Is Kobe Overrated...?

[DAF86]

Is Kobe overrated as a big-game player and clutch shooter?

I'd say yes because the level of hype that surrounds this aspect of Kobe's game is huge: there's a conception that Kobe is without a doubt the best closer in the game and nobody should even dare to argue this concept and that the biggest the stage the better Kobe will play. And stats clearly refute this: I don't know Bryant's numbers in elimination games but I'm pretty sure they suck and timvp posted not too long ago that his "game wining shots" numbers aren't nice either.

With that said I do think he's clutch (he's definitely not a choker) but he isn't as good as most people say he is on this aspect of the game.

[iggypop123]

give me somebody who watches the games and doesnt stare at stat books. if you want stats go to baseball and calculate the slugging % of someone

[BUMP]

hell no

[DAF86]

give me somebody who watches the games and doesnt stare at stat books. if you want stats go to baseball and calculate the slugging % of someone

I watch games, I know Kobe is clutch, but I also know that he isn't head and shoulders above everybody else in the league. There are tons of players that are just as (if not better) clutch as him.

[DeadlyDynasty]

yes and no

[baseline bum]

Since taking over as alpha-dog for the Lakers, this is Kobe's record in elimination games:

1) 2003 WCSF Game 6 (LOSS) : SPURS 110, Lakers 82
20 points, 9-19 FG, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 7 turnovers

2) 2004 Finals Game 5 (LOSS): Lakers 87, PISTONS 100
24 points, 7-21 FG, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers

3) 2006 WCQF Game 7 (LOSS): Lakers 90, SUNS 121
24 points, 8-16 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers

4) 2007 WCQF Game 5 (LOSS): Lakers 110, SUNS 119
34 points, 13-33 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 6 turnovers

5) 2008 Finals Game 6 (LOSS): Lakers 92, CELTICS 131
22 points, 7-22 FG, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers

6) 2009 WCSF Game 7 (WIN): Rockets 70, LAKERS 89
14 points, 4-12 FG, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2blocks, 1 turnover

AVERAGES:
23.0 PPG
3.83 REBOUNDS
3.00 ASSISTS
39.0% FG%
1.17 STEALS
0.500 BLOCKS
4.00 TURNOVERS

PER: 14.0

I don't usually like to put a lot of stock into the PER, but an elite player doing that horribly on it is unreal. To put it in perspective, here's a list of players average PER this season in the 14.0 +/- 0.25 range:



RANK PLAYER PER
==== =============== =======
112 Chris Duhon 14.25
113 Wilson Chandler 14.18
114 Tyrus Thomas 14.10
115 Tyson Chandler 14.09
116 Al Thornton 14.04
117 Ronnie Brewer 14.02
118 Randy Foye 14.00
118 Spencer Hawes 14.00
120 Andrei Kirilenko 13.85
121 Brendan Haywood 13.83
122 Eric Gordon 13.80
123 Joakim Noah 13.78


1-5 in elimination games as the man and production on par with Ronnie Brewer, Randy Foye, and Spencer Hawes? Clearly, he is not the big game player he's hyped to be. I remember the way Duncan was absolutely crucified by the media for his 14/10/4 and 16/16/2 games, injured, against the Pistons in 05. Yet everyone blames Kobe's teammates when he doesn't come to play. Kobe's a hell of a player, but he is clearly not the guy you count on with your backs against the wall. Not a single one of those performances in elimination games would be considered a good much less great performance.

[mojorizen7]

Voted No.
He's overrated as a player who thinks he's tough though.

[Allanon]

Rockets have 2 (not 1) of the best defenders in the NBA.

Kobe still averaged 28 points in this series facing Artest/Battier and a double/triple team in the paint.

Rockets were set on stopping Kobe and let the other guys get theirs.

If Kobe can average 28 points versus Battier/Artest, I'd suspect he'll average 35 points versus Dahntay Jones and JR Smith.

[Bob Lanier]

There is no such thing as clutch.

Bryant is not a mentally tough player, but he's not a choker.

[DAF86]

Rockets have 2 (not 1) of the best defenders in the NBA.

Kobe still averaged 28 points in this series facing Artest/Battier and a double/triple team in the paint.

Rockets were set on stopping Kobe and let the other guys get theirs.

If Kobe can average 28 points versus Battier/Artest, I'd suspect he'll average 35 points versus Dahntay Jones and JR Smith.

Points avg per game doesn't mean anything. What's better to put 28 points in 28 shots or 20 in 12?

[sonic21]

kobe was overrated between 1997 and 2006

[Allanon]

Points avg per game doesn't mean anything. What's better to put 28 points in 28 shots or 20 in 12?

Actually, I was wrong. Kobe averaged 30 points versus the Rockets on 46% shooting, that's pretty good...especially when you consider the defense was keyed on him.

[endrity]

I think he is just a front runner, he doesn't want to have his back on the wall too much.

[DAF86]

Actually, I was wrong. Kobe averaged 30 points versus the Rockets on 46% shooting, that's pretty good...especially when you consider the defense was keyed on him.

Shots per game?

[Spursfan092120]

Anyone who says Kobe is overrated as a clutch shooter is absolutely ignorant...

[Allanon]

Shots per game?

22 shots per game for 30 points against two premier defenders.

[balli]

kobe was overrated between 1997 and 2006
Kobe was so fucking good in 2006. That was the year he went off for like 50+ all those games in a row and got that 81 point game, dragged scrubs into the playoffs and took an incredibly good PHO team to 7 games.

He was not over-rated that year. He didn't win the MVP, therefore he was under-rated.

[sook]

OP...there is only one thing Kobe is over rated as..


And that is if anyone says he is a nice guy...he's not!!! :)


No seriously though...he is one of the clutchest players I have ever seen.

[BandWagon Cavs Fan]

Shots per game?

haha thats the first thing i said when i read that post....

[kamikazi_player]

7u7xSy0oP5E
Nuff said.

[dirk4mvp]

I wish you would've made it public so we could've seen all the laker fans vote no.

[Amaso]

Are you kidding me?

[dirk4mvp]

Are you kidding me?

Did you see bb's post or conveniently skip over it?

[JamStone]

Probably overrated by some, particularly Lakers or Kobe fans. It certainly doesn't make him bad or not clutch, but sure, somewhat overrated. His numbers definitely don't back him up, but I think a lot of what makes him a great closer and clutch player is his presence and mental approach in the clutch. His shooting percentage isn't as good as others in the clutch, but he's never one to be afraid in the moment. Whereas some great players will turn down a shot or defer in clutch moments so that their' "clutch stats" won't be affected, Kobe's not concerned about missing the shot or trying to make the play. I think it's that thing that makes him a great clutch player, his willingness to be the goat if he fails. You can argue that he hasn't been that great as a clutch player in the playoffs as the no. 1 guy, and many Kobe apologists will blame his teammates for those shortcomings. It's probably somewhere in the middle. He's overrated, but still certainly a guy you want with the ball in his hands in the clutch.

[TampaDude]

Kobe is pretty fucking clutch. Not the GOAT, of course, but pretty damn good.

I still don't see him winning a title without Shaq, though. We'll see.

[Ness]

Haters, lol.

[DAF86]

Haters, lol.

Quality take.

[The Franchise]

He is a clutch player but he's been made to seem like he has turned water into wine with all the hype he's been given. He is just given more credit than he deserves.

[RsxPiimp]

i hate the guy but kobe's one of the best player in the game today.



he's not overrated in clutch situations but kobe does suck in gamewinners.

[LakerHater]

i hate the guy but kobe's one of the best player in the game, today.

That is so very true but, overrated how!?


Don't get me wrong, I hate the shit outta this guy!!:ihit

[JamStone]

Kobe wants the glory no doubt. He's an egomaniac. But, he's a more willing passer when he really trusts his teammates. Before he was the number 1 guy on the Lakers, he did that with Horry and Fox and Fish. He'd set them up. He hasn't done it as much since those Lakers championships, but he's capable of doing it. And, this year especially if the situation called for it, I think he's more likely to do it, especially with teammates like Fisher and Gasol and Ariza, who I think has built trust with Kobe. Kobe would still rather take the shot. He's a glory hound. He's concerned about his individual greatness. But if he has to, he will set up his teammates.

[adidas11]

Overrated, to a certain degree. But that does not necessarily mean that he is NOT clutch.

I'm not a Kobe fan by any means, but I can't think of one player in the league that I would want the ball in their hands over him in a 'clutch' situation.

[IronMexican]

A moderate amount of Kobe is a good Kobe. He is solid between 10-16 shots.

[JamStone]

If you're going to start naming past NBA players, you probably should give at least passing mention to Larry Bird and Jerry West.

[Udokafan05]

He is overrated to the degee where he gets to much credit for wins, and not enough for losses. He has seemed to lost a step since last season. He is taking more jump shots and not driving near as often.

[timvp]

He was overrated this time last year but I think his "rating" has started to come back down to where it needs to be. He's a damn good player but it's a joke to compare him to MJ. He's obviously one of the top three players in the game today and probably a top five shooting guard of all-time ... but he has to do a lot more to join the elite of the elite.

Basically, once the MJ comparisons die off, Kobe will be rated near where he deserves to be rated. You don't hear many MJ comparisons right now so it's getting close.

[YellowFever]

Probably overrated by some, particularly Lakers or Kobe fans. It certainly doesn't make him bad or not clutch, but sure, somewhat overrated. His numbers definitely don't back him up, but I think a lot of what makes him a great closer and clutch player is his presence and mental approach in the clutch. His shooting percentage isn't as good as others in the clutch, but he's never one to be afraid in the moment. Whereas some great players will turn down a shot or defer in clutch moments so that their' "clutch stats" won't be affected, Kobe's not concerned about missing the shot or trying to make the play. I think it's that thing that makes him a great clutch player, his willingness to be the goat if he fails. You can argue that he hasn't been that great as a clutch player in the playoffs as the no. 1 guy, and many Kobe apologists will blame his teammates for those shortcomings. It's probably somewhere in the middle. He's overrated, but still certainly a guy you want with the ball in his hands in the clutch.



Excellent post.

And I agree.

It's mostly reputation as I think Reggie Miller was more clutch than Jordan was. Miller (followed closely by Bird) was the "clutchest" player I've ever seen. It would be instersting to see who has the best percentage shooting a ball at the buzzer or less than 10 seconds remaining in the game.

[iggypop123]

its just the zone defenses. lebron will have the same trouble when he is that age. cant drive cause there is a wall waiting for you

[mathbzh]

Nowdays guards are overrated (thanks mister Jordan).
But Kobe is as good as a guard not named MJ can be.
So no, he is not overrated.

[MiamiHeat]

LeBron James is more clutch than Kobe Bryant.

It's a fact.

[MiamiHeat]

Kobe fans don't like to hear it, but while their man is #4 in the league in total game winners hit, he holds the top spot in a less glamorous category: most game winning opportunity missed shots!

42 - Kobe
35 - Vince Carter
33 - Joe Johnson, LeBron
32 - Crawford
31 - Billups

Now we're not Kobe haters by any means and I will readily give him his due as one of the best NBA players (note however, I didn't say the best) but he certainly has an overblown reputation when it comes to the clutch shot: people remember the ones he hits, but not the ones he misses,

and heck you think a 56 FGA to 1 assist ratio might be part of the problem?

[DAF86]

Kobe fans don't like to hear it, but while their man is #4 in the league in total game winners hit, he holds the top spot in a less glamorous category: most game winning opportunity missed shots!

42 - Kobe
35 - Vince Carter
33 - Joe Johnson, LeBron
32 - Crawford
31 - Billups

Now we're not Kobe haters by any means and I will readily give him his due as one of the best NBA players (note however, I didn't say the best) but he certainly has an overblown reputation when it comes to the clutch shot: people remember the ones he hits, but not the ones he misses,

and heck you think a 56 FGA to 1 assist ratio might be part of the problem?

That's true, I'd love to know who are ahead of Bryant in total of game winners I bet they have a pretty good reputation as clutch shooters as well.

[Lars]

Hes pretty good, but isnt as good as he acts.

[MiamiHeat]

That's true, I'd love to know who are ahead of Bryant in total of game winners I bet they have a pretty good reputation as clutch shooters as well.

CLUTCH Statistics through 2003-2009, regular season + playoffs :

1. LeBron James - 17 FGM / 50 FGA - 34% FG%
2. Vince Carter 16 FGM / 51 FGA - 31% FG%
3. Ray Allen - 15 FGM / 39 FGA - 38% FG%
4. Kobe Bryant 14 FGM / 56 FGA - 25% FG%
5. Carmelo Anthony 13 FGM / 27 FGA - 48% FG%


Bryant has a horrible 25% FG in the clutch.
LeBron has 34%.
Carmelo has an amazing 48% FG% in the clutch...

League average is 30%. Kobe shoots below the league average, everyone else in the top 5 shoots above it.

In fact, in the top 10, the only other player aside from Kobe who shoots below the league average FG% in the clutch is Joe Johnson, at #9 in the top 10, with 26% FG%.... still higher than Kobe Bryant.

Overrated.

Yup

[stretch]

Kobe is a good clutch player, but does get overrated in a way, because there are different types of clutch situations that players deal with. He is great as a closer, arguably the best in the game. But when you are in a game 7 situation, and you need your player to dominate the game from start to end, I think I would take both Lebron and Wade before Kobe in such situations. Kobe has always settled far too much for jumpshots, which has hurt him many times in his playoff career. It's the reason why they blew a 20 point lead to the Celtics, why they blew the 3-1 series lead to the Suns, and quite a few other significant losses that the Lakers have faced.

The saying "live by the jumper, die by the jumper" is especially true in Kobe's case. His ability to shoot is what helps him a lot in clutch, late game situations. But it kills him in other clutch situations, where he simply needs to take over and dominate games, especially when his teammates need him the most.

[MiamiHeat]

CLUTCH Statistics through 2003-2009, regular season + playoffs :

1. LeBron James - 17 FGM / 50 FGA - 34% FG%
2. Vince Carter 16 FGM / 51 FGA - 31% FG%
3. Ray Allen - 15 FGM / 39 FGA - 38% FG%
4. Kobe Bryant 14 FGM / 56 FGA - 25% FG%
5. Carmelo Anthony 13 FGM / 27 FGA - 48% FG%


Bryant has a horrible 25% FG in the clutch.
LeBron has 34%.
Carmelo has an amazing 48% FG% in the clutch...

League average is 30%. Kobe shoots below the league average, everyone else in the top 5 shoots above it.

In fact, in the top 10, the only other player aside from Kobe who shoots below the league average FG% in the clutch is Joe Johnson, at #9 in the top 10, with 26% FG%.... still higher than Kobe Bryant.

Overrated.

Yup

i forgot to add

Wade is better than Kobe in the clutch too. stats show it.

[Bukefal]

This has two sides. Yes he is a super player, no doubt. But yes he is overrated with all the hype surrounding him, that makes people think he is better than he actually is.

[Red Hawk #21]

Since taking over as alpha-dog for the Lakers, this is Kobe's record in elimination games:

1) 2003 WCSF Game 6 (LOSS) : SPURS 110, Lakers 82
20 points, 9-19 FG, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 7 turnovers

2) 2004 Finals Game 5 (LOSS): Lakers 87, PISTONS 100
24 points, 7-21 FG, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers

3) 2006 WCQF Game 7 (LOSS): Lakers 90, SUNS 121
24 points, 8-16 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers

4) 2007 WCQF Game 5 (LOSS): Lakers 110, SUNS 119
34 points, 13-33 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 6 turnovers

5) 2008 Finals Game 6 (LOSS): Lakers 92, CELTICS 131
22 points, 7-22 FG, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers

6) 2009 WCSF Game 7 (WIN): Rockets 70, LAKERS 89
14 points, 4-12 FG, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2blocks, 1 turnover

AVERAGES:
23.0 PPG
3.83 REBOUNDS
3.00 ASSISTS
39.0% FG%
1.17 STEALS
0.500 BLOCKS
4.00 TURNOVERS

PER: 14.0

I don't usually like to put a lot of stock into the PER, but an elite player doing that horribly on it is unreal. To put it in perspective, here's a list of players average PER this season in the 14.0 +/- 0.25 range:



RANK PLAYER PER
==== =============== =======
112 Chris Duhon 14.25
113 Wilson Chandler 14.18
114 Tyrus Thomas 14.10
115 Tyson Chandler 14.09
116 Al Thornton 14.04
117 Ronnie Brewer 14.02
118 Randy Foye 14.00
118 Spencer Hawes 14.00
120 Andrei Kirilenko 13.85
121 Brendan Haywood 13.83
122 Eric Gordon 13.80
123 Joakim Noah 13.78


1-5 in elimination games as the man and production on par with Ronnie Brewer, Randy Foye, and Spencer Hawes? Clearly, he is not the big game player he's hyped to be. I remember the way Duncan was absolutely crucified by the media for his 14/10/4 and 16/16/2 games, injured, against the Pistons in 05. Yet everyone blames Kobe's teammates when he doesn't come to play. Kobe's a hell of a player, but he is clearly not the guy you count on with your backs against the wall. Not a single one of those performances in elimination games would be considered a good much less great performance.

:lmao Kobe sucks lol

[monosylab1k]

Overrated? yes.

As a clutch/big game player though? Hell no.

No bigger stage than the Olympics, and when LeBron/Howard/Carmelo/Wade were on the verge of choking the gold medal away, Kobe was the one that stepped up to win it.

[sook]

7u7xSy0oP5E
Nuff said.

hoylshit!!!! :wow:wow:wow:wow

[baseline bum]

Overrated? yes.

As a clutch/big game player though? Hell no.

No bigger stage than the Olympics, and when LeBron/Howard/Carmelo/Wade were on the verge of choking the gold medal away, Kobe was the one that stepped up to win it.

The NBA Finals are a far bigger stage than the olympics. Are you nuts?

[MiamiHeat]

Wasn't DWYANE WADE voted the Most Valuable player for the Olympic team?

what are you talking about 'choke' ?

Kobe sucked in most of the games. It was Wade or Bron leading the team

[BRHornet45]

Shaq won 3 NBA titles along with 3 Finals MVP awards in L.A. ..... Kobe sat back and watched just like the rest of us.

[Obstructed_View]

Overrated? yes.

As a clutch/big game player though? Hell no.

No bigger stage than the Olympics, and when LeBron/Howard/Carmelo/Wade were on the verge of choking the gold medal away, Kobe was the one that stepped up to win it.

So Manu > Kobe > Duncan.

[Allanon]

Kobe is averaging 36 points on 47% shooting in the WCF.

I think people are starting to under-rate him because he's so humble and doesn't say much like other Superstars are supposed to do. Alot like how people under-rate Duncan because he doesn't say things like "Nothing's Impossssssssssssible".

Just when you think they've lost a step, they nail a dagger 3 in your eye.

0BP45k69e9s

[NewJerSpur]

Kobe is averaging 36 points on 47% shooting in the WCF.

I think people are starting to under-rate him because he's so humble and doesn't say much like other Superstars are supposed to do. Alot like how people under-rate Duncan because he doesn't say things like "Nothing's Impossssssssssssible".

Just when you think they've lost a step, they nail a dagger 3 in your eye.

0BP45k69e9s

Are you referring to Mr. "He can't guard me, he can't guard me, he can't..." I didn't want to see the Rockets win, but that was nauseating.

[peskypesky]

Kobe is pretty fucking clutch. Not the GOAT, of course, but pretty damn good.

I agree. He's clutch as hell. In my opinion he's only over-rated when people compare him to Jordan. Other than that, he's pretty fucking awesome and dangerous as hell.

[Jacko]

I agree. He's clutch as hell. In my opinion he's only over-rated when people compare him to Jordan. Other than that, he's pretty fucking awsome and dangerous as hell.

I agree with this assessment.

I think the best thing that can happen for Kobe is for the media to jump on the LBJ bandwagon and leave him the fuck alone.

[LakerHater]

I agree. He's clutch as hell. In my opinion he's only over-rated when people compare him to Jordan. Other than that, he's pretty fucking awesome and dangerous as hell.

Yeah, he dangerous & hes a great player but, clutch..... ummm I don't know!!

[Allanon]

It's hard to overrate great players.

Best players I've watched in my lifetime, no particular order.

Tim Duncan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, T-Mac (in his prime), old-school VC, Shaq

[jacobdrj]

No but he is over rated as a defender...

[Ghazi]

It's hard to overrate great players.

Best players I've watched in my lifetime, no particular order.

Tim Duncan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, T-Mac (in his prime), old-school VC, Shaq


No love for 2006 NBA Champion Dirk Nowitzki who is 4-1 v the cucks on that list? (03 loss to Duncan doesn't count since Dirk was hurt)

[Showtime24 LAKERS]

Both Kobe's showed up in a huge way. perfect at the line, 12-20 fg, 35 points, 1 block, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, and only 1 turnover. the Guy was unbelievable!

[Gouken]

Hell no he's not overrated!!

J2yzNQWFYko

Q0pd6cdQED8

KRyhualOcpI

[Allanon]

No love for 2006 NBA Champion Dirk Nowitzki who is 4-1 v the cucks on that list? (03 loss to Duncan doesn't count since Dirk was hurt)

Actually yes. Dirk is also a great player as well too, I just forgot about him since he hasn't been in the Playoffs much this year.

Probably the best "real" foreign player ever.

[Ghazi]

Hakeem was born in nigeria!

[La Peace]

John Paxson and Steve Kerr hit more big shots than Jordan. Just like Horry/Fisher in the 3pt era. If you didn't watch the games shut the fuck up.

[Amaso]

John Paxson and Steve Kerr hit more big shots than Jordan. Just like Horry/Fisher in the 3pt era. If you didn't watch the games shut the fuck up.

?

[Killakobe81]

Shaq won 3 NBA titles along with 3 Finals MVP awards in L.A. ..... Kobe sat back and watched just like the rest of us.

So Shaq ewon by himself with no fT game or true post game ahhh no. Dumbass

[Killakobe81]

Since taking over as alpha-dog for the Lakers, this is Kobe's record in elimination games:

1) 2003 WCSF Game 6 (LOSS) : SPURS 110, Lakers 82
20 points, 9-19 FG, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 7 turnovers

2) 2004 Finals Game 5 (LOSS): Lakers 87, PISTONS 100
24 points, 7-21 FG, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers

3) 2006 WCQF Game 7 (LOSS): Lakers 90, SUNS 121
24 points, 8-16 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers

4) 2007 WCQF Game 5 (LOSS): Lakers 110, SUNS 119
34 points, 13-33 FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 6 turnovers

5) 2008 Finals Game 6 (LOSS): Lakers 92, CELTICS 131
22 points, 7-22 FG, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers

6) 2009 WCSF Game 7 (WIN): Rockets 70, LAKERS 89
14 points, 4-12 FG, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2blocks, 1 turnover

AVERAGES:
23.0 PPG
3.83 REBOUNDS
3.00 ASSISTS
39.0% FG%
1.17 STEALS
0.500 BLOCKS
4.00 TURNOVERS

PER: 14.0

I don't usually like to put a lot of stock into the PER, but an elite player doing that horribly on it is unreal. To put it in perspective, here's a list of players average PER this season in the 14.0 +/- 0.25 range:



RANK PLAYER PER
==== =============== =======
112 Chris Duhon 14.25
113 Wilson Chandler 14.18
114 Tyrus Thomas 14.10
115 Tyson Chandler 14.09
116 Al Thornton 14.04
117 Ronnie Brewer 14.02
118 Randy Foye 14.00
118 Spencer Hawes 14.00
120 Andrei Kirilenko 13.85
121 Brendan Haywood 13.83
122 Eric Gordon 13.80
123 Joakim Noah 13.78


1-5 in elimination games as the man and production on par with Ronnie Brewer, Randy Foye, and Spencer Hawes? Clearly, he is not the big game player he's hyped to be. I remember the way Duncan was absolutely crucified by the media for his 14/10/4 and 16/16/2 games, injured, against the Pistons in 05. Yet everyone blames Kobe's teammates when he doesn't come to play. Kobe's a hell of a player, but he is clearly not the guy you count on with your backs against the wall. Not a single one of those performances in elimination games would be considered a good much less great performance.


Dont know if you did this on purpose but your source is faullty you missed game 5 in Finals last year HATER again crunch the numbers tonight on the road ...

[mytespurs]

Kobe is not over rated; he's a HOF players. I don't get the Kobe hating nor the LBJ hating.

Bottom line....both guys are great players and I imagine most here would like to have either one on their teams.

[Laker-fan-in-SanAnto]

Is Kobe overrated as a big-game player and clutch shooter?

I'd say yes because the level of hype that surrounds this aspect of Kobe's game is huge: there's a conception that Kobe is without a doubt the best closer in the game and nobody should even dare to argue this concept and that the biggest the stage the better Kobe will play. And stats clearly refute this: I don't know Bryant's numbers in elimination games but I'm pretty sure they suck and timvp posted not too long ago that his "game wining shots" numbers aren't nice either.

With that said I do think he's clutch (he's definitely not a choker) but he isn't as good as most people say he is on this aspect of the game.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj49/mikaelaeuro/awhellnahobama.jpg

I'm president Obama, and I approve this message!

[DAF86]

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj49/mikaelaeuro/awhellnahobama.jpg

I'm president Obama, and I approve this message!

Well mr. president I can't think of any other superstar that has laid as many eggs as Kobe in so many decisive playoffs games.

[DAF86]

Kobe is not over rated; he's a HOF players. I don't get the Kobe hating nor the LBJ hating.

Bottom line....both guys are great players and I imagine most here would like to have either one on their teams.

I'm not arguing that, read the original post.

[DAF86]

Bump

Great player but he is definitely overated in this situations.