Kobe Bryant Passes Michael Jordan

The comparisons will always be there. As Kobe Bryant moves closer to six championship rings and eventually seven, Phil Jackson will reveal that he believes Kobe was better than Michael Jordan. The process has already begun like it or not.

Maturity

Michael Jordan did not embrace players who could have made the Bulls better over his career. It is one thing to have a competitive spirit, but in the offseason it becomes a time to look at players who can make the team better even if the player plays the same position. Depth at a position generally has never hurt a team in the NBA. Jordan was receptive to Rodman, but he never would have considered playing with Joe Dumars or Isiah Thomas even if the players could have made the Bulls better or brought the Bulls a championship sooner during his career. That is an indication of some immaturity on Jordan’s part.

On the other hand, Kobe Bryant has really matured over the last few seasons. Bryant is very competitive on the floor, but knows when to turn it off. In the offseason, Kobe always looks to make the Lakers better and has actively welcomed or pursued players who could make the team better on a consistent basis. Ron Artest, Matt Barnes and Raja Bell had some major battles with Bryant on the floor, however, he did not take it personal. Even though Bell never joined the Lakers, it indicates something special about Bryant that he wanted to play with Bell. Bryant understands adding players to the team who compete hard against the best only adds depth to a roster. Bryant has surpassed MJ in terms of maturity and will get more rings than MJ because of this.

Phil Jackson- The Astrological Connection

Part of Phil Jackson’s greatness has been his ability to connect with superstars. During the course of Jordan’s career he never really connected with Phil Jackson beyond the floor. Jordan had a lot of willpower mixed with skill that allowed him to win for Jackson on the floor. Jordan never bought into the book reading or other things Jackson had the team do over the course of an NBA season. Jordan is an Aquarius. Jackson a Virgo. The astrological connection did not connect the player with the coach in this particular situation. The two have not remained close in Jordan’s retirement which speaks volumes considering both accomplished so much together.

Kobe and Phil Jackson have connected through all the adversity. They remain attached at the hip no matter how much Jackson’s hip currently hurts. Kobe understands exactly what Jackson wants to happen in the triangle offense.  Kobe and Jackson have connected off the floor and will stay connected after Phil retires. Bryant is a Virgo and so it Jackson. Bryant has bought into the book reading and other things Jackson has a team do over the course of an NBA season. Kobe and Jackson will remain friends for life. Frequently, when a coach and player share the same astrological sign the bond is extremely strong. The astrological connection has connected the player and coach in this particular situation. Jackson and Bryant made championship history together with the Lakers for a reason.

Hall Of Fame Speech

Michael Jordan did not do a good Hall Of Fame acceptance speech. Jordan came across too arrogant and pompous.  He just did not care about how anyone would perceive him. That is a mistake. When an opportunity presents itself, great players capitalize. Jordan did not.

Kobe Bryant will do a much better job during his Hall Of Fame acceptance speech. Bryant has been through a lot, but certainly wants to finish off his career in style. Bryant will be gracious and will take advantage of the opportunity.

The Debate

The debate about who is better will continue between Kobe and MJ for a long time. But Bryant is starting take advantage of areas that will be important for the debate. After Kobe gets six rings, it is on to the next one. The debate will only intensify.