Michael Jordan Says Kobe Bryant a Top 10 Guard: Is Anyone Better?

Leave it to his Airness, the Jumpman, MJ...

Leave it to Michael Jeffrey Jordan to stoke the fires of Laker Nation and Kobe lovers everywhere.

Not only will Jordan not give Kobe the crown for best ever, he barely keeps him in the top 10, of guards!

While promoting NBA2K11 video game Jordan said:

"Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points.

Oh, but he wasn't done. When asked where Kobe ranks on the all time list, the man most put at the top, told the USA Today:

"It's so hard to say... If you are talking about guards, I would say he has got to be in the top 10."

Wow. Only top 10?

If there are nine guys who are better than KB, I don't know them. But here's the ten to choose from.

Those Not On the List

Joe Dumars

Pete Maravich

John Stockton

Earl Monroe

Reggie Miller

Tiny Archibald

Walt Frazier

Jason Kidd

Steve Nash

Gary Payton

All of them are great players most are Hall of Fame worthy and are few are on the 50 Greatest List.

But I couldn't make an argument that any of them have the all around game to be put ahead of Kobe on this list.

10. Clyde Drexler

Smooth as silk.

Career Stats: 20 points per game, over five assists per game, over six rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "The Glide", for his ability to glide through the air.

Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, NBA Champion. On the 50 Greatest list. Hall of Fame.

Better than Kobe: Definitely a great player. Not in Kobe's league, though.

9. Allen Iverson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - FEBRUARY 20: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers moves against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 122-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Pound for pound one of the toughest ever.

Career Stats: 27.8 points per game, over five assists per game, close to three rebounds per game (at less than six feet tall.)

Nicknamed: "AI"

Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, MVP (2001), Rookie of the Year (1997), four scoring titles.

Better than Kobe: No chance. But still worthy of the Hall of Fame.

8. Dwyane Wade

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - APRIL 25: Guard Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat drives in against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena on April 25, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Wdae had 46 po

Might be a controversial pick, but the numbers don't lie.

Career Stats: 25 points per game, over six assists per game, close to five rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "Flash", "D-Wade"

Accomplishments: Six-time All-Star, NBA Champion. NBA Finals MVP.

Better than Kobe: Not now, possibly later.

He might end up being one of the best ever, but the second half of his career would have to be better than the first half in order to catch Kobe.

7. Bob Cousy

Had some of the best ball handle ever, and that was over 50 years ago. One of the greatest passers and playmakers in NBA history

Career Stats: 18 points per game, over seven assists per game, five rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "The Cooz"

Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, Hall of Fame, 50 Greatest List, Six-time NBA Champion, NBA MVP

Better than Kobe: Probably not. But he has more titles than Kobe.

6. Isiah Thomas

Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images

11 May 1994: DETROIT POINT GUARD ISIAH THOMAS AT FREE THROW LINE DURING THE PISTONS GAME AT THE DENVER NUGGETS.

Zeke's sketchy career after playing in the league has made some forget how great he was.

Career Stats: 19 points per game, over nine assists per game, close to four rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "Zeke"

Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, Hall of Fame, 50 Greatest List, NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP

Better than Kobe: Not likely. One of a handful to be considered in the best point guards ever debate.

5. George Gervin

The Iceman Cometh...and one thing he can do, is finger roll.

Career Stats: 25 points per game, close to three assists per game, over five rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "Iceman"

Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, Hall of Fame, 50 Greatest List. Once scored 33 points in one quarter.

Better than Kobe: Not over all. Possibly a better scorer. Could challenge Bryant one on one, maybe.

4. Oscar Robertson

Mr. Triple Double himself.

Career Stats: 25 points per game, over nine assists per game, over seven rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "The Big O"

Accomplishments: Named to 50 Greatest team, Hall of Fame, 12-time All-Star, league MVP.

Better than Kobe: Strong possibility. He averaged a triple double for a whole season.

3. Earvin

Just simply, Magic

Career Stats: 19.5 points per game, over 11 assists per game, over seven rebounds per game.

Nicknamed: "Magic Man"

Accomplishments: Named to 50 Greatest team, Hall of Fame, Olympic Gold medalist. 12-time All-Star, three-time MVP.

Better than Kobe: Probably.

2. Jerry West

The Logo.

Career Stats: 27 points per game, over six assists per game, over five rebounds per game.

Nicknamed:"Mr. Clutch"

Accomplishments: Named to 50 Greatest team, Hall of Fame, Olympic Gold medalist. 14-time All-Star, Finals MVP.

Better than Kobe: Possibly. The man was hitting three pointers when they only counted for two.

1. Michael Jordan

His Airness won't give an inch. Not even in retirement.

Career Stats: 30 points per game, over six rebounds per game, over five assists per game.

Nicknamed: "Air Jordan"

Accomplishments: Named to 50 Greatest team, Hall of Fame, Olympic Gold medalist. 14-time All-Star, Five-time MVP.

Better than Kobe: Yes.

The Best Ever. Still competing after all these years. Even if it is on a video game.