Is Kobe Bryant Underrated in NBA Legends Rankings? Stephen Curry’s ranking above Kobe in Bleacher Report’s All-Time Top 20 has fans in hot water! Is Kobe Bryant Underrated in NBA Legends Rankings?

Is Kobe Bryant Disrespected on the All-Time List? Putting Stephen Curry Above Him Needs to Be Studied

The debate over the greatest NBA players of all time is as old as the league itself. Every year, new rankings spark heated discussions, passionate defenses, and, inevitably, accusations of disrespect. The latest list from Bleacher Report, ranking the top 20 players in NBA history, has reignited this age-old debate—primarily because of one controversial decision: Stephen Curry at #10, ahead of Kobe Bryant at #11.

For many basketball fans and analysts, Kobe Bryant is the embodiment of greatness: a five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 18-time All-Star, and one of the most relentless competitors the game has ever known. So, is it disrespectful to place him outside the top 10—and, more specifically, behind Stephen Curry? Or does Curry’s revolutionary impact on the game justify the ranking? Let’s break it down.

Kobe Bryant: The Relentless Competitor

Kobe Bryant’s legacy is built on more than just numbers. He was the bridge between Michael Jordan and the modern NBA, a player whose skill set was as complete as his will to win was unbreakable. With five championships, a regular-season MVP, and two Finals MVPs, Kobe’s résumé is as decorated as they come. He was a scoring machine, a lockdown defender (nine-time All-Defensive First Team), and the ultimate clutch performer.

Beyond the accolades, Kobe’s influence is woven into the fabric of basketball culture. His “Mamba Mentality” has inspired countless athletes around the world, and his work ethic is the stuff of legend. For many, Kobe is not just an all-time great—he is the standard by which greatness is measured.

Stephen Curry: The Game Changer

Stephen Curry’s case, however, is unique. While his trophy cabinet is slightly less crowded than Kobe’s (four NBA titles, two MVPs, one Finals MVP), his impact on the game is arguably unmatched in the modern era. Curry didn’t just excel within the existing framework of basketball—he changed it. His deep three-point shooting, off-ball movement, and gravitational pull on defenses have revolutionized the way the game is played at every level.

Curry’s influence is visible every night in the NBA and in pickup games worldwide. Kids now practice logo threes instead of mid-range jumpers. Teams construct rosters and game plans around the three-point shot, all thanks to Curry’s unprecedented success.

The Criteria Conundrum

So, how do we compare these two legends? It all comes down to the criteria used:

If the focus is on championships, all-around skill, defense, and killer instinct, Kobe’s case is ironclad.
If the focus is on transforming the game, redefining positions, and leaving a lasting mark on basketball’s evolution, Curry’s impact is hard to ignore.

But here’s where the debate gets heated: Should revolutionary impact outweigh championships and individual accolades? Is it fair to elevate a player based on how they changed the game, even if their résumé isn’t as complete as those they surpass?

Disrespect or Different Perspective?

Calling Curry’s placement above Kobe “disrespectful” might be too strong—but it is, at the very least, debatable. Kobe’s fans have every right to feel slighted, especially given his relentless pursuit of greatness and his status as a global icon. Yet, Curry’s supporters can argue that his influence on the sport is so profound that he deserves a top-10 spot.

Ultimately, rankings like these are subjective, shaped by changing eras, evolving play styles, and shifting values. But one thing is certain: Kobe Bryant’s legacy is untouchable, regardless of where he lands on any list. And perhaps, instead of pitting legends against each other, we should celebrate the unique greatness each brought to the game.