NBA legend Dominique Wilkins has declared Kobe Bryant as the player most similar to Michael Jordan.
During a recent appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, Wilkins praised Bryant’s game and mentality, emphasizing the similarities between the two icons.
Bryant, who modeled much of his game after Jordan, was known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit.
Wilkins, a Hall of Famer, shared a personal story about Bryant, recounting a conversation they had following Kobe’s last game in Atlanta.
“I love Kobe. Kobe’s an old-school throwback with a new-school twist,” Wilkins said, emphasizing Bryant’s unique blend of classic and modern basketball skills.
In the conversation, Wilkins told Bryant that he was the last of a dying breed of players who played through injuries and never made excuses.
Wilkins highlighted Bryant’s toughness, noting that he played on a torn Achilles, an injury that few athletes would attempt to play through.
According to Wilkins, Bryant responded to the praise by expressing how much it meant to hear such words from NBA legends.
Bryant’s admiration for Jordan was well-documented, and many fans and players have long debated whether he matched or even surpassed Jordan in some aspects.
Both players were known for their ability to dominate offensively, with Bryant’s footwork and Jordan’s mid-range game being key parts of their success.
Wilkins’ remarks add to the growing consensus that Bryant was the closest player to emulate Jordan’s style, both mentally and physically.
Jordan himself acknowledged the comparisons, referring to Bryant as “like a little brother” and stating that the two shared an unbreakable bond forged through competition.
Bryant’s competitive drive was often compared to Jordan’s, with both players pushing their teammates and themselves to achieve greatness.
Throughout his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant earned five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, and one regular-season MVP award, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Wilkins, who played for the Atlanta Hawks and is regarded as one of the best scorers in league history, has a deep appreciation for players who share that kind of mentality.
Bryant’s influence on the game continues to be felt, even after his untimely passing in 2020.
