CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Kobe Bryant was a perfectionist.
Charlotte Hornets lead assistant Jay Triano learned how true that was in 2008 as part of the U.S. Olympic coaching staff. He mentioned to Bryant he'd started scouting Uruguay's national team because that was a likely opponent in the qualifying tournament.
Bryant immediately rattled off the names of Uraguay's top three players and a description of each one's game. How, in the world, would Bryant know all that?
"We might play them," Bryant replied.
That's how meticulously Bryant prepared for eventualities throughout a 20-year NBA career. Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter accident in Southern California at 41, setting off shock and grief throughout the league. Following practice Monday, Hornets players and coaches reflected on one of the greatest basketball players ever.
Nicolas Batum recalled having to guard Bryant in the first NBA game he ever played, as a Portland Trail Blazers rookie in 2008. Batum has matched up with elite scorers throughout 12 NBA seasons, but no one with Bryant's ravenous competitive persona. Bryant wasn't just intent on winning; he set out to humiliate.
"If he wanted to kill you, he could kill you," Batum said of how thoroughly Bryant could embarrass opponents. "(Especially) if he had something against you. I have memories (of thinking) in the first quarter, 'Yeah, I've got the edge on Kobe' and then he'd get 40 anyway ... .
"He was on the court before everyone, he wanted to win more than everyone. He was a champion."
