At the conclusion of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, the TNT panel of analysts – Sir Charles, Kenny The Jet, C-Webb, EJ and Kevin McHale – gathered around the unveil the results of the fan voting for the NBA player of the decade.

To their surprise, Kobe Bryant won a landslide victory over his competitors.  Here was the final tally:

Kobe Bryant – 54% ; LeBron James – 17% ; Shaquille O’Neal – 13% ; Tim Duncan – 8% ; Steve Nash – 5% ; Kevin Garnett – 3%

Obviously, there’s going to be some error in allowing the public to vote on this accolade.  While LeBron James came in a surprising second (ahead of Shaquille O’Neal), the dominant nature by which Bryant won had to be shocking.

While Tim Duncan has led the Spurs to three titles in the decade (and four total), he has not been as dynamic as either O’Neal or Bryant.  Their dominance has not been passive in any way.  Kobe and Shaq started out together to each win three titles.  Then, they switched supporting casts and each won an additional title later in the decade.

But the Black Mamba maintained his individual brilliance, and to this day is still arguably the best player in the NBA.  There can be no argument, however, as to the fact that Shaq isn’t even the best center in his conference.  Shaq has been a shadow of his former self, and his game has declined to the point that he can’t even be reasonably considered for an All-Star appearance. 

Kobe Bryant will be remembered for many things since the new millenium.  His foray into infidelity in Colorado.  His verbal abuse of a young, undeveloped Andrew Bynum.  His public feuding with O’Neal. 

And what else will he be remembered for?  Being the best, most consistent and creative scorer of the decade.  Scoring 81 points in a game.  Htting more game winning shots than Wilt Chamberlain had women. 

Therefore, from the perspectives of sustained individual performance and team execllence, Kobe Bryant would also be my pick for player of the decade.

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