You Can't Compare Them in the Shadow of Shaq

It's an age old question, a question that can be debated with valid points in defense of either side. An argument where there is no clear cut victor. An argument that can last years, even decades - who is the better player? Who is the most valuable to their team? Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams? Sandy Koufax or Juan Marichal? Joe Montana or Dan Marino?

In these comparisons, both players were at the top of their games, battling each other for ultimate supremacy. The only distinction is that one player has championship rings while the other does not. But was it the player who won the championship or a combination of players who won the championship? That is why it is unfair to compare Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. Kobe has a decisive advantage over McGrady, a 7'1" 330-pound advantage.

Shaq is the most dominant player in the league. Ultimately, it's his presence that beckons the championship ring. Kobe would most certainly have no rings if Shaq was not his teammate. Double teams? With Shaq on the floor, Kobe will never see a double team. That would mean Shaq is in single coverage and that, above all, is basketball suicide. Opposing teams have no chance of defeating the Lakers if Shaq is single-covered. So teams double Shaq, leaving Kobe free to roam.

On the other hand, McGrady does not have that same luxury. He constantly faces double teams and gimmick defenses specifically designed to shut only him down, and they are still unsuccessful. In addition, Tracy guards the best players of the opposing team during the game's crunch time. McGrady has to do everything on his own without the convenience of having a game changer of O'Neal's prowess. This, in essence, is why it is ludicrous to compare Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady; the playing court is extremely "un-level". These are two great ball players in two very different situations.

The comparisons used in the introduction were all Hall of Famers or soon-to-be Hall of Famers. They were all great ball players in very different situations. How can they be compared fairly? Only by the numbers. Unfortunately, statistics will not win a championships; teammates will. In a lot of these arguments, the player with no rings had better statistics. So we're left with an undying debate fueled only by passionate opinions.

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