The Best Player Since MJ?

The quest for the next Michael Jordan is over.

Actually, the "quest" was over the night Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points on the Toronto Raptors in 2006.

Not enough proof? How about the time Kobe had four consecutive 50-points games last season? Not even Jordan did that.

Besides Kobe's Jordan-like athleticism, Kobe's superior skill makes him the world's best basketball talent. I'd liken his skill level to that of a prize fighter. He has multiple counters for every punch. Play him tight and he'll blow by you. Double team him and he'll split you with a powerful swing-through. Deny him the ball and he'll use his speed and strength to get open backdoor. He can do whatever he wants to do on the court whenever he wants to do it.

If his offensive skills are not convincing enough, his defensive abilities are almost unmatched amongst NBA wings. When Kobe wants to put the clamps on his man, his man is going to have to work awfully hard to score.

For the doubters, only a championship will validate his Jordanesque-talent. His post-Shaq squad looks poised to prove those doubters wrong.

Seriously, as you watch this year's playoffs, realize that you are watching history.

The quest for the next Kobe has begun.