There’s always the question of how retired athletes will or won’t stay connected to the game. In Kobe Bryant’s case, projects like basketball poems and animated short films have sufficed.
In terms of staying close to the NBA, Kobe keeps a distant but watchful eye with a steady pulse of what’s happening in the league. Kobe recently issued a challenge to point guard Isaiah Thomas via Twitter for the upcoming 2017-18 season.
.@Isaiah_Thomas I challenge you to make the All-NBA First Team next season #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/kl8FN4JiO9
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/905958836489654276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcavsnation.com%2Fcavs-news-isaiah-thomas-accepts-kobe-bryants-nba-first-team-challenge%2F
An interesting addition to the chip on Thomas’ shoulder after being traded to the Cavaliers. Thomas made All-NBA Second Team last season.
Kobe would then issue a challenge to Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetonkounmpo, upon his request.
Still waiting for my challenge.. @kobebryant
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 24, 2017
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 27, 2017
Plenty of people feel that this could be the season for Giannis to potentially break out into MVP mode.
Kobe was also asked to provide a challenge for Wizards point guard John Wall.
What's your challenge for John Wall @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/zki8BJqeZI
— Brendan Smith (@threezustrist) August 27, 2017
1st team all defense https://t.co/zbee5KUe6h
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 27, 2017
Say no more !!RT @kobebryant: 1st team all defense
— John Wall (@JohnWall) August 27, 2017
Wall made Second Team All-Defense in the 2014-15 season.
Don’t be surprised if we see a few more challenges issued before the 2017-18 season kicks off next month. Kobe’s investment in the game continues with his investment in the greatness of today’s stars and pushing them to reach certain heights. So far, we haven’t seen any challenges for players like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, and so forth.
So far, we haven’t seen any challenges for players like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, and so forth.
Thomas, Giannis, and Wall are stars who are still on the rise and can possibly reach an even greater level. I think a direct challenge from Kobe Bryant is pretty decent added motivation.