Jordan on Kobe, Last Game at the UC, Paying Tribute on the Court, and Other Bulls Bullets

January 27, 2020, by Elias Schuster Chicago Bulls

Full thoughts on Kobe Bryant’s untimely passing right here.

The GOAT talks about losing his “little brother.”

Michael Jordan on the passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/cUpT0TDUOn
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 26, 2020

K.C. Johnson shared this great video from Bryant’s last game in Chicago. He talks about the impact Jordan had on his game and his mindset as he moved into NBA superstardom. What he says at the very end is hard to ignore now in retrospect: “So if I was fortunate enough to come here … it’s not a pressure situation to live up to what he’s done. It’s more like can I carry on this man’s legacy, can I do it justice?” I know this may already be the case, but that same question will be asked by every player to put on a Lakers uniform moving forward.

Still have this video on my phone from Feb. 21, 2016. Covered Kobe’s last game at United Center for Trib and here he speaks on MJ’s influence on him. pic.twitter.com/9DWEr542BD
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 26, 2020

Shoutout to NBC Sports Chicago for piecing together plenty of Chicago and Kobe content throughout yesterday. One great post talks about Bryant’s path to almost becoming a Chicago Bull back in 2004, while another focuses on his relationship with former-Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau. Give them a read.
The United Center helped pay Chicago’s respect last night.

Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and the NBA community as we all mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and all individuals lost in today's tragic accident. Mamba was a legend in the game and in life. He will forever be missed. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FtrE3SIJ0F
— United Center (@UnitedCenter) January 27, 2020

While I still feel as though the NBA should have worked harder to cancel last night’s game, I love the recognition each team gave at the start of last night’s game. Beginning with a 24-second violation, followed by an 8-second call felt like the proper way to pay respect on the court. Hopefully, the Chicago Bulls, along with all other NBA teams that didn’t play yesterday, will proceed with the same act last this evening.

A powerful moment in honor of Kobe.
After the Grizzlies took a 24-second violation to begin the game, the Suns took an 8-second violation. Devin Booker was moved to tears. pic.twitter.com/YikW0sY4rr
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2020

The Clippers took a 24-second violation, the Magic took an 8-second violation in honor of Kobe Bryant. 8 and 24. Wow. pic.twitter.com/4n06iWbbLx
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 26, 2020

All the teams around the league tonight are taking 8 and 24 second violations to begin the game. Basketball is a family. pic.twitter.com/D6KMoQh0pL
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 26, 2020

Raptors and Spurs start the game by each taking a 24 second clock violations to honor 24, #KobeByrant. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/Heq0B2LUmM
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) January 26, 2020

Hawks start the game with an 8-second violation.
Wizards then take the 24-second violation.
RIP, Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/rUUbofrLXw
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) January 26, 2020

To take your mind off some of the tragic news, I recommend giving a listen to the latest Bulls Talk Podcast. In the second episode of the team’s 90s Bulls series, Jason Goff speaks with Will Perdue about his time playing alongside MJ, and Perdue shares a story about a fan asking for Jordan’s autograph in a bit of an awkward situation (Spoiler Alert: It was while he was in a bathroom stall). Give it a listen!

https://twitter.com/NBCSBulls/status/1220864282428084224?s=20

Really, Bulls? I can’t help but watch the latest episode of the Run With Us web series with a bit of irony. For practically half the episode, the Bulls focus on Denzel Valentine and include clips of him praising GarPax for their help in his recovery efforts. Yet, this organization has basically refused to play him on a nightly basis.

The actual interesting part of the episode comes in the middle when talking about two-way guard Adam Mokoka. I’ll admit, I think this kid has got a chance. I got to see him up close a couple of weeks back when I took in a Windy City Bulls game court-side, and he was by far the most complete player on the court. Of course, he’ll need to eventually prove he can do it against NBA talent. With how this Bulls season is going, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get his chance as the weeks go by.