BDLSports

First off - let me apologize for not posting anything all weekend - unfortunately I had a little "technology" problem! However, it has been resolved for the most part and that should be behind me! Now on to business, well - at least the next topic!

Here it is the middle of June and for the past month, month and a half, we have either read, started or joined in the conversation of "is Kobe the next Jordan?" or "Is Kobe better than Jordan?" Sports fan, Laker fans, Jordan fans, old, young and sport announcers have all had this very same conversation (or debate depending on who your talking to), to some level or degree.

Well the verdict on that is still yet to be resolved! But a debate the will never have a true resolve - why? Because they will never play against each other!

But this makes you wonder - why do we make that comparison anyway? Well partly because they both play basketball, they have the same build and size and they both are arguably the best in their own generation. However, these NBA Finals are starting the take some of the fire away from the conversation.

So who might I be talking about when I say the 'real' comparison? Before you cheat and read ahead - let me ask: What made Jordan so special? Yeah he was talented, yes he was very athletic, but so those before him. He was NEVER looked at as having the best shot or as the best 3 point shooter. Yeah he averaged and scored more than anyone in his era, but we all know we cant look at stats alone, because numbers tell only part of the story! (MP - thats for you) But when you start talking about Jordan and how great he was it is always two things that remain consistent regardless of who is making the argument: 1) Championship - 6 to be exact and 2) his ill will to win! MJ had that mental edge, he had that 'IT' that people talk about. Mike had the ability to impose his will on others, he could 'will himself to win' - and that CANT be argued with! Not only that, he was able to block out other, concentrate and play through issues that would have taken most of us out (flu against the Jazz, the death of his father, bad shooting nights), and at the end of the day - he FOUND a way to win.

Well after the past 5 days, all of the bogeys (10 bogey shots & 4 double bogey or higher), all of the "bad shots", all of the speculation, Rocco putting pressure on him, knee injury just 8 weeks ago. After suffering through his knee buckling, Tiger, still at the end of the day is a 14 time majors champion! Yup Tiger's greatness can be measured the EXACT same way that Jordan's was: 1) Championships - Majors = 14 and 2) his ill will to win!

The mental power displayed by Tiger, his sheer will to win, making shots in pressure moments (I don't think in sports there is anything that compares to having to hit any length put on the 18th hole to keep from loosing), playing against someone that is playing the best they have probably ever played in there lives - and STILL FOUND a way to win!

As you sit there and watch, you can not help but to think, 'this is a Jordan moment'. Just like Jordan, we all sit on the edge of our seats having that 'feeling' he is going to win, but we are just not sure how! Like Jordan, there are reports coming in left and right (homes, neighborhoods, office) of women, girlfriends and wives sitting there watching and getting interested - why? - all because of Tiger (is that or is that not a, what I will call, "Jordan Moment")!

Yes this may very well be the better comparison, Jordan and Tiger! Not so much from the stand point of 'who is better', but from the stand point of what they are made of and the individual impact that have on the game and the sport they are in. Jordan's competitiveness, his drive, his will to win and his ability to draw all in (even those who are not basketball fans) is undeniable! Well, folks, sit back and enjoy the ride because we are seeing the same thing in Tiger!

Rare Footage of MJ breaking the backboard!
Enjoy: