Former NBA All-Star Explains Why Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Were the Greatest Competitors of All Time
Follow Us
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant imbibed the true spirit of the game every time they were on the court. Their dedication, ability, and attitude of giving it all on the court have inspired many generations. Not only fans, but even former colleagues remain impressed with their spirit.
These two generational talents represent the face and soul of the NBA. And the few lucky players who got to play with them cannot forget their experience of witnessing greatness till date.
Among them is former Golden State Warriors’ head coach, Mark Jackson. The former player became a coach after retiring in 2004. He has played against both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in their primes. And in a recent interview, he talked about their spirit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Magic Saying He Can’t Play With Kareem”: Ben Simmons Roasted For Controversial Joel Embiid Stand
Former Warriors Head Coach on Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan
On the latest episode of the weekly podcast “Club Shay Shay” with Shannon Sharpe, Mark Jackson opened up about his time playing against Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Jackson talked about how the two were fierce competitors.
Trending
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson
April 19, 2024 02:58 PM EDT
After Nike, Sha’Carri Richardson Follows Lebron James Footsteps In Historic Partnership With Sprite
April 19, 2024 01:40 AM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He said, “The only guy that I would put in the discussion because both of these guys unfortunately late great Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. In my opinion the two guys I ever played against that was willing to leave it all on the court and I mean it all. They were willing to if it meant drop dead on the floor those two guys I’m convinced would be willing to do that for the victory. Now I would say this, as great as a competitor I am, that ain’t my testimony. I want to win but not at… not at that expense I’m not willing to take my last breath and win.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael and Kobe’s relationship
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant played against each other several times. Even though they stayed friendly on and off the court, when it came down to the important games, they were at each other’s throats. While Kobe Bryant once dropped 55 points against Michael Jordan, Jordan averaged more points per game in the match-ups.
While Jordan was like an elder brother to Kobe Bryant, who mentored him, they were also very close friends. This mutual respect amongst the two greats is truly an exception to the killer mentality they both played with.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Kobe Bryants Best Lakers Teammates Featuring Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol