Seth Vigdor
The Kobe Bryant retirement tour continued in Charlotte on Monday night. Bryant was originally drafted by the Hornets in the 1996-1997 draft, however he expressed his displeasure for being selected by the Hornets. Fifteen days after being drafted by Charlotte, Bryant was traded to the Lakers.
There have been many reactions and tributes to Bryant since his retirement announcement. However, on Monday night it was the Michael Jordan’s turn to pay tribute to Bryant. Jordan is now of course the owner of the Hornets.
Here’s the video.
Here’s the full transcript of Jordan’s comments via foxsports.com.
“I just want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career. When I look back at the first time we actually played each other, and the competitive drive that I saw within your eyes — even though the knowledge wasn’t quite there yet — it’s very invigorating. I’m very happy to leave you this message to say how much we are very proud of what you’ve accomplished over the years. Most people don’t realize you were drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, so that connects us with you. I’ve always been like a big brother, and you like a little brother. We communicate all the time. I just want to say congratulations. Your next step in your next career is going to be something that I’m pretty sure you’re going to have to figure out. From a competitive standpoint, I’m pretty sure you’re just like me, so you’re going to have to find other ways to utilize that competitive drive. But I want to congratulate you and Vanessa and the girls. You’ve been a big help to the game of basketball. You helped the NBA. You helped promote it. I’m pretty sure you’ve got a lot of fans all over the world. I’m a big fan. I still love watching you play. I’m very, very happy for you and what you’ve accomplished within the game. I look forward to seeing what you do next. If you ever need me, you know my number. Let’s stay in touch. I wish you the best. Have a great game tonight — not too good of a game. But I want you to stay healthy. As I said a couple weeks ago, this is your last year — just have fun. Take it a day at a time. Enjoy it. I look forward to seeing what you do after this.”
Bryant’s retirement tour continues this week with a game against the Celtics on Wednesday night and the second and last matchup of the season against the Sixers in Los Angeles on Friday night.