Phil’s Book Has Familiar Ring: MJ Better Than Kobe

May 18, 2013 @ admin → No Comments

For those going through Chicago Bulls withdrawal, there is some consolation. Other than not having to wonder whether Derrick Rose would play in the team’s recently concluded postseason. The Luvabulls still are in action. Or a few of the dancers are in Brazil as part of an NBA event. And Phil Jackson rates Michael Jordan better than Kobe Bryant.

The Luvabulls seasons continues — in Brazil as part of an NBA event.

Feel any better, Bulls fans?

OK, maybe not — in part former Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers coach Jackson merely reinfornces what most Chicago fans would have told anyone to begin with.

Jackson’s latest book “11 Rings” (which refers to the six NBA titles he won with the Bulls and five with the Lakers — but doesn’t include the two he received as a player with the New York Knicks in the 1970s) is due out Tuesday (May 21). In excerpts that the Los Angeles Times printed, he said:

“One of the biggest differences between the two stars from my perspective was Michael’s superior skills as a leader. Though at times he could be hard on his teammates, Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence. Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim. He talked a good game, but he’d yet to experience the cold truth of leadership in his bones, as Michael had in his bones.

Model Stephy C offers this as consolation for Bulls enthusiasts — and others.

“No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender. He could break through virtually any screen and shut down almost any player with his intense, laser-focused style of defense.

“In general, Kobe tends to rely more heavily on his flexibility and craftiness, but he takes a lot of gambles on defense and sometimes pays the price.

“Jordan was also more naturally inclined to let the game come to him and not overplay his hand, whereas Kobe tends to force the action, especially when the game isn’t going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns. Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game.
“Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe. He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around.

“Kobe is different. He was reserved as a teenager, in part because he was younger than the other players and hadn’t developed strong social skills in college. When Kobe first joined the Lakers, he avoided fraternizing with his teammates. But his inclination to keep to himself shifted as he grew older. Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road.”

ODB, movie maker Matt Goldberg and Lisa Marie Varon at The Squared Circle on May 16 for a fun evening.

Bryant tweeted (that’s posting on Twitter, for those not familiar with any of that) Friday: “The comparisons are #apples2oranges. Wonder what the perception would be if M played wit @shaq instead #differentroles #differentcareerpaths.”

Jackson also tweeted in an apparent effort to downplay the quotes (and promote the book, especially among Lakers fans):

“Listen friends of bball; don’t get hung up on words. I was most fortunate to have the chance to coach two of the greatest gds. EVER MJ/Kobe”

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For those of us who happen to be brain-dead on occasion (or more frequently), somebody forgot to include the video of ODB and Lisa Marie Varon as part of Friday’s post here. ODB was in Chicago for an appearance at Lisa Marie’s restaurant The Squared Circle (2418 N. Ashland). And Matt Goldberg, the man behind the documentary “Tarafied” on Lisa Marie (aka TNA’s Tara), also attended. Well, here is the video — better late than never. Plus this oversight provides an additional day of coverage of two favorites of the editorial staff at elliottharris.com: