Jordan vs. Kobe: A Difference in Eras

Not only do players in Jordan’s era play great defense, but almost all players are exceptional scorers, while many players in Kobe’s era are defensive specialists and lack offensive skills.

There were also many excellent interior defenders in Jordan’s era who altered shots and clogged driving lanes. Kobe’s era has players who are also exceptional interior defenders, but contain very few Hall of Fame caliber players.

Many people argue that there were no great wing defenders that could defend Jordan, but it is virtually the same argument for Kobe. And defense is not an individual effort—it’s a team effort and Jordan played against many of the best defenders.

I have read that wing players in Kobe’s generation are more talented and more athletic than Jordan's era, such as Lebron James, Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, or Vince Carter. But only Wade made any of the All-Defensive teams, and Lebron is the only other player to display exceptional defensive skills.

The defensive players in Jordan’s era were not pushovers; they were as good, if not better, than the defensive players in Kobe’s era.

NBA Rule Changes

Before Michael Jordan retired in 1998, the game was much more physical and allowed much more contact. This meant Jordan had to work harder offensively to get his points.

Let’s take a look at some of the major rule changes after Jordan retired:

1999-'00

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