Which did you find more entertaining, Peak Kobe or Peak Curry?

[Lakers In 5]

It's Curry for me, by a mile I would add. Curry heat checks between 2014 and 2016 were some of the most wild moments in the NBA. My phone was buzzing regularly with a bunch of people telling me I have to tune in no matter what I was doing. Not many players who can do that, especially on the regular.

Durant robbed us of so much.

[tsherkin]

So saying Kobe with a +3 TS%+ wasn't a chucker is kinda misleading.

Sure. Fortunately, that isn't what I said. He was pretty efficient inside his role as a volume scorer. And while there are other guys out there who were better, it doesn't mean Kobe's efficiency was a problem for his teams in his prime.

Though he's not by any stretch the worst.

But people act like he was Iverson, and he really wasn't.

[dhsilv2]

So saying Kobe with a +3 TS%+ wasn't a chucker is kinda misleading.

Sure. Fortunately, that isn't what I said. He was pretty efficient inside his role as a volume scorer. And while there are other guys out there who were better, it doesn't mean Kobe's efficiency was a problem for his teams in his prime.

Though he's not by any stretch the worst.

But people act like he was Iverson, and he really wasn't.

Agree, he wasn't Iverson. But he also wasn't a top 10 efficient high volume scorer. So when Kobe gets put into conversations with MJ, Lebron or even Curry. He's a bit a chucker. When someone puts him in the context of AI or Melo...then they're just trolling as he's absolutely not those guys.

[TwitterFingers]

When Curry has it going he’s a lot of fun to watch. One of my all time favorites.

[Kobeshow]

The fact that you have to put a player that was at his peak around 20 years ago, tells you everything

I don't know about entertaining, but Kobe was synonimous with basketball for basically 15 years

Curry is synonimous with 3-pointers

Basketball is MUCH more than 3-pointers

/end of thread

[Old_Blue]

Meh. Kobe's not even in my Top 5 All Time backcourt. MJ, Magic, Dr. J., Steph and Oscar - not necessarily in that order. In addition, SGA could probably retire today and be considered a greater offensive talent than Kobe ever was. Time isn't going to be kind to Kobe's chucker ball approach to the game.

[Optms]

It's Curry for me, by a mile I would add. Curry heat checks between 2014 and 2016 were some of the most wild moments in the NBA. My phone was buzzing regularly with a bunch of people telling me I have to tune in no matter what I was doing. Not many players who can do that, especially on the regular.

Durant robbed us of so much.

Kobe was doing that regularly before Curry.

He had 4 straight games of 50+ points. Had something like 10 straight 40 plus games. 62 in 3 quarters. 81 point game. Kobe regularly went off similar to Curry. Just not entirely from 3 the way Curry did. Come on now.

[Kobeshow]

Meh. Kobe's not even in my Top 5 All Time backcourt. MJ, Magic, Dr. J., Steph and Oscar - not necessarily in that order. In addition, SGA could probably retire today and be considered a greater offensive talent than Kobe ever was. Time isn't going to be kind to Kobe's chucker ball approach to the game.

[tsherkin]

Agree, he wasn't Iverson. But he also wasn't a top 10 efficient high volume scorer.

No, but that's irrelevant to the comments to which you're responding to. He wasn't a top-10 efficient high volume scorer, but that also wasn't the contention. The contention was that he wasn't "relatively inefficient" and that people should stop treating him like he was an inefficient bomber, because he wasn't.

So when Kobe gets put into conversations with MJ, Lebron or even Curry. He's a bit a chucker.

Well, not really. Definitely less efficient than those guys, and doesn't have a stellar track record in the Finals, sure. But if you look at the rosters he's had, compositionally during the title years and earlier in the post-Shaq years, he wasn't running with talent to whom he should have been deferring, either. And he WAS the only half-way competent creator on those teams.

What it means is that he isn't in the first tier of volume scorers all-time. That isn't the same thing as being a chucker. And again, it's worth noting that his 35 ppg season came at 45.0% FG and 55.9% TS (104 TS+).

When MJ did it in 87, he posted... 48.2% FG, sure, but 56.2% TS and... 104 TS+.

There is a limit to how efficient you can be at that volume; it's around where your increasing arc (a very valid basic discussion point, mind) starts to dip, because there's a finite limit to shot creation and volume at some point, even for the best of the best.

When someone puts him in the context of AI or Melo...then they're just trolling as he's absolutely not those guys.

Right, but anyone who would say something like that is either actively disingenuous or an actual ignoramus. So either way, that opinion should be discarded as unworthy of attention.

[dhsilv2]

Agree, he wasn't Iverson. But he also wasn't a top 10 efficient high volume scorer.

No, but that's irrelevant to the comments to which you're responding to. He wasn't a top-10 efficient high volume scorer, but that also wasn't the contention. The contention was that he wasn't "relatively inefficient" and that people should stop treating him like he was an inefficient bomber, because he wasn't.

So when Kobe gets put into conversations with MJ, Lebron or even Curry. He's a bit a chucker.

Well, not really. Definitely less efficient than those guys, and doesn't have a stellar track record in the Finals, sure. But if you look at the rosters he's had, compositionally during the title years and earlier in the post-Shaq years, he wasn't running with talent to whom he should have been deferring, either. And he WAS the only half-way competent creator on those teams.

What it means is that he isn't in the first tier of volume scorers all-time. That isn't the same thing as being a chucker. And again, it's worth noting that his 35 ppg season came at 45.0% FG and 55.9% TS (104 TS+).

When MJ did it in 87, he posted... 48.2% FG, sure, but 56.2% TS and... 104 TS+.

There is a limit to how efficient you can be at that volume; it's around where your increasing arc (a very valid basic discussion point, mind) starts to dip, because there's a finite limit to shot creation and volume at some point, even for the best of the best.

When someone puts him in the context of AI or Melo...then they're just trolling as he's absolutely not those guys.

Right, but anyone who would say something like that is either actively disingenuous or an actual ignoramus. So either way, that opinion should be discarded as unworthy of attention.

Maybe I'm being nice, but I think most people call Kobe a chuckster in the context of the all time greats. And in that context, it's fair...but perhaps a bit much.

[dhsilv2]

It's Curry for me, by a mile I would add. Curry heat checks between 2014 and 2016 were some of the most wild moments in the NBA. My phone was buzzing regularly with a bunch of people telling me I have to tune in no matter what I was doing. Not many players who can do that, especially on the regular.

Durant robbed us of so much.

Kobe was doing that regularly before Curry.

He had 4 straight games of 50+ points. Had something like 10 straight 40 plus games. 62 in 3 quarters. 81 point game. Kobe regularly went off similar to Curry. Just not entirely from 3 the way Curry did. Come on now.

That streak was must watch sport center moments. Curry was much turn on the game. It just felt different for a lot of us. At the end of the day, your experience might be different but that's how it felt for a lot of us.

[fansse]

Meh. Kobe's not even in my Top 5 All Time backcourt. MJ, Magic, Dr. J., Steph and Oscar - not necessarily in that order. In addition, SGA could probably retire today and be considered a greater offensive talent than Kobe ever was. Time isn't going to be kind to Kobe's chucker ball approach to the game.

Lol

[DaPessimist]

This is a tough one, because I love Kobe's midrange and post play... but his decision making and selfishness on the court frustrated me to death at times.

Curry has some decision making issues as well, and I'm not a big fan of high volume 3pnt shooting... but Curry has always played the right way, creates entertaining moments for teammates because of his 'gravity', and never allowed his ego to get in the way of winning.

I'm a Warriors fan, so I'm going to give the nod to Curry, but it's definitely close.

[doogie_hauser]

After tonight's master-class by Steph in San Antonio I think I have decided to evaluate both Legends in their correct legacy.

Kobe's prime/peak years were better than Curry's (arguably the best peak career since Jordan) but Steph has been greater for a longer period of time (granted Kobe was hampered by injuries in his last few seasons in the NBA)

The Dubs really had no business winning the 2023 with that aging roster (even then Klay was clearly cooked) but Steph's will power and desire to win was sublime.

As a Celtics fan, I don't look back on that finals series with any regrets or haunted by questions of what might have been (unlike the 2010 finals which still hurts)

Steph willed his team and himself to another championship almost single handidly that season.

Lebron's longevity of greatness has long been applauded, i feel Steph deserves the same respect/acknowledgement.

At any rate its a true privilege of mine to have watched Kobe and Steph in their prime, ditto Michael Jordan. Was too young to appreciate or see peak Bird and Magic.

At any rate, I find it remarkable that anyone can possibly say Curry is boring to watch. He is a once in a generation player (maybe rarer) much like Kobe was.

And still has plenty of gas left in the tank it seems which is exciting.

[TB]

Steph in 2015-2016 was the most unstoppable and fun player i’ve ever seen play hoops.

And while I don’t have peak Kobe at that level, I actually think some of his offensive seasons are underrated. That era was SLOW and CONGESTED in the lane and didn’t have the 3 ball unlock that Steph later unlocked for the league. So you can’t really compare numbers from different eras without having some deeper analytics or context. For example, I believe Kobe’s best scoring year was actually even more impressive if you accounted for pace of play.. like up there with Wilt type of numbers.

So i’m going with Steph but thats not a knock on Kobe becuase he was incredibly entertaining season after season.

[SlimShady83]

Meh. Kobe's not even in my Top 5 All Time backcourt. MJ, Magic, Dr. J., Steph and Oscar - not necessarily in that order. In addition, SGA could probably retire today and be considered a greater offensive talent than Kobe ever was. Time isn't going to be kind to Kobe's chucker ball approach to the game.

Lol

I agree LOL

[NbaAllDay]

After tonight's master-class by Steph in San Antonio I think I have decided to evaluate both Legends in their correct legacy.

Kobe's prime/peak years were better than Curry's (arguably the best peak career since Jordan) but Steph has been greater for a longer period of time (granted Kobe was hampered by injuries in his last few seasons in the NBA)

The Dubs really had no business winning the 2023 with that aging roster (even then Klay was clearly cooked) but Steph's will power and desire to win was sublime.

As a Celtics fan, I don't look back on that finals series with any regrets or haunted by questions of what might have been (unlike the 2010 finals which still hurts)

Steph willed his team and himself to another championship almost single handidly that season.

Lebron's longevity of greatness has long been applauded, i feel Steph deserves the same respect/acknowledgement.

At any rate its a true privilege of mine to have watched Kobe and Steph in their prime, ditto Michael Jordan. Was too young to appreciate or see peak Bird and Magic.

At any rate, I find it remarkable that anyone can possibly say Curry is boring to watch. He is a once in a generation player (maybe rarer) much like Kobe was.

And still has plenty of gas left in the tank it seems which is exciting.

Without going too far off topic there really isn't anything that backs this statement up. Most people here would have Curry with the higher peaks and it's very close regardless. Id suggest looking at the peaks project, you don't have to completely agree of course, but the only people I see rating Kobe so highly do so due to "eye test + nostalgia" which is always unreliable. Regardless don't really hold a candle to the top 5 or so.

Anyhow Curry has indeed been better for longer, and is very likely ahead of Kobe all time.

He also to me at least has a more entertaining game, in saying that Kobe is absolutely up there for entertainment purposes.

[doogie_hauser]

After tonight's master-class by Steph in San Antonio I think I have decided to evaluate both Legends in their correct legacy.

Kobe's prime/peak years were better than Curry's (arguably the best peak career since Jordan) but Steph has been greater for a longer period of time (granted Kobe was hampered by injuries in his last few seasons in the NBA)

The Dubs really had no business winning the 2023 with that aging roster (even then Klay was clearly cooked) but Steph's will power and desire to win was sublime.

As a Celtics fan, I don't look back on that finals series with any regrets or haunted by questions of what might have been (unlike the 2010 finals which still hurts)

Steph willed his team and himself to another championship almost single handidly that season.

Lebron's longevity of greatness has long been applauded, i feel Steph deserves the same respect/acknowledgement.

At any rate its a true privilege of mine to have watched Kobe and Steph in their prime, ditto Michael Jordan. Was too young to appreciate or see peak Bird and Magic.

At any rate, I find it remarkable that anyone can possibly say Curry is boring to watch. He is a once in a generation player (maybe rarer) much like Kobe was.

And still has plenty of gas left in the tank it seems which is exciting.

Without going too far off topic there really isn't anything that backs this statement up. Most people here would have Curry with the higher peaks and it's very close regardless. Id suggest looking at the peaks project, you don't have to completely agree of course, but the only people I see rating Kobe so highly do so due to "eye test + nostalgia" which is always unreliable. Regardless don't really hold a candle to the top 5 or so.

Anyhow Curry has indeed been better for longer, and is very likely ahead of Kobe all time.

He also to me at least has a more entertaining game, in saying that Kobe is absolutely up there for entertainment purposes.

Fair call that. I do think Curry's greatness and longevity is more apt to be compared with Lebron's tbh (as i said previously)

[dhsilv2]

After tonight's master-class by Steph in San Antonio I think I have decided to evaluate both Legends in their correct legacy.

Kobe's prime/peak years were better than Curry's (arguably the best peak career since Jordan) but Steph has been greater for a longer period of time (granted Kobe was hampered by injuries in his last few seasons in the NBA)

The Dubs really had no business winning the 2023 with that aging roster (even then Klay was clearly cooked) but Steph's will power and desire to win was sublime.

As a Celtics fan, I don't look back on that finals series with any regrets or haunted by questions of what might have been (unlike the 2010 finals which still hurts)

Steph willed his team and himself to another championship almost single handidly that season.

Lebron's longevity of greatness has long been applauded, i feel Steph deserves the same respect/acknowledgement.

At any rate its a true privilege of mine to have watched Kobe and Steph in their prime, ditto Michael Jordan. Was too young to appreciate or see peak Bird and Magic.

At any rate, I find it remarkable that anyone can possibly say Curry is boring to watch. He is a once in a generation player (maybe rarer) much like Kobe was.

And still has plenty of gas left in the tank it seems which is exciting.

Without going too far off topic there really isn't anything that backs this statement up. Most people here would have Curry with the higher peaks and it's very close regardless. Id suggest looking at the peaks project, you don't have to completely agree of course, but the only people I see rating Kobe so highly do so due to "eye test + nostalgia" which is always unreliable. Regardless don't really hold a candle to the top 5 or so.

Anyhow Curry has indeed been better for longer, and is very likely ahead of Kobe all time.

He also to me at least has a more entertaining game, in saying that Kobe is absolutely up there for entertainment purposes.

Fair call that. I do think Curry's greatness and longevity is more apt to be compared with Lebron's tbh (as i said previously)

Curry lacks longevity massively vs his peers. That point you keep going to seems really weird.

[CWebb2491]

Kobe by far. To see the fruits of the work he put into his craft… the back down fade away, the highflying dunks, the insane layups, the footwork in the post, his lock down defense, the clutch gene. This coming from a Miami Heat/Wade fan. Kobe brought out the best in Wade.