Tatum 2019-20 vs Kobe 1999-00

[Gibson22]

Tatum 2019-20 vs Kobe 1999-00

[Dutchball97]

That's actually a tough one. I think Kobe had the clearly better regular season than Tatum but the play-offs aren't so clear. Kobe has a small advantage in WS and VORP but he also played 22 games to Tatum's 12 so far. Tatum has a significantly higher BPM and WS/48.

I've got to see how the ECF plays out but right now I'm leaning Tatum. Kobe playing next to prime Shaq, while Tatum is the best player on his team also impacts my decision.

[E-Balla]

I'm taking Tatum. I disagree that Kobe had the better regular season and think Kobe is clearly a better scorer and playmaker but Tatum is anchoring a top 5 defense while also being the leading scorer on a top 5 offense. That's nothing to shrug off. I doubt he takes the leap Kobe took at age 22 though because that would legitimately make him an MVP candidate. Not seeing it for him next year since the second half of this year he's played like a beast but not like the best player in the league.

[70sFan]

I'm taking Tatum. I disagree that Kobe had the better regular season and think Kobe is clearly a better scorer and playmaker but Tatum is anchoring a top 5 defense while also being the leading scorer on a top 5 offense. That's nothing to shrug off. I doubt he takes the leap Kobe took at age 22 though because that would legitimately make him an MVP candidate. Not seeing it for him next year since the second half of this year he's played like a beast but not like the best player in the league.

Dont you think that calling him a defensive anchor is an overstatement? He's great defensively this season, I'm actually shocked how much better he is compared to last year but Celtics defense is more about team effort than one player leading them.

[E-Balla]

I'm taking Tatum. I disagree that Kobe had the better regular season and think Kobe is clearly a better scorer and playmaker but Tatum is anchoring a top 5 defense while also being the leading scorer on a top 5 offense. That's nothing to shrug off. I doubt he takes the leap Kobe took at age 22 though because that would legitimately make him an MVP candidate. Not seeing it for him next year since the second half of this year he's played like a beast but not like the best player in the league.

Dont you think that calling him a defensive anchor is an overstatement? He's great defensively this season, I'm actually shocked how much better he is compared to last year but Celtics defense is more about team effort than one player leading them.

Every good defense ever is more about team effort than one player leading them. I can't think of one good defense I've ever seen in my life that was led by one player. The Celtics were a -3.6 defense in the regular season and through the playoffs so far they've been a -7.4 defense with Tatum having the best regular and postseason on court DRTG (for players that get actual PT) on the team. He leads the team in DRB while being 2nd in steals, deflections, and blocks. He's just extremely disruptive to opposing offenses this year.

[Im Your Father]

I’ll take Tatum in a vacuum but I think both Lakers and Celtics would be worse if they swapped places.

Also obviously Kobe the next year was on a different level.

[freethedevil]

I'm taking Tatum. I disagree that Kobe had the better regular season and think Kobe is clearly a better scorer and playmaker but Tatum is anchoring a top 5 defense while also being the leading scorer on a top 5 offense. That's nothing to shrug off. I doubt he takes the leap Kobe took at age 22 though because that would legitimately make him an MVP candidate. Not seeing it for him next year since the second half of this year he's played like a beast but not like the best player in the league.

That's a stretch

[Gibson22]

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