It’s been said before and it must be said again: you’re never really going to win when ranking Kobe Bryant before the start of the season, no matter what year it is. This is particularly true when the viewers are former and current players. They simply refuse to entertain the idea that certain statistics can bring down the value of Bryant to the extent that ESPN claims.
Naturally, there were plenty of reactions when Bryant was ranked 93rd overall by ESPN last week. Those who weren’t a fan of Bryant or the Los Angeles Lakers and most in the media didn’t really seem to have much of a problem with the rank. His fans, including those who have played with and against him while in the NBA, were generally livid. Baron Davis had one of those reactions last week, and on Monday, Stephon Marbury followed suit.
The former star point guard, who has been busy promoting the return of his Starbury shoes on twitter, saw Bryant’s rank through Davis’ tweet and had the following to say:
The people doing the rankings aren’t basketball people. I think they used a robot. https://t.co/5eEODu8Yu6
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) October 12, 2015
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.