Lessons the Sixers Can Learn from Kobe Bryant
“We’re going to cut your hearts out [Wednesday].”
The infamous words of Kobe Bryant during the 76ers’ first finals appearance in nearly twenty years against Kobe’s Lakers. The Sixers lost this series (in a big way) after taking game 1 in LA, which produced one of the best memes of all time.
At 22, Kobe climbed the NBA’s highest mountain twice, logging almost the most minutes in the 5-game series (second only to Allen Iverson) and cashing in just over 24 points per game. He secured the three-peat the following season and officially launched himself into NBA stardom.
But, winning with the help of Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t enough for Philadelphia’s estranged son. Kobe captured two more NBA titles in consecutive seasons and brought home the coveted Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award twice during this impressive run. This, almost five years removed from Shaq’s tumultuous breakup with Kobe and Hollywood’s team.
Did this result satisfy the best basketball player in the world? Nope, not quite. His response after his 5th NBA title: “Just one more than Shaq…I can take that to the bank.”
Petty, right? Conventional wisdom suggests so, but we’re talking about Kobe Bryant – who is, perhaps, the fiercest competitor in NBA history. This is a man who demanded respect every time he stepped on the court. He accounted for every detail – both on and off the court – and never lacked motivation.
Kobe feuded with Shaq, sure, and their tenuous relationship reflected this dynamic. But this was about Kobe Bryant leaving his mark on the NBA and building his legacy. He needed people to understand his drive, work ethic, and fearlessness. He feared being viewed as incapable of winning on his own the most. He only needed himself.
In fact, Kobe excitedly recounted his first time guarding Michael Jordan as a rookie in 1996. He remembers thinking he wanted to ‘destroy [MJ]’ and ‘come for blood’. But, Michael had other plans and blew past Kobe on a signature move for an easy bucket. Instead of backing down, he readily embraced the challenge of guarding the cockiest, most effective defender and scorer in the world at the time (and possibly ever). No help defense. Just Kobe and Michael battling for supremacy in the moment.
Whether or not he succeeded is insignificant. What’s most important was his willingness to go against the best in order to be the best. Kobe keenly understood that, without failure, there’s no success.
So, what can this current Sixers team learn from Kobe’s killer mentality and larger-than-life spirit?
For starters, they shoot their shots. Don’t become complacent with all-star selections and leading the league in steals. Why not lead the league in steals, assists, and points per game fueled by a lethal 3-point shot? Offseason videos of making outside shots during YMCA pickup games shouldn’t be good enough. Make teams fear all aspects of your game and pride yourself on this.
‘Not having fun’ shouldn’t become an excuse for poor play. Work isn’t always fun, but winning is fun. So, find a way to win. That’s why the front office pays a certain 76er the highest salary on the team. Take a page out of Kobe’s book and find a way to get the job done. Yourself (if absolutely necessary). No excuses.
The first time Allen Iverson played against Kobe’s Lakers in LA, Bryant took A.I. to dinner. They talked basketball, surviving as a rookie in the league, and life. When the two parted ways, Bryant asked Iverson about his plans for the night. A.I. unsurprisingly went clubbing. Kobe? He went to the gym. As a rookie.
Arguably the most frustrating shortcoming of this Sixers team is their attitude. The team’s ‘clap on, clap off’ approach to winning is insulting, and damning to Number 24’s legacy. Championships are won at the gym at 4AM when the rest of the world is sleeping or other players are clubbing. They aren’t won in offseason proclamations or workout videos.
Sixers, rip the NBA’s hearts out of their chests. Embrace challenges, take those shots, win and ‘have fun’, and, most importantly, have the audacity to want to be the best.
Anything short is failing yourselves, and it’s the least you can do to honor the legacy of the greatest basketball player in Philadelphia history and one of the best in NBA history.
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