Ron Harper explains the main difference between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Ron Harper is one of the few players who was able to work with both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. And in a recent interview with Stacey King, Harper explained the difference between both players and why he believes Jordan was superior to Bryant and the rest of the NBA.

“He’s probably as close as anyone to ever competing with MJ.” He was a very competitive competitor. He played his game, walked and talked like MJ and acted like MJ. And the two of them were particularly close at the end of my career. When you see MJ, you see him, it’s the same thing.”

“What I tell people is what separates Kobe from MJ. MJ was about 230 pounds and Kobe was about 210. And you know, the physicality that MJ played with on offense and defense is going to wear him down. But as far as the athleticism, the same fadeaway, the jump shot, the mid-range game, Kobe had all of that and will compete until the end of the day… like MJ.”

It's no secret that Kobe Bryant modeled his game and style of play, not to mention his approach to the game and mentality, on Michael Jordan. Kobe spoke several times about how Jordan was his role model and later his mentor and the influence Jordan had on his career.

Harper's comments seem to reflect the prevailing opinion about Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Many believe Kobe was a “light” version of Michael Jordan, someone who had almost the same mannerisms and stylistic qualities as Jordan, but not quite the same level of skill and strength.

This is not to denigrate Kobe Bryant, because being a “light” version of arguably the greatest player of all time will give you a great career, as Bryant experienced himself in his 20 years in the NBA.

Ron Harper on 1996 Bulls vs. 2016 Warriors

Ron Harper was also asked about the 1996 Chicago Bulls, who won 72 games in a season en route to winning the NBA championship, and how they would fare against the 2016 Golden State Warriors, who had broken their winning record. He noted that while the Warriors were good, the Bulls actually won a championship in their best season and proclaimed that they would easily beat the 2016 Warriors in a seven-game series.

“73-9 sounds good. But 72-10 has a sound… Without that sound it means nothing. You can't be the greatest without this team…Who's Stephen Curry going to miss?' When you talk about our rules, they're too physical…We could adapt to whatever style of basketball they want to play.”

Of course, such arguments can never take place without context. Harper believes that regardless of the rules and timing of the series, the Bulls would be able to adapt and cause problems for the Warriors.

But while he patronizingly acknowledges the Warriors' strengths, Harper should know that the Warriors hypothetically have a weapon to dismantle the 96' Bulls – Steve Kerr.

Kerr, who played for the Bulls this season, became coach of the Golden State Warriors later in his career and led them to their 73-9 record. So he will know how to do justice to players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on the court.

Who would win in a seven-game series between the 1996 Bulls and the 2016 Warriors? We'll probably never get an answer, but fans will always be happy to join in the debate and speculation about this dream game.