After his departure, Michael Jordan left a gaping hole in the NBA which media and fans alike tried to fill with anyone and everyone. Many passed by the wayside, from Jerry Stackhouse to Grant Hill. But one Kobe Bean Bryant not only fulfilled that comparison, but embraced it early on in his career. Bryant emulated his game like that of Jordan’s, down to some of the finer details. In their primes, each possessed deadly fall-away jumpers, impeccable skill in the post for guards, and a high basketball IQ.
Naturally, the comparisons of who is better or who would win 1-on-1 would come. It’s almost an annual ritual of Jordan vs. Bryant talk. This year, the talk came during the media rounds for each respective team with Jordan throwing the first jab.
Michael Jordan on playing 1-on-1 against LeBron: "I don't think I would lose.Other than to Kobe Bryant because he steals all of my moves."
— Steve Wilson (@SteveWilson_LDN) October 1, 2013
Naturally, Bryant couldn’t withhold comment, offering his reply later in the day via Twitter.
Domino effect. I stole some of his..this generation stole some of mine #thecycle
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) October 1, 2013
Bryant has a valid argument, with each generation carrying over in some capacity to the next. And with a player as talented and popular as Jordan, you’ll see many players emulate his style for many years to come. Bryant wasn’t the first and won’t be the last. But Bryant is the closest we’ll see to Jordan.