Kobe

[Smokin]

Can/Will he be as good, if not better than MJ?

Discuss.



(This intruging discussion is being held at a US website which i read - interesting reading)

 

[MightySaint]

Kobe is fantastic, just like Garnett (who i think is currently the best in the league), T-Mac, Kidd etc, but Michael always just had that something extra that sets the "out and out champions" apart from the top draw guys.

 

[WoD]

mj knows when and where to shoot
if jordans struggling he will look to his teammates
when kobes struggling he keeps shooting
and jordans hands are bigger and easier to palm the ball, he can hang in the air longer and release the shot later
u see kobe alot of times release a lay up too early because of his deifficulty palming the ball

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by Smokin
Can/Will he be as good, if not better than MJ?

Discuss.



(This intruging discussion is being held at a US website which i read - interesting reading)

There is nothing to discuss. Kobe is nowhere near MJ, he isnt even close, miles apart, not together, opposite ends, black and white, aint happening, ice ages apart.

Kobe is a great player, he has won 3 titles on the coat tails on Shaq and that's about it. He isnt a fixture in the All NBA Team, All Defensive Team, he hasnt won an MVP award, he hasnt won a scoring title, a steals title, he hasnt won a Finals MVP. So why has he won three titles yet not won any of these awards???

Wait a minute....Shaq's won an MVP, he is a fixture in the All NBA Team, he has won a scoring title, he has won a Finals MVP. Are we getting a pattern here.

Shaq is an all time great, not in Jordans league but an all time great. Kobe isnt even an all time great. Kobe rides Shaq and is made to look very very good.

You cant compare Michael to anyone, as Michael Jordan has no peer. Simply the best there is, was and ever will be.

 

[Smokin]

Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
He isnt a fixture in the All NBA Team, All Defensive Team, he hasnt won an MVP award, he hasnt won a scoring title, a steals title, he hasnt won a Finals MVP.

And Jordan achieved all this by 24? In Basketball terms, Kobe is still a kid isnt he?

At what age do Basketballers mature? How old is Shaq?

How do Kobe's career stats/achievements stack up against Jordans, when he was the same age, 24?

Is it realistically feasible to expect a 24yo in Kobe to be the man in a three-peat quality outfit? Doesnt he have so much more maturing and experience to gain?

There is no doubt that thus far Jordans career has very few, if any, rivals. You cant compare Kobe of today with Jordans best. It's sorta like comparing Riewoldt to Carey - of course Carey's career destroys that of Riewolds so far. Thats not the question.

However, the question is meant to throw up the future possibilites with Kobe.

Does Kobe realistically contain MJ-like potential, perhaps that no other current player possibly has? Ie Shaq is better at the moment, however all things considered he is no threat to Jordans legacy.

Is Kobe?

Hypothetical: If you were told one current player is going to go down in history with a legacy which rivals Jordans - who would you say it would be?

 

[Smokin]

Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
Kobe is a great player, he has won 3 titles on the coat tails on Shaq and that's about it.

So how many titles did Shaq carry the magic to?

You cant compare Michael to anyone, as Michael Jordan has no peer. Simply the best there is, was and ever will be.

They probably said that about half a dozen players before Jordan came around.

 

[Falchoon]

Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by Smokin


Hypothetical: If you were told one current player is going to go down in history with a legacy which rivals Jordans - who would you say it would be?

I'd say Nowitski or Ming

 

[CURVE]

Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
There is nothing to discuss. Kobe is nowhere near MJ, he isnt even close, miles apart, not together, opposite ends, black and white, aint happening, ice ages apart.

Kobe is a great player, he has won 3 titles on the coat tails on Shaq and that's about it. He isnt a fixture in the All NBA Team, All Defensive Team, he hasnt won an MVP award, he hasnt won a scoring title, a steals title, he hasnt won a Finals MVP. So why has he won three titles yet not won any of these awards???

Wait a minute....Shaq's won an MVP, he is a fixture in the All NBA Team, he has won a scoring title, he has won a Finals MVP. Are we getting a pattern here.

Shaq is an all time great, not in Jordans league but an all time great. Kobe isnt even an all time great. Kobe rides Shaq and is made to look very very good.

You cant compare Michael to anyone, as Michael Jordan has no peer. Simply the best there is, was and ever will be.

Jod, that is a stupid thing to say, even for you. And if you are going to continue with that kind of BS just FO. No one who scores 26ppg is riding on the coat tails of another.

Kobe is probably the second best player in the league at the moment (at least everyone in the NBA believes so) whose had the luxury of developing his game in the first few seasons before become the force his is at the moment. Jordan didn't have that luxury because he was drafted by a struggling club.

Kobe is not as good, as Jordan, and more than likely never will be, but recent seasons have shown that he is an all-time great in his own right.

As for winning MVP's and the such, Elgin Baylor is considered one of the all-time greats, most would have in their all-time top ten, yet he did not win one award be it MVP, scoring, rebounding, and never won a championship. Awards mean jack, it's how you perform on court, and Kobe has been fantastic for the Lakers.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by Smokin
And Jordan achieved all this by 24? In Basketball terms, Kobe is still a kid isnt he?

Unlike Kobe, Jordan finished College and came into the league at 22 years old. In today's game, coming straight outta high school is a normal thing. Back then, it wasnt so Jordan finished off his college career.

Originally posted by Smokin
At what age do Basketballers mature? How old is Shaq?

How do Kobe's career stats/achievements stack up against Jordans, when he was the same age, 24?

I dont think basketballers really reach their peak until the late 20's so Kobe still has some untapped potential in him. As for stats/achievements at the same age. Kobe has done more because he spent more time in the league. When Jordan was 24, he was just starting his 4th season, 3rd really as his second year was ruined by injury where he only played 18 games.

Kobe on the other hand at 24 is a seasoned vet, playing his 7th season. That is 4 more seasons of play that Kobe had over Jordan at the same age.

Kobe at 24....

4 time All Star
97 Slam Dunk Champion
1 time All NBA 1st Team
1 time All Defensive 1st Team
2 time All NBA 2nd Team
1 time All NBA 3rd Team
1 time All Defensive 2nd Team
96/97 All Rookie 2nd Team
2002 All Star MVP

Jordan at 24....

2 time All Star
87 Slam Dunk Champion
1 time All NBA 1st team
1 scoring title
84/85 Rookie of the Year

Of course the very next year...88. Jordan would win everything, MVP, All Defensive Player of the Year, and start his consecutive run on All NBA 1st teams and All D 1st teams, scoring titles...etc etc etc

Originally posted by Smokin
Is it realistically feasible to expect a 24yo in Kobe to be the man in a three-peat quality outfit? Doesnt he have so much more maturing and experience to gain??

No it isnt and it's a fair point. But this is also why I say he is riding Shaq all the way to glory. He cant do it himself, he isnt good enough yet, he isnt experienced enough yet. He needs the big fella. Yet everyone say's he is a superstar?

Originally posted by Smokin
However, the question is meant to throw up the future possibilites with Kobe.

Does Kobe realistically contain MJ-like potential, perhaps that no other current player possibly has? Ie Shaq is better at the moment, however all things considered he is no threat to Jordans legacy.

Is Kobe?

Kobe probably has the most potential, well either Kobe or T-Mac, take your pick. But neither, (with all the potential in the world) will ever stack up to MJ.

Originally posted by Smokin
Hypothetical: If you were told one current player is going to go down in history with a legacy which rivals Jordans - who would you say it would be?

To be honest .... nobody. Jordan's legacy on the game is just too large to be rivalled. The way he not only changed the sport but the world is something nobody will ever rival. However if one player could perhaps win a lot of championships and have that kind of success as to be able to be said in the same breath as your Magic's, Bird's and Jordan's. Then it has to be Ming....or T-Mac, if he can find some help.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by DEVO
Jod, that is a stupid thing to say, even for you. And if you are going to continue with that kind of BS just FO. No one who scores 26ppg is riding on the coat tails of another.

As I have said many times before. Remove Kobe and insert any other top flight SG and you would have had the same result in LA. But remove Shaq and replace him?? Well for starters, you cant really replace him. Kobe rides Shaq. Shaq is LA. Sure Kobe does his thing just like Pippen did his thing but your comparing the superstar to the right hand man. If you want to compare, compare superstar to superstar...Jordan to Shaq. Not superstar to right hand man ...Jordan to Kobe.

Originally posted by DEVO
Kobe is probably the second best player in the league at the moment (at least everyone in the NBA believes so) whose had the luxury of developing his game in the first few seasons before become the force his is at the moment. Jordan didn't have that luxury because he was drafted by a struggling club.

So your giving points to MJ now?

Originally posted by DEVO
Kobe is not as good, as Jordan, and more than likely never will be, but recent seasons have shown that he is an all-time great in his own right.

Correct. I never said Kobe would not be an all time great.

Originally posted by DEVO
As for winning MVP's and the such, Elgin Baylor is considered one of the all-time greats, most would have in their all-time top ten, yet he did not win one award be it MVP, scoring, rebounding, and never won a championship. Awards mean jack, it's how you perform on court, and Kobe has been fantastic for the Lakers.

True awards are not everything. As you said Baylor won just about nothing, another guy who didnt win much was Patrick Ewing. But both are easily recognised as two of the greatest to ever play the game. However awards are certainly nice and go along way to prove to people just how good you are.

 

[Smokin]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
Unlike Kobe, Jordan finished College and came into the league at 22 years old. In today's game, coming straight outta high school is a normal thing. Back then, it wasnt so Jordan finished off his college career.

Would Jordan have realistically been drafted from high school, if he wanted to?

This is my argument re Kobe - people seem to speak about him as nearly a veteran, at his peak etc - he is nowhere near that really. He is still very young.

I dont think basketballers really reach their peak until the late 20's so Kobe still has some untapped potential in him. As for stats/achievements at the same age. Kobe has done more because he spent more time in the league. When Jordan was 24, he was just starting his 4th season, 3rd really as his second year was ruined by injury where he only played 18 games.

Kobe on the other hand at 24 is a seasoned vet, playing his 7th season. That is 4 more seasons of play that Kobe had over Jordan at the same age.

Kobe at 24....

4 time All Star
97 Slam Dunk Champion
1 time All NBA 1st Team
1 time All Defensive 1st Team
2 time All NBA 2nd Team
1 time All NBA 3rd Team
1 time All Defensive 2nd Team
96/97 All Rookie 2nd Team
2002 All Star MVP

Jordan at 24....

2 time All Star
87 Slam Dunk Champion
1 time All NBA 1st team
1 scoring title
84/85 Rookie of the Year

Of course the very next year...88. Jordan would win everything, MVP, All Defensive Player of the Year, and start his consecutive run on All NBA 1st teams and All D 1st teams, scoring titles...etc etc etc

Then why is it so unfeasible for Kobe to be the next Jordan? If you bring up stats like PPG, Assists etc, Kobe at 24 is up there with Jordan, even if Jordan was a relatively "younger" 24 if you like, only being behind in scoring, which obviously the Shaq factor plays a big part.

He would need to have a brilliant second half of his career to get anywhere close, but surely to good you could say so far, so good for Kobe?

At the same age, Kobe is ahead, most would agree.

He is 24, and one of two "keys" in a team going for a four-peat.

No it isnt and it's a fair point. But this is also why I say he is riding Shaq all the way to glory. He cant do it himself, he isnt good enough yet, he isnt experienced enough yet. He needs the big fella. Yet everyone say's he is a superstar?

I think your being harsh there. They compliment each other. If Shaq was this unstopable force which is carrying the lakers - what did he do with Orlando?

There seems to be a bias against Kobe for some reason. A while ago I read an article, commenting on the reasons why there seems to be a bias out there, and brought up incidnets like the all star game where he was booed in his hometown etc.

Basically, the writer could only suggest he is "too close" to Jordan. Perhaps not in all facets of ability, but as a package. He is a freak at such a young age, is well spoken and literate, doesnt come across as being from the "street" like say an Iverson, has crossover appeal etc. It was interesting.

Do fans love Jordan so much, that not only will his legacy grow and grow when he finally retires, but bias will creep in against anyone else who is even close, or poses a threat?

Kobe probably has the most potential, well either Kobe or T-Mac, take your pick. But neither, (with all the potential in the world) will ever stack up to MJ.

To be honest .... nobody. Jordan's legacy on the game is just too large to be rivalled. The way he not only changed the sport but the world is something nobody will ever rival.

Never say never.

I would say this - IMO there is more chance of a "second" Jordan coming around, than a second Ali or Gretzky, and perhaps even Bradman. Very remote, yes, but less remote than the others.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by Smokin
Would Jordan have realistically been drafted from high school, if he wanted to?

This is my argument re Kobe - people seem to speak about him as nearly a veteran, at his peak etc - he is nowhere near that really. He is still very young.

Jordan would never have been drafted straight outta high school. For starters, im not sure if it was even allowed back then and second it just wasnt the done thing in the NBA. Scouts hardly watched HS ball back then. Nowadays you have just as many scouts at HS games as you do college games.

And yes, Kobe is very young and hasnt reached his peak yet. But despite the awards, championships and stats that Kobe has over Jordan at the same age. It is clear by watching a game of Jordan in 87 or 88 who was the better player at that age.

Originally posted by Smokin
Then why is it so unfeasible for Kobe to be the next Jordan? If you bring up stats like PPG, Assists etc, Kobe at 24 is up there with Jordan, even if Jordan was a relatively "younger" 24 if you like, only being behind in scoring, which obviously the Shaq factor plays a big part.

Yeah his stat's are right there with MJ's, apart from scoring but it's not all about stats. Jordan was the best defender in the league for most of his career. Kobe is an average to good defender at best. Kobe's will to win isnt anywhere near that of MJ's. Kobe's ability to take over a game is nowhere near MJ's, I could go on and on. Which is why it is so unfeasible for Kobe to be the "next" Jordan...cos quite simply he isnt, and he shouldnt feel bad about it because to be honest, their is no "next". Their can be only one.

Originally posted by Smokin
He would need to have a brilliant second half of his career to get anywhere close, but surely to good you could say so far, so good for Kobe?

At the same age, Kobe is ahead, most would agree.

He is 24, and one of two "keys" in a team going for a four-peat.

Brilliant is an understatement. He would have to break almost every record in the league to finish his career with a longer honour roll than MJ. At the same age Kobe is ahead??...well that is too hard to tell. They had totally different starts to their career. Jordan learnt the game through college and was ready to dominate as soon as he came into the NBA. Whereas Kobe had to learn whilst been thrown into the deep end, skipping college and learning on the job in the NBA.

You can say Kobe is ahead at the same age...but you can also say that Jordan was miles ahead year to year. Compare their rookie years...Kobe managed to sneak onto the All Rookie Second Team. Jordan won Rookie of the Year.

Jordan's early years in the NBA far outweighed that of Kobe's but that's because he was already developed through college. Kobe however, learnt on the job and hense has had more years to rack up all his honours than MJ had at the same age.

Originally posted by Smokin
I think your being harsh there. They compliment each other. If Shaq was this unstopable force which is carrying the lakers - what did he do with Orlando?

Magic Johnson is an exception which says something about him. But almost all players dont win Championships as soon as they arrive on the scene. Jordan had to wait 6 years and learn the game, build a team around him. Magic was lucky, he came straight onto a class team so winning was just part of the plan. But Shaq like everyone else, get's schooled by the veteran players who know how to win. Besides, he was pretty good, got Orlando to the Finals but Olajuwon was too good and too experienced. So Shaq was a force in Orlando too.

Originally posted by Smokin
There seems to be a bias against Kobe for some reason. A while ago I read an article, commenting on the reasons why there seems to be a bias out there, and brought up incidnets like the all star game where he was booed in his hometown etc.

Basically, the writer could only suggest he is "too close" to Jordan. Perhaps not in all facets of ability, but as a package. He is a freak at such a young age, is well spoken and literate, doesnt come across as being from the "street" like say an Iverson, has crossover appeal etc. It was interesting.

Do fans love Jordan so much, that not only will his legacy grow and grow when he finally retires, but bias will creep in against anyone else who is even close, or poses a threat?

Their is bias towards Kobe, probably unfair bias, because he is always being touted as the "next" And quite frankly, as a Jordan fan, we are sick of it. It is obvious that Kobe is talented and will go down as an all time great but you can see that he is not even close to MJ. You wanna talk close to MJ...you talk Magic, Bird, Isiah, Wilt, Russell etc...you dont talk Kobe.

Too close is an understatement. I have never ever seen a guy model his game more on Michael Jordan than Kobe. The way he walks backwards, runs, shoots, drives, chews gum, stands at the free throw line, just stands there when there is a break in the game, even the way he speaks...if you werent watching Kobe and all you heard was a voice. Kobe speaking about Scottie Pippen for example, you would swear blind it was MJ talking. Everything Kobe does, he tries to emulate Jordan. And the worst part about it......he deny's it.

Originally posted by Smokin
I would say this - IMO there is more chance of a "second" Jordan coming around, than a second Ali or Gretzky, and perhaps even Bradman. Very remote, yes, but less remote than the others.

This is strange....Jordan did things not only in the sport but throughout the world that only Ali can claim to have done. Throwing names like Bradman and Gretzky in their is an insult to MJ.

 

[WoD]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

This is strange....Jordan did things not only in the sport but throughout the world that only Ali can claim to have done. Throwing names like Bradman and Gretzky in their is an insult to MJ.

an insult to jordan?
gretzky has more assists than any other player in history has points! gretzky once got 215 points in one 80 game season, i dont know if u know hockey but last season no player got 100 points in an 82 game season
bradman averaged 99.94 runs per game

how is comparing the two greatest players in each of their sports an insult to the greatest player of his sport

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by WoD


an insult to jordan?
gretzky has more assists than any other player in history has points! gretzky once got 215 points in one 80 game season, i dont know if u know hockey but last season no player got 100 points in an 82 game season
bradman averaged 99.94 runs per game

how is comparing the two greatest players in each of their sports an insult to the greatest player of his sport

I dont know a whole lot about Hockey but I do know that Gretzky holds Wilt Chamberlain kind of records. But the thing about MJ and Ali, is that they were bigger than the sport. Some people say that nobody is bigger than the game and in a way they are right but Ali and Jordan go beyond there sport.

In 100 years when you talk about great people of the 20th century. Jordan and Ali will be mentioned. Gretzky.....I doubt it.

 

[Falchoon]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
I dont know a whole lot about Hockey but I do know that Gretzky holds Wilt Chamberlain kind of records. But the thing about MJ and Ali, is that they were bigger than the sport. Some people say that nobody is bigger than the game and in a way they are right but Ali and Jordan go beyond there sport.

In 100 years when you talk about great people of the 20th century. Jordan and Ali will be mentioned. Gretzky.....I doubt it.

and Bradman?

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23

Throwing names like Bradman and Gretzky in their is an insult to MJ.

Unbelievable, even for you.

Some thought before posting might be in order in the future.

 

[Denno]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
This is strange....Jordan did things not only in the sport but throughout the world that only Ali can claim to have done. Throwing names like Bradman and Gretzky in their is an insult to MJ.

You twit.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by Falchoon
and Bradman?

He wont get a mention either simply because Cricket isnt a world sport. Cricket isnt played in Europe or the States...two of the biggest continents in the world. It is only really played in England, Australia (a fairly small country remember) and all across the sub continent.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by Denno
You twit.

Nice....

Give me more than that...a reason as to why you think im a twit??

This just makes it look like your not sure on whats going on but because other are disagreeing you will go with the flow.

 

[jod23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Unbelievable, even for you.

Some thought before posting might be in order in the future.

Why is it unbelievable. Bradman and Gretzky did great things in their respective sports but they havent done anything like Jordan and Ali have done.

Their main problems is that Ice Hockey and Cricket are not world sports. Sure in each of there respective sports of Basketball, Ice Hockey, Cricket and Boxing...they have all dominated and done things no other guy could do but as for there impact on the world. Well only Jordan and Ali can claim that.

Michael Jordan and Muhammed Ali will be remember by the world. Don Bradman and Wayne Gretzky will be remembered by Cricket and Hockey fans...

 

[Squeak]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
Bradman and Gretzky did great things in their respective sports but they havent done anything like Jordan and Ali have done.

You need to distinguish between on the field of play or other aspects. Talking of on-field acheivements, Jordan is at best the equal of Gretzky and Bradman. Add Mario Lemieux to that for that matter.

 

[Carmelo Anthony]

Wow, lets all say Bradman is the greatest thing in sport because he is dead.

He played a $hit, crap sport that only 5-6 countries care about.

Gretzky's accomplishments were great, but nothing like MJ.

MJ is the greatest sportsman ever.

Medals in Olympics, MVP'S, All Star MVP'S, Dozens of All NBA Teams, all defensive teams etc awards.. the list goes on and on.

Ohh he also lead his team to approximetaly 6 titles.

Comparing Bradman to Jordan is like comparing Simon Eastaugh to Michael Voss. Its just not on..

 

[Falchoon]

Originally posted by Carmelo Anthony
Wow, lets all say Bradman is the greatest thing in sport because he is dead.

He played a $hit, crap sport that only 5-6 countries care about.

Gretzky's accomplishments were great, but nothing like MJ.

MJ is the greatest sportsman ever.

Medals in Olympics, MVP'S, All Star MVP'S, Dozens of All NBA Teams, all defensive teams etc awards.. the list goes on and on.

Ohh he also lead his team to approximetaly 6 titles.

Comparing Bradman to Jordan is like comparing Simon Eastaugh to Michael Voss. Its just not on..

Now I'll preface this by saying I'm a much bigger fan of basketball than cricket, I only play 1 of them and only 1 of them will I go and watch but in comparing Bradman to Jordan, tell me, when Jordan was at his peak how many foreign players were playing in the NBA? I'd hazard a guess at less than a dozen, certainly no more than 20. Medals in Olympics? how many countries had basketball in their top 2 sports? Australia came 4th in 1988, I was in year 11 at school and I had never played a game, the game was (and is) still struggling for acceptance in a country of 16 million that came fourth at the olympics, how big could it have been elsewhere?

Recently, and because of Jordan and his ilk basketball has become international and the standard internationally is much greater, but to downgrade Bradman because only 5-6 countries played the sport is ignoring the facts.

In raw figures Bradman was 40% better than the next best player.

 

[Denno]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
Nice....

Give me more than that...a reason as to why you think im a twit??

This just makes it look like your not sure on whats going on but because other are disagreeing you will go with the flow.

Ok.

While I'm a huge fan of Jordan, the only reason he was so widely known was because of his exposure thru TV etc. - not because he was approx. 40% better * than any other player.

Gretsky, Bradman etc. aren't worldwide household names - but that's got everything to do with their respective sports - not them as individuals.

Jordan gets mentioned in the same breath as Magic, Bird, Chamberlain, etc. Bradman has no peer.

Basketball was a world game before Jordan came along - IMO, it would be just as big now if he hadn't have arrived. He dominated his chosen sport - just as Bradman did.

* quoted from another post

 

[Falchoon]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Kobe

Originally posted by jod23
He wont get a mention either simply because Cricket isnt a world sport. Cricket isnt played in Europe or the States...two of the biggest continents in the world. It is only really played in England, Australia (a fairly small country remember) and all across the sub continent.

Biggest continents? USA 300 million, Europe 450 million

v only the sub continent, a casual billion and a half

as I said before how many foreign nations when Jordan was entering his peak even considered basketball one of their top 5 sports? How many foreigners did he come up against each week, Ill give you a start, Detlef Schrempf, Hakeem, Mutumbo, who else? Bill Wennington? the only other one I can think of at the time was the guy who got killed in the car accident in Germany, starts with M?

Jordan really only competed against 1 countries top athletes.