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.
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[mickfoley]

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.

[JudahKing]

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.

[emeraldteam]

This YouTube 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!

[NM-qocd]

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 😭

[mcfrossxplorect]

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

[mihailopavlovic]

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.

[niilankwei]

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

[marshallring]

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.

[joemagwood]

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

[jayb]

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

[Montanamac]

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

[leocorral]

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

[gangstagummybear]

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.

[kendalllodman]

Not having Kobe on the list is INSANE!

[semi]

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.

[davidn]

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

[getuponouttahere]

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

[AfroWorld_]

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

[christopherkanyuka]

LMAO Madd Dogg is too old school man 😂😂😂

[cedricwalker]

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