Kobe Bryant Named his Greatest Player of All Time- Not Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest basketball players of all time, whose NBA career was defined by his relentless work ethic and a competitive fire that captivated audiences worldwide.

Drafted straight out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the L.A. Lakers, Bryant became the centerpiece as one of the league’s most decorated franchises.

Over his 20 seasons, all with the Lakers, Bryant won five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and a regular-season MVP award. The legendary shooting guard was a dynamic scorer who was admired for his impeccable footwork, mid-range mastery, and elite defensive skills.

By the time he retired in 2016, Kobe had scored 33,643 career points, leaving behind countless unforgettable moments. Bryant ultimately knew as much about basketball as anyone, and his name has frequently emerged in discussions about the GOAT debate.

In 2019, Kobe actually revealed who he believed deserved that title, and surprisingly, he didn’t choose Michael Jordan.

Kobe Bryant revealed who his greatest player of all time is

In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, Kobe Bryant explained why Bill Russell was his greatest player of all time. There was one overarching reason why the Laker legend chose the Boston Celtics‘ icon for this title, and it comes down to what Kobe valued most.

Bill Russell was the centerpiece of the NBA’s most dominant dynasty

Bill Russell’s basketball career is one of the most remarkable and impactful in the history of sports. The Monroe, Louisiana native spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics, becoming the cornerstone of an unparalleled run of success.

Known for his exceptional defense, rebounding, and leadership, Russell revolutionized the center position by emphasizing team play and defense over individual scoring.

He led the Celtics to eleven championships in 13 seasons, including an astonishing streak of eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966. No NBA dynasty has gotten close to what Boston achieved during this era, including Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s.

Russell’s individual resume is comparable to or even better than any of the players in the GOAT debate. In addition, Bill’s rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain became legendary, helping define an era of basketball that drew massive attention to the NBA.

Beyond his on-court success, Bill Russell’s influence extended into social justice and leadership. In 1966, he became the first Black head coach in North American professional sports while serving as a player-coach for the Celtics, which was a groundbreaking moment for racial progress in sports.

Russell used his platform to speak out against racial inequality and became a symbol of dignity and strength amid the civil rights struggles of his time.

The NBA ultimately recognized Russell’s immortal legacy by eventually naming the Finals MVP trophy after him. And when Bill passed away in 2022, the league made his No. 6 the only number retired across all franchises.

Overall, Kobe recognized the footprint that Russell left behind, as well as the standard he set for future basketball legends on how to lead a franchise.

Certainly, there are arguments against the Celtics’ all-time great’s case, including the player pool depth in the 1960s, the lack of teams during that era, and the fact that Bill’s squad usually had the talent advantage when facing the likes of Wilt Chamberlain.

Nonetheless, Kobe’s choice is entirely fair, as Russell set the ultimate standard for winning and was a true trailblazer of the game. Michael Jordan certainly wouldn’t mind this take, as he held Bill in a similar regard.