In a recently released podcast with Bill Simmons, Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green identified late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant as a source of inspiration in Green’s years prior to becoming an NBA player.
“His mindset, his mentality, how he approached the game, how he carried himself, always putting in the work and stuff,” Green said. “That was the time I started to lock in mentally, tried to get stronger physically.”
“I watched a lot of Kobe when he was younger, how he came into the league, and everything changed for him,” said Green, who grew up in California while watching Bryant play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
During his distinguished 20-year NBA career, Bryant became an 18-time All-Star; an 11-time All-NBA First Team member; a five-time NBA champion; and a two-time scoring champion. He won two Finals MVP awards (2009, 2010) and one regular-season MVP (2007-08).
In regards to Bryant’s playing style, Green said he worked on a lot of post moves after seeing Bryant successfully utilize those later in his Hall of Fame career. However, the 20-year-old Rockets guard said he is waiting to deploy those at the NBA level until he gains more strength.
Green’s complete podcast episode can be viewed below.
