Michael Jordan is one of the most iconic basketball players of all time. He was a six-time NBA champion, a five-time MVP, and a 14-time All-Star. His legacy is one that will be remembered for generations to come. But who is the best basketball player since Michael Jordan?
There have been many great players since Jordan’s retirement in 2003. Players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have all left their mark on the game. But who is the best? That’s what we’re here to answer.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the most decorated players of all time. He won five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and was an 18-time All-Star. He was also an 11-time All-NBA first team selection, and a two-time scoring champion. Bryant was one of the most dominant players of his generation.
Pros
- Offense: Kobe was one of the best offensive players of his era. He was a master of the mid-range game, and could score from anywhere on the court. He was also an excellent passer and could create shots for his teammates.
- Defense: Kobe was an excellent defender. He was quick and aggressive, and could guard multiple positions. He was also a very good shot blocker, and was an excellent on-ball defender.
- Leadership: Kobe was a leader both on and off the court. He was a leader by example, and his teammates respected him. He was also a great mentor to younger players.
Cons
- Shooting: Kobe was not a great shooter from three-point range. He was a volume shooter, and was streaky at times.
- Health: Kobe was never able to stay healthy for long periods of time. He was often injured and had to miss extended periods of time.
- Leadership: Kobe was a great leader, but he could be too demanding of his teammates at times. He was also known to be a ball-hog, and would often take too many shots.
LeBron James
LeBron James is one of the greatest players of all time. He has won three NBA championships, four MVPs, and is a 16-time All-Star. He is also an eight-time All-NBA first team selection, and a three-time scoring champion. LeBron is one of the most talented players ever.
Pros
- Offense: LeBron is an incredible offensive player. He can score from anywhere on the court, and has a great passing ability. He can also create shots for his teammates.
- Defense: LeBron is an excellent defender. He is strong and quick, and can guard multiple positions. He is a good shot blocker, and is a great on-ball defender.
- Leadership: LeBron is a great leader both on and off the court. He is a leader by example, and his teammates respect him. He is also a great mentor to younger players.
Cons
- Shooting: LeBron is not a great shooter from three-point range. He is a volume shooter, and can be streaky at times.
- Health: LeBron has been able to stay healthy for the majority of his career. But he has had to miss games due to injuries in recent years.
- Leadership: LeBron is a great leader, but he can be too demanding of his teammates at times. He can also be a ball-hog, and will take too many shots.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is one of the best players in the NBA today. He has won three NBA championships, two MVPs, and is a six-time All-Star. He is also an eight-time All-NBA first team selection, and a two-time scoring champion. Curry is one of the most talented players ever.
Pros
- Offense: Curry is an incredible offensive player. He is an elite shooter from three-point range, and can score from anywhere on the court. He is also an excellent passer and can create shots for his teammates.
- Defense: Curry is an underrated defender. He is strong and quick, and can guard multiple positions. He is a good shot blocker, and is a great on-ball defender.
- Leadership: Curry is a great leader both on and off the court. He is a leader by example, and his teammates respect him. He is also a great mentor to younger players.
Cons
- Health: Curry has had to miss games due to injuries in recent years. He has also had to deal with ankle and knee problems.
- Leadership: Curry is a great leader, but he can be too demanding of his teammates at times. He can also be a ball-hog, and will take too many shots.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to definitively say who is the best basketball player since Michael Jordan. There have been many great players since Jordan’s retirement in 2003. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have all left their mark on the game.
Kobe was one of the most decorated players of all time. He was a master of the mid-range game, and was an excellent defender. LeBron is one of the greatest players of all time. He can score from anywhere on the court, and is an excellent defender. Stephen Curry is one of the best players in the NBA today. He is an elite shooter from three-point range, and is an underrated defender.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Each of these players has a unique set of skills and abilities. It’s up to the individual to decide who they think is the best.
References
- B/R Staff. (2020, June 24). Kobe Bryant’s NBA Career By the Numbers. Bleacher Report. bleacherreport.com/articles/3602084-kobe-bryants-nba-career-by-the-numbers
- NBA.com. (n.d.). LeBron James: Career Stats. NBA.com. nba.com/players/lebron/james/2544
- NBA.com. (n.d.). Stephen Curry: Career Stats. NBA.com. nba.com/players/stephen/curry/201939