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Reading: Challenge Complete: In 2019, Kobe Bryant Told Nikola Jokic To Win The MVP
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Challenge Complete: In 2019, Kobe Bryant Told Nikola Jokic To Win The MVP

Challenge Complete: In 2019, Kobe Bryant Told Nikola Jokic To Win The MVP

Nico Martinez
Jun 9, 2021
2 Min Read
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Bleacher Report

Even after his retirement from the NBA, Kobe Bryant kept his foot in the basketball world, being a mentor to players and making frequent appearances in the media.

Back in 2019, Bryant created this tradition called the “Mamba Mentality Challenge,” in which he would give out specific challenges to stars.

Funnily enough, one of his challenges was directed to Denver big man Nikola Jokic. Bryant challenged him to win MVP, a task that seemed almost far-fetched at the time.

Kobe gives out the 2019 Mamba Mentality Challenge https://t.co/SiigC2EKZe

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 21, 2019

But credit must be given to Jokic, who rose to the occasion and actually won the MVP (which was nearly unanimous) this season, just two years after Bryant issued him the challenge.

Obviously, we can’t say for certain if Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality Challenge” actually helped inspire Nikola to win, but it wouldn’t be all that surprising. After all, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered on his own “Mamba Mentality” challenge not so long ago.

As one of the best players ever, Bryant didn’t just dominate the game physically. He also dominated the game mentally as well, and his famous “Mamba mentality” became synonymous with hard work and dedication.

Looks like some of that may have rubbed off on the Joker because he’s working as hard this year as he ever has before. Kobe, no doubt, would be very proud.

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TAGGED:Kobe BryantNikola Jokic
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ByNico Martinez
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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article Nikola Jokic After Winning MVP: “To Be Honest, I Didn’t Even Think I Would Be In The NBA.“
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