Dwight Howard’s bold claim that Kobe surpassed Michael Jordan in skill sparks a heated exchange with Gilbert Arenas.
Dwight Howard recently stirred up a heated debate during his appearance on the “Gil’s Arena” show by claiming that Kobe Bryant was more skilled than Michael Jordan. Howard argued that Kobe took everything Jordan did and not only replicated it but enhanced it.
“I think Kobe better than MJ skill-wise. He took everything Jordan did and multiplied it. He did it better. He had the fadeaway, the drive, the pump fake.”
This assertion sparked an immediate and passionate response from Gilbert Arenas, the show’s host. Arenas disagreed vehemently with Dwight Howard’s assessment, pointing out that Kobe’s game was based on the later stages of Jordan’s career, specifically when Jordan was older and had adapted his playing style to be more post-oriented.
“Why the f**k are you talking about Kobe enhanced MJ’s moves when you’re only talking about MJ 95, 96, 99. Kobe don’t look nothing like MJ in 84 to 93. He don’t know who that f**k is. He learned Michael Jordan’s old f**k comeback with the post-up fadeaway. That’s an MJ he mimicked. He did not mimic Air Jordan.”
Arenas’ argument is rooted in the idea that Kobe’s game closely resembled the more refined and methodical version of Jordan that emerged after his first retirement. Jordan in the 1980s and early ’90s was known as “Air Jordan” for his explosive athleticism, high-flying dunks, and relentless drives to the basket.
As Jordan aged, particularly during his second stint with the Chicago Bulls, he relied more on footwork, post moves, and his signature fadeaway jumper—skills that Kobe mastered and incorporated into his own game.
Howard’s claim suggests that Kobe not only mirrored these aspects of Jordan’s game but arguably perfected them, showcasing a level of skill that even Jordan had not reached. However, Arenas’ counterpoint highlights that while Kobe may have mastered the later-stage Jordan’s skill set, he did not fully replicate the all-encompassing athletic dominance and creativity that defined Jordan’s earlier years.
This debate underscores the enduring comparisons between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two players whose careers and legacies are inextricably linked. While Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Kobe’s dedication to emulating and enhancing Jordan’s style has solidified his place among the NBA’s all-time greats. However, whether Kobe surpassed Jordan in skill remains a contentious and subjective discussion among basketball fans and analysts alike.