The Works: Jordan vs. Kobe, Redux; Previewing Thunder and Nuggets

Filed under: Bulls, Lakers, Nuggets, Thunder, The Works

In The Works today, we preview the Thunder and the Nuggets.

But first, Jordan and Kobe jaw at each other like the only the media-savvy can.

Clash of the Titans ... Sort Of

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. You all know these guys. Not only are they two of the game's greatest guards -- nay, players -- ever, they're also as compelling, and complicated, as professional athletes get. Jordan, with his hyper-competitive, nearly vindictive, drive to stay on top; and Kobe, known for his moodiness, self-consciousness, and craftsmanship on the court. When such strange creatures collide, it's like a monster movie we can all agree on.

MJ's playing days are long behind him; no, the Wizards never happened. So when the two have a backhanded, heavily-mediated back-and-forth, it's the closest we'll get to these two squaring off on the court. Unless you believe video games are real. Never mind earlier contestants like Bill Russell; Jordan was once the consensus G.O.A.T., to such an extent that he got that snappy nickname. Kobe, a shabby pretender, and worse, a biter. But as Jordan's luster has faded, and Kobe has found his own story and style -- oh, and won a few more rings -- the conversation has shifted. Maybe it's the residual effect from Jordan's reign, but you will find plenty of folks today asking if Bryant might not be the best ever.

As you can expect, this doesn't sit so well with Jordan. When asked by USA Today about Kobe's place among the immortal ones, he concluded that "If you are talking about guards, I would say [Kobe] has got to be in the top 10." Ouch.

 

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