Kobe Bryant played a basketball game in Minneapolis on Sunday. You might have heard about it, as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar passed Michael Jordan for third on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Also, the game featured Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Andrew Wiggins matched up against Bryant. The 2014 No. 1 pick defended him ably, even though the Lakers guard finished with 26 points. From ESPN's Baxter Holmes:
“Yeah, it was a strange feeling, because I remember being Andrew Wiggins,” Bryant said. “I remember playing against Michael my first year. To be here tonight and to play against him, seeing the baby face and the little footwork or little technique things that he’s going to be much sharper at as time goes on -- it was like looking at a reflection of myself 19 years ago. It was pretty cool.”
As Wiggins walked out of the arena, Bryant’s message was relayed to him.
“That’s just motivation to my ears, to hear those kind words to come from someone of his caliber,” he said. “That’s just motivation to my ears.”…
“That’s a legendary moment for me, to see a living legend,” Wiggins said, standing near the Lakers bus, where fans chanted “Ko-be!” like mad.
“I witnessed greatness. I witnessed the passing of Michael Jordan in scoring.”
Wiggins is a much different player than Bryant was at the same age. He's longer, even more explosive and a superior defender. Bryant, though, was much farther along in terms of ballhandling and creating his own shot. He never lacked confidence to try to make plays for himself, even coming straight out of high school. Wiggins' game has lots of room to grow in that regard.
The league has changed a lot since Bryant arrived in 1996, and there's no way to know how far Wiggins' potential will take him. Still, it's neat to see a future Hall of Famer say the Wolves rookie reminds him of himself. No pressure, obviously.
