist opined:“The bottom line is that outside of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant is the NBA’s most exciting player.”I suppose, if you read ‘outside of LeBron’ as the writer’s way of sidestepping the debate over whether LeBron is more exciting than Kobe to watch. But it could also mean that the writer thought that Kobe is the second most exciting player–behind LeBron.
As talented as LeBron is, I think he’s a bit overrated now. He’s arguably the best all-around player in the game, though Kobe scores higher marks in some categories: If I were to grade on aesthetics, I would give Kobe the nod over LeBron since Kobe is of the whirling-dirvish-mold who knows how to finish with grace and hangtime like his idols, MJ (not the Washington Wizards version though) and Anfernee Hardaway of 1993-1996 (when he actually had knees). Whereas LeBron has freakish all-around skills and plays a more physical, power game. LeBron is like a bulkier version of the pre-2000 Grant Hill who could take it down the hole in few, but large strides with such ease, and who can dish the rock (point forward). It’s not surprising then that LeBron is racking up triple-doubles like G. Hill used to.
So to compare Kobe with LeBron would be like comparing two running backs with different styles–a la Barry Sanders (very quick lateral movements, juking out defenders) vs. Walter Payton (more of a power runner). It’s not really a fair comparison. Maybe it’s because with LeBron still early in his career, we have not witnessed what he is fully capable, so our anticipation breeds more excitement, therefore to some, LeBron is the more ‘exciting’ player. But Kobe’s killer instinct, his defensive tenacity and his being second-to-none in knowing how to get open (sans Reggie, only Rip Hamilton is his match in this category).
Though we are all witnesses to LeBron’s amazing talents, to say that Kobe is on a tear lately would be a major understatement; 81 points (55 in second half) in a game! If shock value tends to create more excitement, it can be argued, then, that Kobe is the more exciting player right now.
Disclaimer: In spite of the above, don’t mistaken me for being a huge fan of Kobe. Just giving credit where it’s due.
