Michael Jordan is regarded as the greatest of all time – but in every situation? Not quite, according to one expert.
A legendary career saw Michael Jordan win six NBA titles, and he was still going strong at the age of 40.
Now long retired, Jordan is a modern day legend, while another former star held in almost the same regard is LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant’s career saw him win five titles, and former teammate Shaquille O’Neal bristles when he is not considered in the GOAT conversation.
Kobe Bryant’s greatness in the most-difficult situations makes him one-of-a kind, and in certain circumstances – better suited than Michael Jordan?
Former ESPN panelist JA Adande spoke to the Milwaukee Bucks podcast, where he was quizzed about some of the legends of the game.
And he claimed that if he had to choose a player to take a shot with one second remaining, Kobe Bryant would be his guy.
Adande explained: “Is he the best bad shot maker? Yeah, I could see that. So my thing was always, if I got like three to five seconds left, I’m giving the ball to Michael Jordan. If I can have my pick all time.
“If I’ve got one second left, and I can’t really create a good shot, one second you just got to take whatever you can, I’m giving it to Kobe.”
Adande went back 20 years to pick out an example he witnessed first hand from court-side.
“I remember the last game of the regular season in 2004 they’re in Portland and like,the Pacific Division is on the line. If they win, they got like a top two seed. If they lose this game, they’re like a four or five seed or something.”
Referencing an over-time winner from Kobe Bryant, he added: “Kobe makes a shot. He’s on the ground. His follow through to be on his back. He’s picking himself off the ground, and my mouth is like, like the emoji, you know, with the big mouth, like, that was me, jaw wide open, like, literally a jaw dropping shot.
“I’m just staring there in disbelief at what just took place.”
Kobe Bryant had a knack for scoring difficult shots at difficult times. He scored 36-game winners during his glittering career, and also has the most buzzer-beaters in NBA history.
Part of that success is talent and technique, but it is also bravery and mentality, not to freeze in the moment, and to try the unexpected.
Jordan and Bryant briefly crossed over on the court, with the Lakers star entering the league during MJ’s later years.
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