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Kobe Bryant passed the torch to Andrew Wiggins in 2016, just as Mamba did to Michael Jordan in 1998

Raahib Singh
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Kobe Bryant passed the torch to Andrew Wiggins in 2016, just as Mamba did to Michael Jordan in 1998

In 2016, Andrew Wiggins attempted and made a fadeaway jumper over Kobe Bryant, who learned the same from Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA in 1996. In his first years, he had to fight his way to get more playing time. However, that all changed, and Kobe started making his mark on the Lakers and on the NBA. He made his first All-Star team in 1998.

Kobe inspired a generation of basketball players. Just like Michael Jordan inspired him, so many young players took Kobe as their idol and tried to shape their game like his. Mamba stole a lot of moves from Michael Jordan, and incorporated them in his game. Similarly, the younger generation stole a lot of move from Kobe.

In 2016, when the Wolves were facing the Lakers, Andrew Wiggins pulled Kobe’s signature fadeaway move on the Mamba himself, and made the tough shot.

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Kobe Bryant returned the favor, and showed Andrew Wiggins how its properly done

After Wiggins made the jumper, Kobe was visibly impressed, and said, “That looks familiar.” The Maple Jordan replied and said, “I got it right from you, man.”

Kobe didn’t take it lightly, and had to show the youngin’ how it’s correctly done.

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After the game, Wiggins earned his nod of approval from Kobe as well. Talking about his game, Kobe said,

It felt like a passing of torch, of sorts. Just like Kobe learned the fadeaway from MJ and then hit the same on him, Andrew Wiggins did the same.

Also Read: Robert Horry and Byron Scott hilariously recall 6ft 6 Kobe Bryant’s inability to shoot 3-pointers

Using the moves he had learned from Kobe, Wiggins beat another one of Mamba’s disciples, Jayson Tatum, in the 2022 NBA Finals.

About the author

Raahib Singh

Raahib Singh

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Raahib Singh is an NBA Journalist and Content Strategist at The SportsRush. A Computer Science Engineer by qualification, Raahib's passion for sports drew him towards TSR. He started playing basketball at 14 and has been following the NBA since 2013. His entry into the basketball world perfectly coincided with Stephen Curry putting the league on notice. Having followed the league for a long time, he decided to use his knowledge to become a sportswriter with The SportsRush in 2020. Raahib loves to put up some shots in his spare time, watch Cricket, Formula 1, and/or read a nice thriller.

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