“I’ve Seen Him as a Puppy”: Former NBA Player on Comparisons Between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

There are many athletes who have had the chance to play against the likes of both Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. These two represent a certain standard and people who have faced them as opponents have a lot to share about how they perform at the top level. Former NBA Champion Isaiah “JR” Rider enjoyed the opportunity to compete against both these legends and team up with Kobe too. 

Rider, who also won the 1994 Slam Dunk Contest, made a comparison of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan from what he gathered from them in his playing days. Rider played in the NBA for just nine years, but earned a championship ring when he was a part of the Lakers squad in 2001. Three years ago, Rider drew his observations on Kobe and MJ when he appeared for an interview with GoRadioMN. 

What made Kobe Bryant the best from the rest, according to Isaiah Rider

Rider entered the league in 1993, whereas the Mamba came in three years after him. While Kobe came in fresh out of his high-school graduation, Rider spent three years at college, with three different universities. He was 22 when he set foot in the NBA, compared to Kobe’s entry at 18 years old.

When asked to choose the best between Kobe and Jordan, Rider had a few words about the late Lakers legend. “I think [Kobe] came in young and he and Eddie Jones were on the Lakers together. That’s all I remember is playing against those two. Both of those guys didn’t even wanna see me in his first two, three, four years,” Rider explained. 

“[Kobe] grew up and took over the league. I give him all props. I’ve seen him as a puppy,” Rider said, talking about Kobe’s rookie year. So 18-22 he was learning his way, he was raw and I was still like that’s the nicest 18-year-old I’ve played against.” Rider mentioned how he served Kobe during his first few years. Kobe was only a teenager while Rider had plenty of experience in the league.

But the tables turned when Rider joined the Lakers in 2000. “When I got to the Lakers he was like ‘Let’s play one-on-one.’ I was like, ‘Uhh, I’m just getting into shape, let me get my body right and I’ll get with you in about 30.’ His whole thing when he told me later was like, ‘Remember when you used to go at me?’ That’s his way of coming back at me,” Rider said. 

Isaiah Rider mentioned his respect for the mamba from what he experienced with him both as an opponent and a teammate. 

Rider thinks Michael Jordan is a whole different thing

After speaking his views on Kobe, the six-time champion was next on the cards. “Mike is a whole different thing, and I had to guard them both,” Rider said. He informed how he had a different approach when he was about to face MJ the next day. 

“Like Mike, ‘Let me go sleep tonight and chill. Let me get rest the next day, stay focussed, and eat the right things. For Kobe, not saying that you had to switch it up, but I didn’t have that fear,” Isaiah Rider revealed. He mentioned that if you’re facing Michael Jordan, you better bring your A-game. 

Rider also revealed his close bond with Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan back in the day and also had the most important point to make. “Mike is the best player in the world, ever.”