The careers of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are inextricably linked due to the uncanny similarities both players have with each other. Bryant modeled his game after MJ and tried perfecting everything that Jordan had already done.
Another similarity is that both players won their titles under Phil Jackson. Jackson is the winningest coach in league history and got to shape the careers of both MJ and Kobe. He knew them as well as anyone and believed that Jordan was a more sociable individual than Kobe, as told in his book, Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success.
“Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe. He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around.”
Jackson did recognize that Kobe wasn’t as aloof when he progressed in his career, acting as a mentor and veteran years down the line.
“But his inclination to keep to himself shifted as he grew older. Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road.”
We often talk about LeBron James‘ chasing Michael Jordan, but Kobe was the first player that made it public that he was coming for MJ. Though he won one title and four Finals MVPs lesser than MJ, Kobe made his mark as arguably the second greatest to play that position behind MJ.
Phil Jackson Thought MJ Was The Better Defender
Along with the previous comments, Jackson also discussed the defensive strategies both players would use and who was better on that end of the ball. Jackson leaned toward Jordan, who’s one of three guards in league history to win DPOY.
“No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender. He could break through virtually any screen and shut down almost any player with his intense, laser-focused style of defense.”
Jordan made nine All-Defense teams in his career, while Kobe made 12. Kobe did end up having a 20-year career as compared to Jordan’s 15 years in the league. MJ was more athletically gifted and a generally larger defender, which also helped him be more consistent on that end.
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