Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are finding out the hard way that it is very hard to win an NBA championship all by yourself.
These two superstars have put up some incredible numbers during the playoffs, but their teams are entrenched in major struggles to get out of the conference finals, thanks to the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic.
LeBron is putting up nearly 40 a night against Orlando, the but Magic have enjoyed a big advantage because of their multitude of offensive weapons. Denver has a number of offensive answers as well to answer Kobe's onslaught.
If the NBA execs are going to get their ultimate wish, which is a Kobe vs. LeBron final, it all depends on the supporting cast of players around them. LeBron is getting very little help from his backcourt mates Mo Williams and Delonte West, who have both struggled with their shooting.
The same thing can be said about Kobe's teammates, which have had trouble finding consistency. Pao Gasol has the ability to be a dominant player, but he isn't getting the ball enough.
Yes, good help is hard to find.
Which brings me to the real subject of this blog; which is the man pictured with this blog; Scottie Pippen.
Scottie Pippen was a great player with the Chicago Bulls. One of the all-time most versatile players in NBA history. However, 'Pip never gets his just due as a great player because of the presence of his Airness in Chi-Town.
With Pip running shotgut with MJ, the Bulls were the dynasty of the 90's with their six world titles. Still, Pippen could get very little love. There were always legions of Scottie Pippen haters out there.
You've heard it all. He's just a Robin. He's a sidekick. He's not that good. blah, blah, blah. So stupid was it all.
You think Kobe or LeBron would not kill for having a Scottie Pippen as their second option right about now.
For those uneducated souls out there. Here are a few numbers. During the Bulls six championship years, Pippen played a total of 112 games.
In those 112 games, Pippen averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.1 steals. All of this while playing point guard and playing All-Pro shut-down defense. Folks, that's why he was voted one of the NBA's All-Time Top 50 Players.
As you continue to watch Mo Williams struggle with his shot, Lamar Odom settle for jump shots and Pao Gasol not get his touches, think about what Scottie Pippen did during the 90's during the Bulls dynasty.
Not bad for just a "sidekick."
These two superstars have put up some incredible numbers during the playoffs, but their teams are entrenched in major struggles to get out of the conference finals, thanks to the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic.
LeBron is putting up nearly 40 a night against Orlando, the but Magic have enjoyed a big advantage because of their multitude of offensive weapons. Denver has a number of offensive answers as well to answer Kobe's onslaught.
If the NBA execs are going to get their ultimate wish, which is a Kobe vs. LeBron final, it all depends on the supporting cast of players around them. LeBron is getting very little help from his backcourt mates Mo Williams and Delonte West, who have both struggled with their shooting.
The same thing can be said about Kobe's teammates, which have had trouble finding consistency. Pao Gasol has the ability to be a dominant player, but he isn't getting the ball enough.
Yes, good help is hard to find.
Which brings me to the real subject of this blog; which is the man pictured with this blog; Scottie Pippen.
Scottie Pippen was a great player with the Chicago Bulls. One of the all-time most versatile players in NBA history. However, 'Pip never gets his just due as a great player because of the presence of his Airness in Chi-Town.
With Pip running shotgut with MJ, the Bulls were the dynasty of the 90's with their six world titles. Still, Pippen could get very little love. There were always legions of Scottie Pippen haters out there.
You've heard it all. He's just a Robin. He's a sidekick. He's not that good. blah, blah, blah. So stupid was it all.
You think Kobe or LeBron would not kill for having a Scottie Pippen as their second option right about now.
For those uneducated souls out there. Here are a few numbers. During the Bulls six championship years, Pippen played a total of 112 games.
In those 112 games, Pippen averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.1 steals. All of this while playing point guard and playing All-Pro shut-down defense. Folks, that's why he was voted one of the NBA's All-Time Top 50 Players.
As you continue to watch Mo Williams struggle with his shot, Lamar Odom settle for jump shots and Pao Gasol not get his touches, think about what Scottie Pippen did during the 90's during the Bulls dynasty.
Not bad for just a "sidekick."
You think Cavs fans would love to have someone like Pippen and his long 6'8" wingspan guarding 6'10" Rashad Lewis or 6'10" Hedo Turkuglou during those big possessions instead of Ben Wallace.
You know Phil Jackson would give his right arm for a player like Pip to set his defense, facilitate the offense so Kobe can be Kobe and generally be the second best player on the floor at all times.
As great as Michael Jordan was, probably the greatest of all time. Six championships aren't won by one's own self. You need some help.
I think Kobe and LeBron would agree.
I think Kobe and LeBron would agree.
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