NBA icon Phil Jackson coached both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant during his career and compared the basketball legends in a book written after his retirement

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are undoubtedly two of the greatest basketball players in history. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, becoming symbols of their respective franchises and dynasties.

One man who had the privilege of coaching both Jordan and Bryant is the iconic NBA coach, Phil Jackson. Jackson, who orchestrated the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s before joining the Los Angeles Lakers, led these superstars to a combined total of 11 championships.

In his memoir, “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success,” co-written with Hugh Delehanty, Jackson shares his insights into the key differences between Jordan and Bryant, reports the Express US.

According to Jackson, one of the most significant disparities between the two players lies in their leadership styles. He describes Jordan as “more charismatic and gregarious,” someone who enjoyed spending time with his teammates and security guards, engaging in activities like playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around.

Jackson says that Jordan’s leadership was hands-on, with the ability to control the emotional climate of the team through his sheer presence: “Though at times he could be hard on his teammates, Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence. Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim.

“He talked a good game, but he’d yet to experience the cold truth of leadership in his bones, as Michael had in his bones.”

The sociable nature of Jordan was in stark contrast to Bryant, who entered the NBA as an isolated 18-year-old. Jackson attributes this to Bryant’s lack of college experience. However, as time went on, Bryant evolved as a leader and became increasingly affable within the locker room.

“Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road,” Jackson said. “It was as if the other players were now his partners, not his personal spear-carriers.”

Phil Jackson coached both NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

On the court, Jackson suggests that Jordan had the edge over Bryant in terms of offensive efficiency and overall performance. Jordan had a natural inclination to let the game come to him, avoiding the tendency to overplay his hand.

On the other hand, Bryant tended to force the action, particularly when things weren’t going his way. When Bryant’s shot was off, he would relentlessly pound away until his luck turned, says Jackson.

“Jordan was also more naturally inclined to let the game come to him and not overplay his hand, whereas Kobe tends to force the action, especially when the game isn’t going his way,” Jackson added. “When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns.

“Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game. No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender. He could break through virtually any screen and shut down almost any player with his intense, laser-focused style of defense.”