I think its almost a definite consensus that Michael Jordan was the best player of the 90s, and quite possibly any era. What is not determined is who has been the best since him. Yes, I did say it was not determined. Most people are going to point the arrow towards Kobe Bean Bryant, but let us give that some real thought; you may be surprised.
Michael Jordan left the Bulls, for the last time, after the 1998 season. Since then, there have been 13 mvps. Everyone's favorite, Mr. Bryant only has one of those. Meanwhile, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, and Lebron James only have 2.
Has Kobe been the best scorer since Jordan, too? He's certainly got the rep of the best. However, Kobe has only won a whole 2 scoring titles since 1998. About the same amount as young Kevin Durant. The once great and much richer Allen Iverson has 4, thats easily forgotten. Lets not forget about McGrady having a couple before the injury bug hit and later decimated his career.
I know what the next thought will be, rings perhaps? Yes, 24 has accumulated 5 of those. I suppose you cannot take those away. You can mention the fact that Duncan has 4. While mentioning that, you have to note that Duncan was the main option on all 4 of those championship teams. He certainly did not have the luxury of being the big deferent to a massive and beyond dominant Shaquille O'neal for 3 rings. In his 7 trips to the finals, he has 2 finals' mvps. Duncan has 3 in 4 trips.
Have we overrated Kobe? I don't think we have, and I won't dispute the force he is in the league. My point is that the league has also had other great players. Just because Tim Duncan hasn't tried to clone Jordan doesn't mean he's not worthy of the title "best since Jordan". Flash shouldn't be the answer, and neither should high price divorces. However, productivity should be.
