Is Stephen Curry Better than Kobe Bryant Was?

Skillsets

Breaking down Stephen Curry’s and Kobe Bryant’s skillsets.

Both these guys are killers.

In his younger days, Bryant played above the rim, posterizing anyone that stood between him and the rim. He developed an advanced post-up game, learning how to creatively score in a variety of ways. His turnaround fadeaway is his signature shot, imitated by NBA players and fans alike. Bryant has always been shoot first, refusing, at times, to pass to anyone else despite having good vision and ability. He mastered the midrange, setting up at the high post and getting buckets.

Curry’s skill set is second to none though. His long range shooting is the best anyone has seen in NBA history. He’s got an incredible handle with the ability to get space and shake off defenders almost at will. While he doesn’t have Bryant’s vertical, he can finish at the rim at an elite rate with a bunch of different layups with both hands. He’s also a gifted, willing passer who can hit open defenders with just an inch of space.

Bryant has worked tirelessly at perfecting his craft, implementing moves borrowed from other legends like Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon into his vast arsenal of times. Curry, on the other hand, is doing things no one has seen before. Steve Nash is the closest comparison (unless you ask Phil Jackson), but even then, it’s not that close. He didn’t have the handle or the confidence and ability to shoot off the dribble from beyond 28 feet with a defender on him.

Both guys are impressive and lethal, but Curry’s skills open up the floor and baffle and scare defenses more than Bryant’s did.

Next: Marks on the Game