Many would say nobody compares better to Michael Jordan than Kobe Bryant. Jordan even said himself that Kobe stole all his moves.
In Roland Lazenby’s new book, Michael Jordan: The Life, Jordan spoke about Kobe during an NBA predraft camp in 2008. Jordan said the following about Kobe’s game that strongly resembles his own:
“But how many people lighted the path for me? That’s the evolution of basketball. There’s no way I could have played the way I played if I didn’t watch David Thompson and guys prior to me. There’s no way Kobe could have played the way he’s played without watching me play. So, you know, that’s the evolution of basketball. You cannot change that.”
Although the two have a lot of similarities, Jordan felt the need to mention they’re different at the same time.
“So he’s not one that’s so different than me, but he is different than me. People just have to understand that, and realize that you may see a lot of similarities, but he’s definitely different.”
The greats always look to copy tactics from the greats whom come before them. This is one of the many beauties of sports.