Wait, is hitting big shots the number one factor in determining a player? Since when? I'll gladly take the Charles Barkleys and John Stocktons of the world over the Robert Horrys and Steve Kerrs.
I love Ray, and I doubt I've said a negative word about him on here. However, he's simply not as good as Kobe. Ray is a better shooter -- which is probably why he's also a better clutch shooter -- but Kobe trumps him almost everywhere else.
I'm not using that to say Ray is better. I'm saying the fact that Kobe is not as clutch and not a great leader puts him way out of the top 20 of all time. How can you be considered on the greats if don't even have those attributes?
Okay, if the clutchness doesn't make Ray better, what does?
Ray is the better overall player.
Kobe is a better defender, a better passer, a better penetrator, a better rebounder, and is a more prolific scorer. Ray is a better shooter.
If your entire argument doesn't hinge on your version of "clutchness", then how exactly isn't Kobe better overall?
-Kobe is a better passer
-Rebounding is about the same
-As far as penetrating, its about equal. I think people seem to forget Ray as a Buck or Sonic. He drove almost everytime he had the ball and took people off the dribble. He was actually a penetrator first and
improved his shooting after his 3rd season
-As far as defense, its his awards that make Kobe overhyped. All of those 1st team all-defensive selections he got in the past should have gone to Bruce Bowen, Artest, and Shane Battier who were head over heels better defenders