 Passing the torch from Jordan (left) to Kobe |
Washington Wizards point-guard Tyronn Lue believes Kobe Bryant is the player to step into the shoes of Michael Jordan. Jordan played his final game against Philadelphia on Wednesday after a glittering 15-year career in the NBA.
Even at 40 years old and playing for a losing side the presence of Jordan was the number one draw in the NBA, with the Wizards playing in front of sell-out arenas wherever they went.
When Jordan last retired in 1998 the league struggled to cope without their number one attraction, with TV audiences and crowds going into rapid decline.
But just as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird passed on the torch to Jordan in the 1980s, Lue believes Los Angeles Lakers star Bryant is the man to assume Jordan's mantle as the game's leading light.
Lue, who has been Jordan's backcourt partner in his final season in the league, knows all about Bryant's qualities having played alongside him on the Lakers' title-winning sides in 2000 and 2001.
"Michael Jordan is the best player that ever played and Kobe is working towards that goal of being the best," he told this website.
"I don't think there will ever be anyone who gets to Michael Jordan's level but as far as being the next best thing then Kobe has that ability.
 It's definitely been enjoyable being able to play with the best player that has ever played |
"His talent and skill level is at a high right now but perhaps the mental part of the game is something he can improve on.
"With Michael as he gets older he is still able to get his shot off and still able do the things he needs to on the court."
The Wizards missed out on capping Jordan's final season with a place in the play-offs.
And Lue refuted suggestions that the media spotlight on them as a result of Jordan's farewell tour had been a distraction to the side.
"It's definitely been enjoyable being able to play with the best player that has ever played and learn the things you learn from him," he said.
"Seeing a 40-year-old man go out every night and give 100% effort every time he steps on the court and play so hard.
"Us other guys have got to see that and go out and give the same effort - if a 40-year-old man who has done it all before can do it then why can't we do it?
"Any given night he could go out and score 30 or 40 points - it shouldn't be a big deal to us because we've seen it all before.
"It's been like having a coach and a director on the floor."
MMIX
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