Reggie Miller is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to wear an Indiana Pacers jersey. Alongside other legends like Chris Mullin, Miller left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history. Today, he works as an NBA broadcaster, offering expert analysis and insight on stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Known for his outspoken takes, Miller recently weighed in on a popular NBA debate, and named the player he believes elevated the game to “another level.” Surprisingly, it wasn’t Michael Jordan.
Although Miller competed against icons like Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Tim Duncan, and even LeBron, his pick for the most transformative player in the modern era is someone else entirely. Drawing from his deep knowledge and experience, Miller singled out one of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers of all time: Kobe Bryant.
Bryant’s legendary 81-point game, his unrelenting “Mamba Mentality,” and the joy he brought to Lakers fans were all highlighted by Miller. Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes, the Hall of Famer shared a powerful message about Kobe’s impact and legacy in the NBA.
“He [Kobe] took it to another level, I think,” Miller said. “Kobe was a much better shooter. Fundamentals, they were, uhm, but Kobe was a better three-point shooter. He took it… he was almost like MJ on steroids.”
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Miller shares insight into Kobe Bryant’s relentless evolution
Bryant, one of the most iconic figures in NBA history, was known for his relentless drive, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Fueled by his famous “Mamba Mentality,” Bryant elevated his game to historic levels. Miller recently opened up about the behind-the-scenes dedication that helped shape Kobe into one of the greatest to ever play the game.
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“He watched every film of MJ while he was living in Italy. I’m not kidding, he had the footwork down to a science,” Miller recalled. “But he added his own flair to it.”
Miller used the moment to highlight how players like Bryant and Tim Duncan are sometimes overlooked in the GOAT debate. While the conversation often revolves around flashier names, their legacies, rooted in consistency and impact, should not be ignored.Many former players continue to advocate for Bryant as the greatest of all time, and Miller himself considers one of the forgotten stars as the best power forward in NBA history.
Miller reflects on Larry Bird’s early words of encouragement
In addition to praising Bryant, Miller also took time to reflect on another NBA legend, Larry Bird. While often asked about Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the Pacers icon recalled a memorable interaction with Bird during his rookie season.
“I had met him briefly during a game in Indiana, but he barely said a word to me,” Miller said. “After our first game at the Boston Garden, in the closing moments, he walked by and said, ‘Keep working hard, Reggie. You’re going to be a great one.’”
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Reflecting on the moment, Miller added, “I played it cool on the outside, but inside I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, Larry Bird just told me to keep working hard.’ I remembered my mentors, Magic, Byron Scott, Coop, and I had already been around greatness. But to hear that from Bird during my rookie year? That was unforgettable.”
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