by: Guest Writer Sergio Nuno

Not too many underachievers have the luxury of adding 4 championship rings, 11 All-Star appearances, an All-Star Game MVP, Finals MVP honors, 2 league scoring titles, and one bangin’ wife to their list of accomplishments. Come to think of it, I can only think of one.

Let me explain why up until Game 5 of last year’s Western Conference Finals I considered Kobe Bryant to be the NBA’s most “overachieving-underachiever.”

For one thing, it didn’t take a verbal beat down from Stand and Deliver’s hard-nosed Calculus teacher Edwards James Almos to get me to realize that something did not add up when it came to Kobe’s game. Early on, it was apparent to me that Kobe would have the opportunity to knock off Michael Jordan from his throne as the NBA’s greatest player ever. There were incredible flashes like “81,” there were stretches of 40-point games, there was the new offensive weapon he added every off-season. Yet, something was still missing. It was a mathematical anomaly.

For almost 13 years I waited patiently at times and frustrated at others for the day where Kobe would finally figure out the correct formula both on and off the court, that would result in him reaching the final stage of his development: “The Jordan Plateau.”

After taking more criticism than Jersey Shore’s own “Situation,” because of my inability to succumb to Kobe’s greatness, here is one monkey that I am glad to have off my back for being Kobe’s biggest supporter yet biggest critic over the years. There are four simple elements that I have been waiting for Bryant to include into his arsenal in order to take his game to that next level. Keep in mind that none of these factors are driven by athletic ability, more than anything mental discipline. Without further ado, here is why Kobe has reached the Jordan Plateau, and has put himself in a position to surpass him by the end of his career.

Next: Efficiency in a Three Pointed System

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