Michael Jordan is arguably one of the greatest basketball players to ever play, but he almost regretted teaching Kobe Bryant his signature move.
Kobe wanted to use a fadeaway jumper that MJ had taught him in their first game against each other and there was some tension between them as they went on during that night. Thankfully, though, this particular story has a happy ending because Kobe used it to win their rematch! Who knows what would have happened if Michael didn’t teach him such an important skill?
Michael Jordan almost regretted teaching Kobe Bryant his signature fadeaway. In a recent interview, Michael Jordan said that he wished he hadn’t taught Kobe how to do the fadeaway because it would have been better for him if he had never learned it. Read more in detail here: what did michael jordan say about kobe bryant.
It’s easy to look at Michael Jordan and assume he’s living the dream from afar. Of course, the NBA star had a legendary basketball career, which he has converted into a tremendous wealth. Even in retirement, he is one of the wealthiest and most well-known persons in the world.
During his tenure on the court, though, MJ came close to having one regret, which had to do with Kobe Bryant.
When he first entered the NBA, the younger guy made it a routine to pick Jordan’s brain. His Airness grudgingly shared, although he thought he told Kobe a little too much on one occasion.
Michael Jordan nearly regretted teaching Kobe Bryant his famous fadeaway jumper.
During a head-to-head showdown, Michael Jordan backs down Kobe Bryant. | Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images
For all of his skill, Michael Jordan wasn’t always the most personable person. Despite this, Kobe Bryant was determined to learn all he could from his hero.
When the two men met at an epic All-Star Game, MJ assured the young Laker that he could contact him if he needed anything. Bryant just needed that invitation.
“The NBA players were locked out the next season, and Bryant texted Jordan at all hours of the day and night, sometimes as late as two or three a.m.,” Jackie MacMullan recalled on an episode of The Ringer’s ‘Icons Club’ podcast. “Jordan alternated between amusement and irritation.”
Jordan was initially hesitant to reveal his secrets, thinking that every NBA player had to find things out for himself. He realized, though, that he wasn’t really giving away the answers with Kobe; he was only confirming the young man’s views.
“Man, man, I mean, that’s really awesome,” I’d reply after chatting to him in my bed. However, I’m not sure I could have ever done anything like that where I’m stealing information from someone. “Why am I giving up all this information that he’s going to use against me?” I wondered at times. He knew the answer no matter how I started the dialogue. I wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already know. I believe I was verifying it in some way.
Speaking on The Icons Clubs, Michael Jordan
Despite all of this, MJ had some reservations about one of their conversations.
“The one thing I did offer him that I felt like I should have regretted—but also appreciated—was his turnaround fadeaway,” Jordan said. “He figured out my move.” He’d gotten to the point where he’d use it all the time, particularly when he knew he’d be double-teamed. Even though he didn’t use it much against me, I felt immense delight in witnessing him use it.”
Aside from the basketball, the narrative reveals the human aspect of both NBA icons.
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If you’re a basketball fan, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Kobe Bryant studying from Michael Jordan. At the same time, witnessing the human side of both legends is a fascinating experience.
Jordan might seem impenetrable due to his on-court successes as well with his abrasive nature. He is, without a doubt, a real-life superhero in contemporary athletics. Hearing His Airness, a guy who had accomplished about everything conceivable on a personal level, talk about how proud he was to watch Kobe play portrays a different image. MJ has the air of an older brother who employed rough love to prepare his protégé for the real world.
From the other side of the coin, there’s something endearing about Kobe calling His Airness at odd hours of the night and asking him weird things. While the moment may seem like it belongs in a buddy comedy or a sitcom, it reveals a side of Bryant that is relatable. He was a youngster wanting to be like his idol before becoming the invincible Black Mamba. That’s not dissimilar to how a generation of youngsters yelled “Kobe” as they tossed empty cans into the trash.
It’s easy for sports fans to lose sight of that reality. Jordan and Kobe are superheroes who can jump over big defenders in a single bound. Kyrie Irving is a pantomime villain who walked away from the Celtics before teasing the fans at every turn. James Harden is either a misunderstood scorer or the most self-centered individual on the planet. Subtlety takes much too long. It’s not enticing. It’s tossed away and forgotten about.
While Jordan’s comment may be interpreted in a variety of ways, I believe it is the most important. Although his encounter with Kobe Bryant occurred more than two decades ago, it might still influence how we regard our idols today.
RELATED: Former MLB All-Star Mark Grace was once stunned by Michael Jordan’s epic game of blackjack.
Michael Jordan is a retired NBA player and current owner of the Charlotte Hornets. He has been in the spotlight for many years, but he almost regretted teaching Kobe Bryant his signature fadeaway. Reference: kobe bryant highlights.
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