“I Wouldn’t Even Try Comparing Kobe to Him”: NBA Legend and Michael Jordan’s Hero Feels a Bill Russell-Like Tribute for Kobe Bryant Is Not Befitting

Kobe Bryant’s legacy is not unknown to any basketball fan. Known for his winning mentality, termed as ‘Mamba Mentality’, he influenced many upcoming stars. For his huge influence on the sport, Kobe was inducted into the Hall of Fame on May 15th, 2021. But looks like fans want more than that and were asking the league to retire his jersey forever.

After the league-wide retirement of Bill Russell’s jersey recently, some fans started arguing that Kobe’s jersey number should be retired as well. While there were two sides to the same, a former NBA legend presented his thoughts about the same.

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Kobe Bryant shouldn’t be compared to Bill Russell?

Bill Russell received a magnificent tribute from the NBA after his tragic passing away. The NBA retired permanently his jersey number #6. Fans of Kobe Bryant, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2020, argued that Mamba’s jersey should also be retired league-wide as a sign of respect for the legend.

However, Julius Erving, the 76ers legend and Michael Jordan‘s hero, had different thoughts about it. When asked if Kobe’s jersey should be retired league-wide, he firstly started by paying his respects and extending support to Kobe Bryant’s family.

However, he said, “I wouldn’t even try comparing Kobe to him.” According to him, Bill Russell had a far greater impact on the game and NBA than the Lakers legend because of the time that he spent with it. His influence on and off the court also mattered.

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Julius also said that Russell was 86 years old and had multiple titles as a player, and multiple titles as a coach, and then his jersey was retired league-wide. To this, the reporter asked if he meant that it could be thought of, later in time. He denied that as well, saying that the Bill Russell situation can’t be compared to Kobe’s.

Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly a legend, who spent 20 years in the NBA making the most out of it. However, is it right to not compare him to the legend, Bill Russell? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.