Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant were two of the best players in the NBA during the 2000s, starring in memorable duels during that decade, although they ended up having different resumes.
Kobe would become a 5-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning from big injuries to lead his squad to the promised land. He was arguably the face of the league during that decade, while T-Mac’s level slowly decreased his level, having an early ending to his career.
Once one of the most electrifying players in the league, McGrady was a menace playing 1-on-1. Recently, he joined the Hoopshype podcast with Michael Scotto to discuss a series of topics, including his failed trade to the Chicago Bulls. He also had the chance to talk about the best 1-on-1 players in the league, picking Kobe as the best one he had to face.
19:45 Who’s the best one-on-one player in your opinion?
TM: Kobe (Bryant) is definitely at the top of that list. I could go with a handful of guys that are great one-on-one players. Baron Davis. Cuttino Mobley. Lou Williams. Jamal Crawford. These are one-on-one certified killers. Allen Iverson. That’s what these guys do. But definitely, Kobe is at the top of that list.
Moreover, he was asked who would win a duel between him and the Black Mamba. McGrady was polite and said that they would share wins.
20:35 At your peaks, who’d win a one-on-one between you and Kobe?
TM: I think it would go back and forth. I think it won’t be a lopsided competition. He’d win some, and I’d win some.
Kobe and T-Mac were really good friends and did a lot of things together. One of the best stories involving them happened in on offseason when Kobe tried to persuade McGrady to not work out and relax, while he was at the gym working out. They had a close bond and Tracy never hesitated to show his love for the KB24. We would love to see them going at it today and learning about Kobe’s opinion on this matter. Unfortunately, that won’t happen.
