Jordan vs. Kobe: A Difference in Eras

- In the backcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders. In the frontcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders except below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may only use his forearm. In the post, neither the offensive player nor the defender is allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position. Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player. Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding “chucking” or “wrapping up” is prohibited.

2000-'01

- No contact with either hands or forearms by defenders except in the frontcourt below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may use his forearm only.

- Neither the offensive player nor the defender will be allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position.

- Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to Point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player.

- Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding “chucking” or “wrapping up” is prohibited.

What is most impressive is that before these rule changes, Jordan still won 11 consecutive scoring titles, boasting an average 31.5 ppg and shooting an astonishing 50.5 percent during that span. Kobe, who plays in an era in which the rules favor the offensive player, has career averages of 24.9 ppg on 45.4 percent shooting, although I will admit that the numbers are little deceptive because of Kobe's earlier seasons and three-point shooting.

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