2. Jordan knew how great Kobe would be right away
There are going to be a number of great quotes that emerge in this 10-part docuseries featuring the final Bulls team of the 1990’s dynasty years. But any that feature the relationship of MJ and Kobe is going to be more memorable in the eyes of almost all basketball fans. MJ and Kobe had a unique relationship that was hard to match for any other NBA player at the time.
Both of these two legendary shooting guards had that mindset that they wouldn’t be beat. And apparently that was one that drew Phil to coach each player. Kobe would win five NBA Championships under Jackson’s direction as head coach, and Jordan would get six.
But the first time that the public relationship and bond between MJ and Kobe was highlighted during the 1998 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Two of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/nmRgdyHEpX
— Pippen Ain't Easy (@BullsBeatBlog) May 4, 2020
The only reason why Kobe didn’t win the All-Star Game MVP in 1998 (with his team-high 18 points) was because MJ would take home the honors with his game-high 23 points. MJ stole the show from Kobe and the Western Conference side in 1998. But the greatness of Kobe was starting to really show through.
"I don't get five championships here without him."#TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/RLcN0gmDrv
— ESPN (@espn) May 4, 2020
Without hesitation, Kobe shined the spotlight back on MJ when he was interviewed for part five of The Last Dance that premiered this weekend. He gave credit where credit was due saying that he wouldn’t get his championships without what Jordan did before him.
The respect that went between MJ and Kobe was unbelievable and one of the more underrated storylines when the former was still amid his playing days in the NBA.