Sebastian Telfair has joined the ongoing debate over Kobe Bryant’s legacy as Bleacher Report’s rankings placed Bryant at No. 11 on its list of the top 100 NBA players of all time. The former pro weighed in during a recent interview with Vlad TV, offering his take on where Kobe sits among basketball’s legends.
Telfair pointed to the broader GOAT conversation, naming LeBron James as his personal choice for the title. He explained that, for him, LeBron is the greatest because he’s never been defeated by Kobe on an NBA court, a claim he ties to LeBron’s milestone 50,000-plus career points. The discussion then turned to the BR list, which stacked the hall of fame-worthy contenders ahead of Kobe, including Tim Duncan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Stephen Curry.
Despite acknowledging Kobe’s immense impact, Telfair challenged the idea that Kobe belongs outside the top five. “Kobe Top 5? Hell no. There’s not five people that ever played basketball than Kobe Bryant,” he said, adding that, in his view, Michael Jordan and LeBron James sit ahead of him, with a few others sharing Kobe’s ceiling in terms of greatness. He also noted that Kobe’s resume—five championships and a reputation for relentless competitiveness—puts him in rare company, even if some greats like Shaq or Duncan dominated in different ways.
The conversation underscored how personal and era-dependent GOAT debates are. Telfair reminded viewers that Kobe entered the NBA straight out of high school—a rare path at the time—further fueling the argument that era, position, and style matter as players compare their legacies. He also touched on Kobe’s standing with Larry Bird, suggesting Bird would not have welcomed a matchup with Kobe, a bold take that reflects how fans and players weigh rivalries in these conversations.
Beyond the rankings, Bryant’s legacy is highlighted by more than just statistics. He retired with five championships and a reputation as one of the most competitive forces the game has seen, capped by a unforgettable farewell where he dropped 60 points in his final game at age 37. That performance, along with his overall body of work, continues to shape the GOAT discussion and ignite ongoing admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
In the end, the GOAT debate remains highly subjective, with no single consensus. Kobe’s supporters will point to his championships, clutch performances, and relentless drive, while others may prioritize different eras or metrics. The lingering question—who is the greatest of all time—remains as much about personal perspective as it is about basketball history, and Kobe Bryant’s enduring impact ensures he will be a central figure in that conversation for years to come.
Summary: The conversation around Kobe Bryant’s ranking and legacy continues to provoke strong opinions. While some view him as top-tier or among the best ever, others emphasize the breadth of greatness across eras. Kobe’s combination of championships, competitive fire, and a legendary final game reinforces his status as a monumental figure in basketball, inspiring new generations of players and fans alike. Positive note: Kobe’s enduring influence and iconic moments help keep the sport’s history vivid and aspirational for aspiring athletes.