Basketball Comparison Essay Research Paper Clash of — страница 2

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kobe_bryant/career_statistics.html?nav=TextNavBar) Because of the gifted defensive players on the floor alongside Bryant, his numbers should be significantly higher than Carters , but in contrast, they are lower. Bryant does not need to worry about any player dribbling past him because he has the seven foot one inch giant, Shaquille O Neal, playing behind him. No player in their right mind would want Shaquille O Neal, the most intimidating player in the NBA, guarding them over Kobe Bryant. Kobe only has to defend against the shot, a job the numbers show, he does not do well. As a result, Vince Carter is a more versatile defender than Kobe Bryant. Although defense is an important part of the game, most people will agree that offense is usually what separates the good players from

the great players. Probably the most explosive and innovative offensive player in the league, Vince Carter has been a consistent scorer since the beginning of his professional career. He has accumulated an average of 24.0 points per game, 0.460 field goal percentage, 1.90 offensive rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game in his career. (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant /career_statistics.html?nav=TextNavBar) Defenders usually pick their poison when dealing with the Toronto Raptor s go-to man. His physique and quickness allow him to drive strong to the basket or release a quick jump shot. Chris Wallace, General Manager of the Boston Celtics, says, Vince Carter is the most explosive athlete that is out there at the two-guard position. His overall game started to catch

up to his athleticism this past season, and that augers well for his future. (http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/VinceCarter15/ss.html) Similar to Carter, Kobe Bryant is an excellent offensive player, with a wide variety of offensive weapons. Bryant is able to break down the defender with his quick dribble or stroke a jump shot from the perimeter. Throughout his career, the former, National High School Player of the Year averages 18.2 points per game, 0.454 field goal percentage, 1.20 offensive rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game. (http://www .nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_statistics.html?nav=TextNavBar) The largest discrepancy between Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant is the points per game. Vince averages about six more points a game than Kobe, and his average increases

significantly each year. Although Bryant s offensive skills have enormous potential, how can he currently be considered the next great player when he averages fewer than twenty points a game? Because Vince Carter excels offensively, and his numbers surpass those of Kobe Bryant, there is no argument as to who is the better offensive player. The title of great player can only be applied to one who excels in many areas of the game. Despite the fact that Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant are both amazing players, Carter s leadership skills, strong defense, and explosive offense make him a more probable choice to obtain the title of greatness. When Carter is proclaimed as a basketball great, the only question that will remain is: Which player will succeed him as the next great player?

BIBLIOGRAPHY Alleyoop Network. Quotes. The Kobe Bryant Zone. http://www.alleyoop.org/kobe/quotes, 1996 Birnbaum, Darrin. Head to Head. Sports Talk. http://www.sportstalk.com/nba/head/head_3-31-00.shtml, 31 March. 2000 Divine Revelation Inc. Vince Carter Article Vince Carter 15. http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/VinceCarter15/ss.html, 2000 National Basketball Association. Player Statistics. NBA.com. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/career_statistics.html?nav= TextNavBar, 21 Feb. 2001 National Basketball Association. Player Statistics. NBA.com. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/vince_carter/career_statistics.html?nav= TextNavBar, 21 Feb. 2001 Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night. London: Oxford University Press, 1914.