"I wouldn't compare anybody to MJ or Kobe" - Andrea Bargnani feels Jordan and Bryant were on another level originally appeared on Basketball Network .
Understandably, current players would be likened to NBA greats such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant . But as far as Andrea Bargnani is concerned, the comparisons hardly make sense since the two icons were on a different level.
"I mean, I think Kobe, MJ, this kind of guys definitely, they have to be left alone. I think they are at another level. I wouldn't compare anybody to MJ or Kobe," Bargnani stated when he appeared on "Sports Bytes Philippines."
Bargnani dropped those words after being asked to comment on former Brooklyn Nets teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in 2015. The Italian hailed the 23rd overall pick of the 2015 Draft for his all-around game, someone who could bring quality minutes to any team.
Hollis-Jefferson admitted that he is flattered by the comparisons to Bryant. He confessed that the Los Angeles Lakers Legend was his favorite athlete, adding that Bean was one of the best to play the game.
However, RHJ knows that no one can come close to what the "Black Mamba" achieved. He appreciated the recognition but admitted he was just flattered by the uncanny comparison.
"At the end of the day, you know, Kobe was Kobe. He did things like no else could. So to be compared to that, I feel extremely humbled and honored," the 6-foot-6 player said to Spin.ph back in 2023.
RHJ received attention for his outstanding performances in the FIBA and PBA in the Philippines. However, in the NBA, there are current players who have also been likened to the five-time champion.
At the top of the list is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder . Lou Williams , a former teammate of Bryant with the Lakers, couldn't help but compare Vino to the reigning NBA MVP, particularly his performance in the 2025 Finals.
However, that feting was immediately shot down by another former Bryant teammate, Gary Payton. GP stressed that there can only be one Kobe and that comparing Shai to him was a travesty.
"There's going to be one Kobe. That's it. It's only one Kobe. Don't y'all compare people to people, especially somebody like Kobe Bryant . Let Shai be Shai. I don't think he's Kobe yet. I don't think he ever will be Kobe," The Glove reasoned on Shannon Sharpe's "Nightcap" show.
Thanks to his work ethic and dedication to the game, Bryant became an inspiration to many modern-day players. Most have embraced Kobe's Mamba Mentality, which is why players like Devin Booker are performing at a very high level.
However, embracing Kobe's philosophy is entirely different from trying to be like Bryant. Booker had his share of Bryant comparisons. The Phoenix Suns star admitted he was inspired by the late Lakers star, but he can never take the place of someone as great as him.
"I'm inspired by Kobe Bryant and Mamba mentality, but I am not Kobe Bryant," Booker stated .
The Kobe or MJ comparisons are unlikely to stop anytime soon. Some do it for the sake of argument or to start debates. However, the bottom line is that it would take a considerable effort to reach their levels, which only the best of the best can achieve.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
