When Kobe Bryant entered the league straight from high school, fans saw a young and talented kid who had a long way to go. However, veterans in the league straight away knew that he had maturity beyond his age and was meant to be special. The fans soon understood how special Bryant was, as he went on to inspire tons of young kids to dream of being in the NBA one day. Many superstars in the league today were fans of the Black Mamba, and their younger selves itched to imitate the great on-court.

The LA Clippers star, Paul George was one such person whose childhood was just like the other kids, wanting to be Kobe ‘Bean’ Bryant. Recently, George recalled his high school days and how he couldn’t fulfill his wish to play like the Black Mamba.

Paul George on how he was withheld from playing like Kobe Bryant

In the recent episode of The old man & the three podcast, former NBA star and host of the podcast, JJ Redick appreciated Paul George’s ball-handling skills. He mentioned how he was “very difficult to guard” due to his ball handling, and asked whether it was a skill that he developed in his younger days.

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“Everything I had to learn,” said George. He further added, ” I just started to play organized basketball, and I was the tallest kid, and it used to kill me inside that they’d put me in the post and I always saw myself as a guard. Like I would watch Kobe, I would watch T-Mac, and all the long wings and how they’d operate on the perimeter and I was like that’s who I am, that’s who I wanna be.”

The eight-time All-Star wasn’t really happy with how he used to play in his teens and wanted to do more. Furthermore, the Clippers star noted that his defensive capabilities were the last to strengthen in his career.

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Kobe Bryant and his ball-handling skills were not out of this world, but he had his basics right. His moves were perfect right to the minute detail, as he executed them without fail.

Kobe’s skills made him one of the greatest players ever in the league

The Black Mamba had a multitude of skills at his disposal. The winner of the All-Star Slam Dunk contest could do a lot of things that put opponents at unease. Considered one of the greatest scorers, he set records as the youngest player to reach 15k, 20k, 23k, and 25k points. Furthermore, he had impeccable passing skills, a skill that heavily benefitted Shaquille O’Neal in destroying opponents. His no-look pass and behind-the-back pass were very popular among the kids trying to be flashy.

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Few recall Bryant’s rare free throw misses, with an 83.7% career success rate. These made him one of the most revered and beloved players on the planet, only for players like Paul George to want to follow in his footsteps.