I was never into the NBA when Kobe was in his prime. I got into the NBA around 2014-2015 when LeBron went back to the Cavaliers and the dominance of the Golden State Warriors which was during Kobe’s twilight years. So my view of Kobe is mainly at looking back at his career and I do not understand the hype. I can see how Kobe is a top 10/15 NBA players of all time but I do not see him being top 5. Honestly I have him barely into the top 10 at the 10 spot. So can someone explain to me Kobe’s greatness that should put him in the top 5 echelon? I am not trying to downplay Kobe or his achievements, I am genuinely asking.
Because people watched him play and felt it was that great?
I don’t have him near top 5 but this idea fans have today that you need to rank every top whatever number of all-time players based on basketball reference resumes is about.
Most of his best games are on YouTube. It’s not like he was in the 1950s and you need someone in their 70s to explain it. Watching someone play > reading stats and accolades