Will the Kobe vs Duncan debate be settled in this series?

[tha_rock220]

I don't see how 1 series will solve anything. Which of the Shaq vs Duncan series do we say ended the debate??? Now if Kobe outperforms Duncan without question than the debate as to who's better will be over, but that hasn't happened.

I'm not sure if Duncan is really contending for best in the league anymore though. That being said, he kept his team winning 50+ games through their rebuilding phase instead of in the 40's and his career is definitely better.

[EHL]

ronnymac2, a well-reasoned argument. I threw it out there simply because there's so many unreasonable Kobe fans that I wanted to see if there was actually a good case for him. It does not change the fact though that Ginobili has been equally successful in his shorter NBA career. Remember that Kobe has been playing at the highest level since he was a teenager. I'm not going to make excuses because Kobe probably is a better overall player, we'll just see who has a bigger impact on this series. Honestly in the playoffs though there's nobody I'd rather have on my team than Ginobili.

Bryant has far more accolades and statistical impact than Ginobili, whether you reference PER, EFF, Win Share, All NBA, MVPs, etc. It's not even close, but if you're still confused I suggest researching their respective careers at the following links:

1) http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... nko01.html
2) http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... bma01.html

As far as intangible/non-statistical impact, the consensus among coaches, players, and analysts is that currently he's the best player in the league, with many believing he has been the best for several years running now. Nowhere will you find but the very smallest minority calling Manu Ginobili a top 5 player, let alone the best in the league.

Also, everyone that thinks Kobe plays great defense is dillusional, read this http://www.82games.com/pelton8.htm

"...and last year the Lakers were a better defensive team with Bryant on the bench."

Welcome to the 2007-2008 NBA season. That's from November 2005 after easily the worst year of his post-Shaq career, a season in which he was injured all year. He's played much better D since then and has 3 All D 1st team selections since that season to prove it (not that I put great stock in those awards, but they merely represent the informed consensus of coach's opinions of Bryant).

[tha_rock220]

^^^^

You Kobe fans love stats until MJ is brought up. Then stats don't tell the whole story.

[EHL]

^ I never said stats told the whole story in that post or elsewhere, ever. That's where MJ fan's reading comprehension fails them again. See, generalizations are so cool!

[Harmless]

This Manu lovefest is getting ridiculous. Stats count for a lot, obviously, but the only way we can even begin to compare Kobe and Manu is:

1.) When Manu becomes a first option on his team, and maintains his high efficiency.

2.) When Kobe gets teammates of the caliber of Duncan and Parker.

Don't get me wrong, Manu is an excellent player I would love to have on my team, but I'd take Kobe over him anyday.

[Ballings7]

No.