On the evening of what would have been Kobe Bryant’s birthday, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul spent time with two former teammates.
He hung out with Jannero Pargo and Tyson Chandler, both of whom were on the New Orleans Hornets when Paul was a young player.
Pargo’s now an assistant coach on the Portland Trail Blazers, and Tyson Chandler plays for the Houston Rockets. Paul’s mind kept drifting to a different former teammate, though, one he played with in the Olympics and on All-Star teams.
“Us three haven’t been together, I think, since my wedding in 2011,” Paul said. “All I could think about is what Bean would have been like in this bubble. You know what I mean? What Kobe would have been like in this bubble.”
What would Bryant have been like in the bubble? Surrounded by opponents who he just played against — and probably beat — hours before?
“Kobe was a killer. A killer, you know what I mean, when it comes to this sport. His craftsmanship, his game, and competitive nature,” Paul said.
When asked about Bryant, though, Paul’s thoughts didn’t immediately go to the court. He first thought about the people around him, and that evening with Pargo and Chandler.
“When you think about this bubble, I got the opportunity to spend time with guys that I never would have got the chance to spend time with,” Paul said.
He mentioned the posts that went around social media of former Los Angeles Laker star Pau Gasol with Bryant’s family.
“One of the most special things I’ve seen was Pau Gaol with Kobe’s daughter. That’s true friendship,” Paul said.
He also spake about being grateful the NBA could play.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 4 win over the Houston Rockets took place Monday, on “Mamba Day” — 8/24, Bryant’s jersey numbers — and Paul spoke about Bryant after the game.
“When we out here, people are talking about this, and that, and what you don’t have, you just gotta be thankful for the opportunity we do really get a chance to play.”
Paul has even changed his pregame routine in a subtle way to honor Bryant.
“People probably would never notice, but before the game I used to hit the stanchion three times. Three times before the jump ball,” Paul said. “I do eight now. I do eight, and I look up and then I say let’s go Bean.
“Because I know what type of competitor he was, and I know, there ain’t a game that’s going on that’s hes not watching.”
