| Kobe Bryant - His Legacy |
|
|
| Written by Rodney K | |
| Friday, 04 July 2008 | |
 If you ask Shaq what he thinks of Kobe’s star power, and prowess on the basketball floor, he will give you a “R” rated version of how he feels. If you ask the media, they will give you another opinion, if you ask his teammates, and coaches, they will give you a third version. Kobe Bryant is the games best player currently in the NBA. Bold- yes, but it’s simple- he is. Sure, he didn’t win a title with the Lakers in ’08, but he brought a group of far less talented players, and ran through the Western Conference, which had a great deal of talent. We all know Kobe had some off the court issues, and may have been the biggest baby ever in this past offseason, threatening to leave, whining about player personnel,etc. But since then, I think Kobe has cleaned up his image. He has already insisted he will not try to play the role of the GM this summer, and will leave all the player personnel issues to the owner, GM, and coach Phil Jackson. Good idea Kobe. Part of his bad rap has come from those two negatives- off the court issues, and the whiney attitude. Everyone millionaire athlete whines at times, it’s just part of their manra, or whatever they like to call it. Let’s put that past us. What he has done on the court is incredible. The 6’6, 220lbs. shooting guard out of Philadelphia has done more so far in his career, than many have done, and he is not yet 30. Turning 30 in August, Kobe looks to have a lot of years left in his tank as a NBA player. His 2008 season, was in my opinion his best year of his career. Coming off all the negativity, Kobe was able to play in every single game during the 2008 season. That is something a lot of NBA players simply cannot or will not do. That was the second time in his career he was able to accomplish that. Part of Kobe’s success came from lowering of his minutes. Kobe averaged playing 38.5 minutes, that is his lowest total since the 2003-2004 season. Kobe shot about his career average from the field. In 2008 he shot 45.9%, and on his career he is a 40.3% shooter. His three point percentage was at the highest it has been since the 2002-2003 season, in which he shot 38.3% that year. In 2008, he shot 36.1%, and for his career, is a 34.0% shooter. Bryant, also shot 84% from the free throw line. Bryant’s 6.3 rebounds a game, is a full rebound ahead of his career 5.3 average. His assists at 5.4 definitely helped raise his 4.6 career average. His turnover numbers were also down as well, which just continues to prove how valuable Kobe Bryant is, and how he continues to improve, in his 12th season in the Association. Do these numbers prove that Kobe Bryant is a bonafide, top of the line superstar? Yes! Anyone that can put up those type of numbers for that many seasons, and STILL not be 30 years old, is a superstar. Kobe Bryant is still on the top of his game, and no matter what the Lakers do this offseason, they are going to be a force to reckon with once again in 2008-2009. If they go out and have a great summer signing period, and continue to work out, the Lakers have the potential to bring home the ultimate prize, and for Bryant that would stamp his name in an even high category. Until next time, keep hoppin’ it up!!         Set as favorite Bookmark Comments
(0)
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
