Former Bulls Star Bashes Fans for Not Respecting Kobe Bryant When He Was Alive

Published 07/28/2021, 3:46 AM EDT

If one were to measure an individual’s impact on NBA basketball, Kobe Bryant would be a fitting yardstick measure! Such was the power that the Mamba possessed. Whether it was his ability to mirror MJ’s gameplay on the court or outwork everyone else off it, Kobe was a basketball savant.

And while he copped a fair share of white noise and criticism over his methods on the hardwood, it would be in poor taste if one were to not include him on their Mt. Rushmore of NBA greats.

In being ardent supporters of a particular franchise, fans often resort to slander, invalidating, and, by extension, failing to recognize the greatness of an athlete.

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Marcus Fizer, a former Chicago Bull from 2000 to 2003, recently called out NBA fans for not valuing the Mamba’s greatness while on a Milwaukee Bucks championship roundtable interview.

Fizer said, “They love to build you up to tear you down. Appreciate greatness for what greatness is. They might not be on the team you root for, they might not give your team the opportunity to win.”

Fizer criticized the internet experts who slandered Kobe throughout his career. He said, “I remember for so many years they did it to Kobe.

“And then you know once he got closer to retirement and then with his untimely demise, of course now everybody loves him.”

He reiterated the perception change in the last few years, where Kobe would still draw a mixed bag of emotion from the fans. He commented, “We come through the time we remember how everyone said Pass the ball Kobe.

“Now, it’s Kobe Bryant, the great. What side you gonna give us? Appreciate greatness for what it is.”

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In fact, it was only in the twilight years of a 20-year career with the L.A. Lakers that he received admiration and respect in opposition arenas.

Unfortunately, it was not until his untimely passing in January 2020 that the world rallied around the Bryant family to show their support and respect for greatness.

But, while Bryant is no longer among us, his legacy is alive and well, resting on the shoulders of the modern superstars Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others alike!

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Written by:

Nikhil Naik is an NBA writer at EssentialySports. Having completed his bachelor's degree in Hospitality, he has worked with the Indian Hotels Company Limited, at the Taj in Mumbai. Nikhil has been playing basketball since 2014.

Former Bulls Star Bashes Fans for Not Respecting Kobe Bryant When He Was Alive

Calling out the couch experts

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