Craig Hodges Discusses Jordan, Bryant's Skills, Impact

Recent reflections from former NBA players have reignited the GOAT debate, with firsthand insights comparing Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Nick Anderson, who played against both Jordan and LeBron, unequivocally named Jordan as the best player he ever faced, highlighting Jordan’s dominance and impact. Trevor Ariza, on the other hand, argued for Kobe Bryant as his personal GOAT, citing Bryant's relentless mentality and difficulty as a matchup compared to LeBron. Craig Hodges, having played with Jordan and coached Bryant, noted that while both shared an obsessive work ethic, the primary physical difference was Jordan’s larger hands, which allowed for unique ball control. Hodges also recounted that Jordan never lost a conditioning drill in over four seasons, underscoring his legendary drive and competitiveness. He observed that while Bryant modeled much of his game after Jordan and was deeply analytical, Jordan’s relentless approach in every aspect—from practice to games—set him apart even among the all-time greats.