Mad Dog takes issue with Stephen A.'s Top 5 most influential players list | First Take YT Exclusive

Mad Dog takes issue with Stephen A.'s Top 5 most influential players list | First Take YT Exclusive
Chris "Mad Dog" Russo reacts to Stephen A. Smith's list of the top five most influential players in NBA history.
#firsttake #nba
Stay tuned for more First Take KZbin Exclusives across ESPN’s KZbin channels.
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@JudahKing247]

Kobe Bryant is surely one of the most influential players in basketball history, especially for people between the ages of 27 and 42. He should be on this list.

[@killemall923]

He is but hearing both of their explanations, I disagree with neither of their choices.

[@delanodouglas6390]

Kobe probably did not make the influential list due to the tremendous influence that Michael Jordan had on him and all of the players during the Kobe Bryant era. Kobe was labeled as one vying to be the next Michael Jordan. No other player since Michael Jordan has generated that type of comparison for players that followed them. We really aren’t hearing people list contemporary players as the next anyone who is currently playing.

[@TheMonkeyKing7235]

Lower that first number

[@robbereal1982]

​@@user-ky8nd2rz4fyou sound stupid

[@askmrg9626]

I forgot Kobe. Listen lebron and curry their legacy of influence on the nba is now they making in season tournaments to get more viewers using gimmicks to get more eyes on the nba. Seriously embarrassing. So you believe influence they had on nba is better after they all said and done from playing. Freaking in season tournaments. Only influence they had is getting astronomical salaries for players but north astronomical about what they did to ratings. Feel me

[@mickfoley9578]

Kobe’s influence can’t go unnoticed either.. gets very little to no credit for bridging the gap between MJs exit and Bron’s prime keeping the NBA very relevant. Everytime you shoot in the park or in the trash can people say “Kobe!” He influenced a lot of the top guys today from Kyrie, Book, Tatum, Derozan, PG etc.

[@princet4468]

That’s Crazy. I just got done saying that! 🙏🏾

[@mickfoley9578]

@@princet4468 man and I forgot to mention Kawhi as one of the guys he influenced!

[@NM-qo6cd]

I just KNEW Mad Dog was gonna have a super old school player at #1. I’m surprised he didn’t replace Curry with George Mikan or Mel Counts 😭

[@Interscope100]

Those dudes were super human!

[@BadAzzProductions-lr4iw]

Or Bob Cousy Lmfaoo

[@andrewgilbertson595]

Yeah, but on this I think he might be really right (if it’s true Baylor pioneered the above the rim game)

[@truthonly-]

😂

[@samuelvillanueva9956]

It’s not his fault u wasn’t alive to watch those players Who ever was alive to watch multiple eras knows way more than a person who only saw 1 erA

[@mcfrossxplorect8249]

Kobe's influence is beyond basketball! Globally, other sports and even normal people!

[@jamesnelson5618]

​@user-ky8nd2rz4fthis Is Got Nonthing to Do with that, he retired before that.

[@mcfrossxplorect8249]

Most current superstars will tell you Kobe's their greatest influence. Lol globally he's bigger than lebron 😉

[@david91lvb]

​@@mcfrossxplorect8249 Yea stop trolling 😂

[@mcfrossxplorect8249]

@@david91lvb casual

[@david91lvb]

@@mcfrossxplorect8249 🪞

[@emeraldteam]

This KZbin Exclusive debate style is much better. More serious and more analytical. The regular First Take format I get they want to be fun but I am tired of hearing about clothes, nails and corny jokes. This is way more thought provoking and feels like a true debate!

[@MoneyMadeKade]

Facts

[@SupremeGon]

I get it but its quite boring. The fun is what got me back watching it. The super serious approach starts to drag afterva bit.

[@emeraldteam]

@SupremeGon I did think about that too. I guess the way they have fun sometimes turns me off because I tune in to hear a sports debate and a lot of times it is just personal back and forth screaming, dissing each other and such. I guess I would find more tasteful ways to have fun.

[@SupremeGon]

@emeraldteam im with you there. Sometimes it gets ridiculous with the yelling and stuff but when its friendly banter with the right guests it can be hilarious. Thats why i prefer First Things First as they seem to have the perfect amount of sports analysis and friendly banter that keeps the show fresh everyday.

[@suraceryan]

@@SupremeGonThat’s a good point too but I’d rather this than that.

[@niilankwei667]

How do you not have Jordan on your list? 😂 Without him Basketball would just be another American sport and not be this popular

[@kshaun84]

Doggies list is about the game of basketball. If you listen to his reasoning it makes sense. Stephen's list also makes sense. The topic has two answers.

[@jobunaga4178]

exactly! if michael jordan didn't exist, we probably wouldn't see the likes of jokic, luka, giannis or any of these other fantastic international players.

[@kmoney8201]

​@jobunaga4178 not true at all

[@Odhran2017]

Bron ain't influential at all ai and curry over lebron easy

[@yeahriightt24]

@@Odhran2017we get it you’re a fan

[@mihailopavlovic2027]

I would have Kobe in there as well. He has not only influenced basketball players, also people from other sports. You have Novak Djokovic one of the greatest, if not the greatest tennis players of all-time saying Kobe was his mentor and idol, there were also a lot of other athletes and tennis players giving tributes to Kobe. He also was a FIBA ambassador. Whenever someone comes back while being down, they all say Mamba mentality. So he needs to be up there, not saying no.1, but top 3-5 would be fair, even tho I think LeBron is a greater player, I think Kobe was a bigger inspiration for others.

[@dwaynelawson7398]

Kobe was great but he is actually a mj clone basically so you would have leave him off

[@Luciodamus]

100% agree with Kobe being there. As an Asian American, I’ve seen first hand how Kobe influenced and spread the game in East Asia, especially China and Taiwan. He was treated like a god and everyone wears his jersey. Time has passed and our fave seems to be Curry and rightfully so. But as far as greater influence, Kobe deserves in the list, if not honorary mention.

[@christianpaul-cp6746]

People in other sports say they’re motivated by that Mamba mentality. You don’t really hear anything similar about LBJ

[@rebelneycha]

Agreed!

[@kod5660]

@@Luciodamus Does that mean missing all your shots in the clutch in the playoffs and generally being a horrible shooter and hoping your team mates bail you out

[@marshallring9614]

No mention of Dr. J is crazy. Even MJ said Dr. J influenced his game. MJ just perfected what he saw in Dr. J's game.

[@phillipschuman4307]

Dr. J honored Elgin Baylor as the original OG who made the mold for his game. Great respect for Mad Dog's shout out to the most under-rated player in the history of the league.

[@Montanamac]

If this list doesn’t include Iverson, then it’s wrong!

[@AvenueI77]

AI was just influences by clothes, corn rolls, chains, tattoos and a crossover 😂 but that's my dawg tho

[@user-yn7uz9go5q]

@@AvenueI77corn rolls🤯

[@Crackmode119]

True. For betr or worse he in the top 10

[@calebdevroom3949]

@@AvenueI77I think it’s more than that. The idea of self expression being a “star” on and off the court. AI gotta be top 5 based off the definition of influence alone. He was the embodiment of being you and never switching up. GOAT STATUS IMO

[@joemagwood9130]

Growing up in the 70s & 80s watching basketball Magic and Bird saved the NBA !

[@penkima4923]

Yeah, Bird and Magic should have a combined spot on both lists.

[@danielthompson3928]

@@penkima4923 True. I thought the same at first but if we are talking "influential" Bird's demeanor knocks him down a few pegs. That was just his personality and it probably strengthened Magic's clout as the flamboyant one but in the end it made Magic the more influential one. That's sadly how these things work though. Usually there are several people behind the "man". Everyone on these lists likely have several others to thank.

[@kendalllodman]

Not having Kobe on the list is INSANE!

[@soundsoflife9595]

For real

[@danedurham1521]

asinine to be more precise. Aside from MJ in the arena of basketball, Kobe is a recognized global icon. MJ globalized the game and Kobe expanded the sport's footprint - particularly in China and throughout Asia.

[@kendalllodman]

@@danedurham1521 exactly.

[@christopherkanyuka5389]

LMAO Madd Dogg is too old school man 😂😂😂

[@jayb341]

This may sound crazy but I’d consider Dirk in the top 5 influential. The 7’ foot big man did not shoot 3s and shoot 3s as often and as efficiently as Dirk. He developed his game where he had unorthodox yet efficient post moves, face up jump shot, and efficient 3 point shooting. I’d consider Dirk at least for honorable mention

[@tnastytfv25]

Not even made at this take

[@samuelpellew3929]

That's Bird

[@penkima4923]

Without Dirk, the current international stars wouldn't play as heavy minutes.

[@yeahprep1880]

Ur crazy

[@danielthompson3928]

I can see an argument for top 10 but top 5... no. He is not more influential than any of the ones on the current lists.

[@leocorral1039]

i’m still baffled at how neither of them consider kobe for this list

[@getuponouttahere6923]

Jordan literally had kids singin “if I could be like mike” 😂😂😂 but he wasn’t influential

[@ayodejitokunbo-salami2625]

Kobe Bryant not being on this list is so dishonest. You don’t even need to not like him to not know he is a top 3 influential player. The Beijing olympics in 08 is the case in point. Kobe was literally mobbed at every point in time, people were coming to USA games in lakers jerseys. Let’s be very honest.

[@gangstagummybear3432]

AI made them implement zone into the league, and modify the dress code multiple times, top tier players copy his arm sleeve even in other sports, and his step over, I could go on and on, he deserves a spot on the list.

[@semi6544]

The Bill Russel vs Wilt Chamberlain debate isn't fair. If Bill's teams played Wilt's teams then 10 of the best 15 players for both teams were always on Bill's team. People frame it as Russel vs Wilt but it was really really Celtics vs Wilt.

[@coreythomas3633]

STOP IT WILT JOINED THE LAKERS AND STILL LOST STOP.

[@GREEN_AZRAEL]

I mean Wilt was clearly the better player than Russel. Maybe not quite as good of a defender, but he was still good on defense and every bit as good of a rebounder, and of course its not even close on the scoring end. You're right he just wasnt always on the best teams like Russ

[@semi6544]

@@coreythomas3633 -- You probably also believe Phil Jackson is the best coach of all time because he has 11 rings. Context matters. You say Wilt was on the Lakers at some point. That was the point that he won a championship LOL. Is Nick Saban the best college football coach of all-time? Or did Nick Saban have the best recruiting class in football every year and only had 4-5 other teams as real competition? Phil Jackson coached Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal for his 11 rings. There were other Hall of Famers too. Bill Russel was amazing but so was the Celtics organization which surrounded him with Hall of Famers for years.

[@coreythomas3633]

@@semi6544 Bill Russel a 5xmvp and 11xnba champion. It funny when it comes to ppl that WON MORE THAN MJ. Rings dont matter but when it a lbj vs mj rings matter. They stupidity and hypocrite nonsense is real. LARRY BIRD DOMINATE MJ. So i dont want to hear that white dude nonsesne.

[@coreythomas3633]

@@GREEN_AZRAEL WHAT HAPPEN WHEN WILT JOINED THE LAKER UP 3 1 IN THE FINALS. 😂

[@raheemgriggs937]

I loved this debate...good work fellas

[@cedricwalker678]

This man left Jordan off the list maddog never fails 😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidn9653]

I feel like David skywalker Thompson should definitely be an honorable mention as well the man was ahead of his time for sure

[@kmoney362]

Surprised mad dog didn’t say George Mikan and Bob Petit

[@realspitter2727]

And Jerry West and Bob Cousy

[@MrVenom973]

😂

[@MnyMar]

I respect both of their list. Great explanations as to why they picked who they picked.

[@DavidBagga]

I think you have to add Kobe and A I to the list. AI at least for the culture for nba players. They implanted a dress code because of Iverson 😂 Kobe literally inspired all the elite guys today. Every young guy coming up in the league says they all wanted to be like him.

[@michaelspencer9815]

I think it’s a toss up between Bron and Kobe. For that very reason you gave, I gave the edge to Kobe. Especially because we literally yell out Kobe while throwing a paper ball into a trash can 😂😂 I’d make a case, there wouldn’t be a Lebron James if there was no MJ. So because of that, I give the the edge to Kobe over Bron.

[@DavidBagga]

@@michaelspencer9815 one of my college teammates played with Kobe for a few years on the lakers and he said talking to him about stuff, he felt Kobe was our generations MJ with his approach to the game. Plus his mamba mentality he started goes beyond basketball too.

[@chidi9646]

@@michaelspencer9815lol more like there wouldn’t be a Kobe without MJ, your logic makes no sense

[@2kxTay]

That's because Kobe literally copied everything that MJ did. He even copied the tongue out and his celebrations. So it's kinda tough to have him up there when he was so directly influenced by a guy that came before him and was better. He was more popular than influential.

[@lukephillips770]

Kobe did nothing to influence the NBA

[@sasa-jx5xp]

The disrespect not including kobe in the list is very surprising.. everytime I think about shooting an impossible shot i always yell Kobe!

[@lbbyron154]

Fool kobe took MJ whole style of play even the celebrations lol you fool kobe don't need to be top10 or even top 20

[@GT-ii7ci]

How is that disrespect? You put him on your list if you want. Now everybody has to put him on all the lists just because he passed away foh

[@Afloridaman813]

Kobe can’t be on the list if he’s basically just a MJ copy & paste

[@moneymoney3235]

@@Afloridaman813he’s mad way more diffult shots than mj and more from 3. Also went to the finals with pau gasol. Not top 5-10 defenders of all time RODMAN AND PIPPEN

[@LordoftheTHOTs]

Facts, and everybody in this comment section that says otherwise is trippin. When you attempt to shoot a ridiculous shot. Whether it be a piece of paper in a garbage can or fadeaway from Half court what name do we usually yell? “kobe”. Even magic himself said that kobe is the GREATEST LAKER of all time!

[@jamesdaily2572]

U can’t talk about influence without talking about Kobe who literally inspired a generation

[@nealsidhu2697]

Wilt for paint scoring, Jordan for midrange scoring, Curry for 3pt scoring That's my top 3 Honorable Mentions: Russell, Magic, Bird, LeBron

[@ThePatman1980]

Favorite Ahsoka Characters So Far (again, never seen Rebels yet) 1. Ahsoka Tano 2. Shin Hati 3. Huyang 4. Chopper 5. Baylan Skoll 6. Morgan Elsbeth 7. Hera Syndulla 8. Sabine Wren 9. Ryder Azadi The droids are the only ones adding humor to Ahsoka. Huyang is quite similar to K-2SO who I enjoyed from Rogue One. I like droids that speak their mind. *Diana* *Lee* *Inosanto* The actress who portrays Morgan Elsbeth is Filipina from her dad side. Her last name is a giveaway. She's already 57 but she's a trained martial artist and stuntwoman. She did stunts in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series), Face/Off, and Blade. Her dad was a student of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do and Bruce was her godfather! She knows eskrima which is a Filipino martial art. I didn't bother to look her up after The Jedi episode in The Mandalorian S2 but now I'm a total supporter for this actress! She's more badass than Ming-Na Wen and I love Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand. Ming-Na is actually good friends with Filipina singer, Lea Salonga. I'm a huge fan of Zoë Bell from the Tarantino films. Zoë was Cate Blanchett's stunt double in Thor: Ragnarok among many stunts she did for MCU and Xena: Warrior Princess. Diana being a Filipina martial artist who knows JKD, eskrima, and being a trained stuntwoman has already made me a fan of Morgan Elsbeth.

[@jonathanwatson1908]

SA's list was correct sans Kobe and AI. I would also add Shaq and Timmy D into the mix. Both were big men who dominated in the 2000s Shaq is the most physically dominant big man in my era won 4 chips and once he got to LA was the main cogs of their reign. Timmy D should be recognized bc he is the only superstar who earned all the honors he has, in a small market team and yet kept himself out of the negative limelight. He was a cornerstone and showed that you don't always have to lead with words but with your actions.

[@MoreLifee5]

Shaq sure but Tim? What did he influence? He was one of the most boring superstars ever. He didn't inspire anybody. The small market thing was already done by KG.

[@jonathanwatson1908]

@@MoreLifee5 but KG didn't win a title in Minnesota. Timmy D won 5 in San Antonio. Plus he was influential to his teammates in how he took criticism from Pop and led his teammates during their reign. He showed how to be a true leader without words

[@CedRockStarr]

Bro this is about influence. Not who was just a great player

[@courage2002]

I feel like we are falling into the trap of trying to focus on their achievements as basketball players etc. if we are talking about the most influential players, then that means players who have in any form left their impact on people’s lives. No way Kobe bryant is not on this list, the work ethic and the stories that have impacted people even beyond the game of basketball, that signifies mamba mentality that ppl apply to their every day lives and not to mention the entire generation of kids who grew up shooting pieces of trash or paper into the trash can and yelling Kobe. To me he is top 3 on that list.

[@hooligan5381]

@@MoreLifee5 Tim Duncan changed the game for 20 season before he came in the league your PF was 6'7-6'9 at best. Tim Duncan being 6'11-7'0 made the NBA go big. Spurs twin towers were dominant and if not for shaq lakers they would have ran thru the west. they won the championship in 99' only losing two games in the postseason while winning 50+ games in the league. questioning Duncan influence and legacy is basically questioning your bball knowledge cause without Duncan we don't get Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic. Duncan changed the game for 20 seasons

[@Striderthedripper_]

Not having Kobe in the list is blasphemous

[@YouReallyDontKnow]

It’s not, he was just a copy of what mj was, just not as good or successful. The only “influential” thing Kobe ever did was have some random normal people yell “Kobe!” After a shot lol that’s nowhere near enough to be considered top 5 influential players all time.

[@jgard1168]

@@YouReallyDontKnowyou’re name says it all

[@SamuelJ888]

@@YouReallyDontKnow How about having a "mamba mentality". Do you know how many nba stars today would tell you Kobe is the reason why they worked so hard to get to where they are today

[@MrSource35]

​@@YouReallyDontKnowthe Copy thing is weak... it's obvious Kobe had his on Style and yes took some moves from Jordan... but the Black Mamba had major influence... STOP ✋️ IT!

[@2Faded247]

@@MrSource35cut it out bro.. respect to Kobe, but he did everything like MJ..

[@wiz6179]

I'm here for Mad😤🐶Dog!

[@mohammedali-ed5ng]

This was probably the most on topic thoughtful discussion these two have had ever lol

[@AM-tu1rc]

Broken clock and all that

[@danielthompson3928]

I think if we are talking about overall influence on and off the court then Stephen A.'s list is almost objectively perfect. MJ made the sport popular internationally. Magic made the sport popular nationally. LeBron made the sport more marketable and profitable. Steph practically singlehandedly made other brands outside of Nike & Reebok invest more into basketball because they realized that they could potentially sign a top-tier star and he also changed the way the game is played. Bill Russell was iconic for his activism, being a winning player, and being around for all of the major changes as a figure head.

[@BigBen1994]

I'm honestly surprised mad dog didn't put Bob Cousy #1 lmao 🤣🤣

[@drodegennaromusic8492]

this debate was fire

[@SluttyTurtle4K]

1. MJ 2. Iverson 3. Curry 4. Kobe 5. Magic End of the debate man. No matter how great Lebron is, nobody is emulating their game after him nor moving the game forward like the ones outlined above.

[@AZ-gz8md]

Luka emulates Lebron's game

[@yomicry-ed3697]

Casual... y'all realize that LBJ influence hasn't been shown widely around the league because the kids he influenced haven't really be drafted yet?

[@SluttyTurtle4K]

@@yomicry-ed3697 But that’s not the question. That’s no one’s fault his influence isn’t in the NBA. 18+ years in the league and no influence to show for it? Yeah, no.

[@SluttyTurtle4K]

@@AZ-gz8md one out of how many?

[@AZ-gz8md]

@@SluttyTurtle4K LeBron's not my favorite player nor do I think he's the best but there's no way you actually believe he has had zero influence in the NBA.

[@ranauldogreer2711]

I can see both sides I think too many of us “fans” don’t respect the old school players and give them their due that being said Kobe and A.I should be up there mamba mentality is used almost everywhere not just on the court and A.I also changed the game

[@TarikTruth]

Mad Dog is awesome. You can tell he really knows his stuff, and he knows decades worth of it. Plus he's hilarious!

[@makanoification]

Mad dog is that you?

[@jbjb1861]

Great conversation 👌

[@rizzy4k599]

mad dog brings history and a different perspective. hes been around a while lol. love mad dawg😂

[@ndc71334]

Gotta put Kobe and AI on that list

[@MoreLifee5]

I take issue for not adding Kobe in this list. Kobe was one of the most influential athletes of all time. In basketball, he's top 3. He inspired an entire generation to outwork everyone and his involvement with women's basketball takes the cake. There's a reason when he passed the whole world felt like it paused

[@mohammadakhtar6941]

Kobe doesnt make the list because his game was pretty much a copy of MJ. He was so popular and inspired many but he didn't do anything that wasn't done before.

[@SportsOnTheSide1]

Can't be on a most influential list when you're one of the most influenced. He is a product of MJs influence

[@DeaderEyeland_1983]

​@@mohammadakhtar6941Naw there's not 5 guys more impactftul on the gm than Kobe Bryant. Foh

[@bjb860]

Stop it the Kobe love didn’t come until he passed away

[@DeaderEyeland_1983]

@@bjb860 You can literally say that same thing about pretty much everybody 🤦‍♂️

[@jeromehampton5772]

I agree with most of this. But needed to be added to this debate. Seen a lot from 1970s when you at times had to keep up with in the newspapers only. But as a lot of us old school that saw a lot, the influential ones that should be added to this and blew our minds. Kareem's sky hook, Curry ( on the list ,a nightmare) and what he has done and do. And third Jokic Nikola. Never saw nothing like this. There will be a lot of old school that would agree with me

[@ajfrancisco7726]

Very nice conversation 👌

[@kcsniper1243]

These are two different arguements. I agree with Mad Dog that guys like Kobe, Lebron & Jordan influence if more off the court than on the court. From an on the Court perspective no one really plays like them. Guys like Curry with the 3s, Magic with Passing and Fast Break, Bird & Dirk with the 6-10 Foward that could Shoot, Stockton & Malone with the Pick & Roll. All had more Influence on the way the game is played. However if you talking about Overall Influence including off the court. Than Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, AI & Russell all have to be on the list.

[@TruuJones]

I'm happy Mad Dog mentioned Larry Bird as an honorable mention. I thought about the list more last night and I can understand why Magic would be ranked higher than Bird, but to me, they go hand-in-hand. But AI definitely deserves to be on the list. My list would be MJ Magic Bird AI Curry Honorable mention LBJ and Kobe

[@gangstagummybear3432]

I agree

[@prophetroby]

Bird doesn't get enough credit at ALL

[@prophetroby]

But honestly LeBron should never be an honorable mention he's top tier for sure. He's a more athletic version of Magic

[@TruuJones]

@@prophetroby LBJ isn't worthy of an honorable mention or LBJ needs to be top 5? I don't agree with either but I want to be clear. LBJ is for sure one of the greatest but I don't think he's more influential than the others named. Top 10 influential for sure.

[@andziledlamini4777]

​@@TruuJonesyou can't have MJ on the list and not LBJ, that's like having Bird on the list and not Magic. They go hand to hand💀

[@andrebailey4169]

I feel like Magic and Bird should just be one together, they BOTH saved the NBA

[@MrVenom973]

Both SAS and Mad Dog made great points

[@LoonieBinKennelz]

What about the mamba when he went to the redeem team he changed that whole teams way of preparing while everyone went out to party Kobe was in the gym while everyone sleepin Kobe was in the gym after they saw his will to win they all joined and started to take it more serious and won gold lebron wouldn’t of got them to a gold medal wit out Mamba Mentality

[@Exhibit_C_me]

Allen Iverson not being on the list is criminal. 💯

[@ayo2315]

He’s not a champion that’s y

[@Exhibit_C_me]

@@ayo2315 That has zero to do with this topic..

[@AfroWorld_]

My list: 1. Bill Russell 2. Michael Jordan 3. LeBron James 4. Magic Johnson 5. Kobe Bryant Honorable Mentions - Allen Iverson & Stephen Curry

[@aap8195]

they both gave great takes. 👏

[@saylessfresh]

Man I was hoping Mad Dog brung up the fact that Kobe is not on this list ! But nope the Kobe disrespect continues smh! In high school every time someone balled up a paper ball and shot it they said kobeeee aha and not to mention the Mamba mentality! Happy Birthday Mamba!

[@veselikanal7738]

He didn t deserve it...sorry...

[@kmoney362]

Yea Thts the first player that came to my mind

[@Mr._Moderate]

This is Russo's gift. Sports historian 👍

[@robertbrentjr857]

How is kobe not on here? He literally had ppl yelling kobe when theyd shoot garbage into the can. Literally was the person who started taking threes from 10 ft beyond the 3 pt line, forced the opponent to bring their best, turned gasol from a powder puff girl into a champ, the fro, the puppets, the difficult shots, the footwork, the amount of players he influenced...unlike lebron who wants to be best frienss with everyone and is ok w losing, kobe didnt accept defeat and demanded the best from everyone, even his opponents

[@miraclebay9594]

Players who’s inspiration was Kobe Kyrie Booker PG Kawhi Demar Greek IT Klay Murray Kobe inspired a whole generation of players!

[@matthewryan1185]

Hasn’t anyone crumpled up a piece of paper and yelled “KOBE” before shooting it into the trash can? Now that’s influential beyond basketball and into normal every day life.

[@YouReallyDontKnow]

That’s literally all Kobe did that was influential 😂😂 that’s nowhere near enough to be on the top 5 most influential players list

[@matthewryan1185]

Yeah I was being kinda funny lol yeah

[@hunterbatts2153]

I get their points, and they eaxh make sense, but not having Kobe on here when he was our generation's MJ just feels wrong. All of the young players used to want to be like Mike, but now everyone wants to be like Kobe. This may be small and goofy, but we've all balled up some piece of trash, shot it into the can and yelled "Kobe"

[@JordansLaw]

Being like Lebron is unmatched lebron does it all kobe just a scorer everyone can do that nowadays

[@CesareNero]

How did Kobe change anything? He copied MJ style and ran with it.

[@slickjustgotpaid9865]

Kobe wasn’t even more influential than iverson

[@hunterbatts2153]

@JordansLaw Kobe wasn't just a scorer, he was one of the greatest defenders of all time. Kobe was a career 25 5 5 guy. LeBron is a career 27 8 7 guy, so fair enough. But LeBron has been all defense 1st/2nd team 6 times, Kobe was 1st team 9 times, and another 2 2nd teams after. Kobe wasn't just a scorer, so I don't even know what this argument is...

[@delonnwalters3938]

Kobe was revered for his individual playing but he never impacted or influenced the overall game like any of the top 5 players. The Jordan rules was created to stop Jordan. The super golden state was creatted with kd to stop LeBron and kd couldn't stop LeBron until he joined curry and his record prior and even after curry is horrendous and off the court , Kobe isn't that impactfull off the court like the curry, Jordan or even lebron

[@feeltheheatentertainment2398]

Kobe definitely should be mentioned. Everyone yelled Kobe when they shot that paper ball in the garbage 😂

[@1muneymic]

Exclusive KZbin drops 🔥

[@michaelzitzer4209]

Michael Jordan is the most marketable player who's ever played a sport. Mad Dog is nuts. From his own shoe brand, to his short length, to all of the MJ clones there after. Insane to not have him as number 1.

[@jamesnelson5618]

Well influential Is about a Sports and The Other Influential Is About Around Sports that The difference.

[@treycarlisle5408]

AI (changed the culture) Steph (no explanation needed) Kobe (ppl yell Kobe when shooting trash into trash cans. Never another name) Everybody else debatable

[@realpopchaser]

No MJ no Kobe. Kobe always wanted to be mj. And I'm Lakers fan.

[@seanabrams6570]

How do you leave Michael off! Did you fall and hit your head on the way to work 😂

[@patrickm94]

Barcelonia 😂 -Stephen A. Smith

[@DavidHernandez-qn5zc]

Mad dog needed to be one of the people they laid off at ESPN. He’s a dinosaur.

[@mikerobinson6969]

And 40 yrs from now when Jontavious Wilkes (yes thats a made up name) is destroying the NBA and you say that hes not better than Lebron people will say the same about you. I actually envy him for being old enough to watch some of those guys play.

[@DavidHernandez-qn5zc]

And 40 years from now people will be envious of you getting to watch Lebron and the players in today’s era. It’s about evolving and not holding on to old times. If 10 years from now a player better and more influential than Lebron comes along I will gladly give the credit where it’s due.

[@DeaderEyeland_1983]

Wilt dominated Russell one on one, just Russell's teams were better lol

[@coreythomas3633]

WILT NEVER DOMINATE WHEN IT COUNTS BECAUSE BILL A TRUE WINNER.

[@rockyyz9591]

stephen a talking about sports is like my mechanic talking about quantum physics

[@michaelgaskew289]

Mad Dogg is wild 😂

[@Blaisesoldier]

The goal post that’s moved just to add certain players 😂😂… Stephen sure know how to add fluff without answering the question

[@stunabeatz]

Doggy be dropping DIMES!!!!!!😂😂😂😂

[@ShivamShukla09]

Started watching Basketball because of Kobe, can't imagine this list without him

[@jsoul99]

This man said "Elgin Baylor" smh .... jesus christ. I cant take any list this man ever makes seriously from now on. Im actually shocked he didnt say Bob Cousey 😂😂😂😂

[@Paulafan5]

I'd take Elgin over Kobe or AI any day of the week.

[@brandevo2630]

Where is Kobe Bryant

[@lb6266]

How is he influential tho? And he copied his whole style from jordan…

[@kinsoncooper7333]

Man.... this is a tough one.... the influence of Bird, Wilt, Elgin Baylor, Iverson, Shaq. I'm not mad at these guys.

[@akdola9740]

Very interesting segment here. Matt Dog's list is pretty interesting. That's a difficult task, come up with a top 8 or top 10 list

[@palehorserider1407]

Bron ruined everything Jordan built for us 😔

[@carlgilmore-murry5789]

Ruined what ? 😂

[@ethanhuntemcee1663]

♾Bring it Out♾

[@sirhoopalot1125]

@@carlgilmore-murry5789floppy taking plays off etc etc sitting out games. Mj would never

[@palehorserider1407]

@@carlgilmore-murry5789 watered down the whole NBA 🤦‍♂️ it’s so fake n soft now what a joke

[@thebxsavage]

The Kobe Bryant disrespect continues… Stephen A. basically “yada yada’d” Kobe and went straight to LeBron…. His reasoning? ‘Kobe is behind MJ’ Who isn’t? 😂. How does being “behind MJ” magically elevate LeBron over him? Silly logic

[@og3945]

I actually think that mad dog understood the assignment for today’s segment. This isn’t a G.O.A.T conversation.

[@fezilelukhele-gx9md]

1 MJ - the goat 2 Kobe - everyone would shout Kobe when throwing something in the bin or taking a shot 3 Steph - changed the game 4 Shaq - was so dominant that he changed the game too, resulting in players like Tim, Dirk style 5 Lebron - changed the industry IMO

[@RB-xy2or]

The fact that MJ isn’t on mad dogs list is ridiculous.

[@minisange1]

WE NEED MORE MAD DOG! PROPS TO WILT

[@ModernFiction]

Stephen A continues to disrespect Kobes legacy to not have him as one of the most influential players in nba history let alone athlete ins in general is blasphemous

[@anthony.santiago]

I’m no producer, but have this guy look at the camera if he’s going to do a KZbin exclusive

[@bruceb7252]

I think Kobe and AI definitely belongs on the list or at least honorable mention

[@mmou3878]

This was a good take by Mad Dog.

[@erickendrick1523]

I believe Bill Russell is the most influential player. He made history as the first Black head coach in the NBA. He also was a player while he served as the Head Coach and won 2 championships. Today, there are 15 Black head coaches in the NBA. Bill Russell open door for Black coaches in the league.

[@bizieb23]

Great debate

[@CalebWilliams2030]

Of course half the players Doggy mentions played before the Reagan administration 😂. Surprised George Mikan wasn’t on his list.

[@KingKeno777]

LeBUM

[@jorgemezaphotography2807]

Leaving Kobe and Jordan off this list is crazy

[@kolamalaj7424]

People literally to this day yell Kobe after shooting anything but he’s not influential

[@treymccorkle5582]

Stg.. did it today at work!!

[@CedRockStarr]

No One: LITERALLY No One: “Elgin Baylor is the MOST influential basketball player of all time.”

[@Est.1998]

It’s hard to leave guys like Kobe, Bron, and Dr J off the list. Without Dr J there is no Magic or MJ. I’d say MJ, Magic, Bird, Iverson, and Curry. Even tho Kobe and bron are top 3-5 all time. Respectfully ✊🏼

[@ArmandoKozomara]

Jordan and Kobe are the two most respected and influential players of all time.

[@christianjohnson2918]

“Welcome to First Take exclusively on KZbin”? I never thought id hear THOSE words. This should be fun 🍿

[@kimanidavis6405]

To have Kobe off the the list is odd, because he was one of the most influential amongst his contemporaries!

[@nerdiestvengiest5858]

1: Michael Jordan 2: Magic Johnson / Larry Bird (Tie) 3: Allen Iverson 4: Bill Russell 5: Stephen Curry

[@chrisriveraaa8668]

1. Allen Iverson brought so much swagger into the game and his handles were next level at the time

[@richwtheclips7486]

I like mad dogs take he provided a good different perspective

[@chesterchambers9643]

The guy that takes it from 1 to 11 creates a 1000% increase, but the guy that takes it from 0 to 1 has an improvement of an infinite percentage. That's bigger in some sense.