VIDEO: Tyson Chandler Said Kobe Bryant Told Him James Harden Would Be 'Next One After Me'
On Friday, the Houston Rockets held their media day, signifying their season tipping off. The majority of the talk was centered around James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but veteran center Tyson Chandler had some interesting comments. Chandler revealed what Kobe Bryant said about Harden during a 2011 pick-up game.
Kobe to Tyson Chandler: "He's [James Harden] going to be the next one after me.”
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 27, 2019
(via @doloresalozano)pic.twitter.com/UOEOKCowdc
This is enormous praise coming from a five-time champion and arguably the greatest shooting guard behind Micheal Jordan. Clearly, Harden has impressed Bryant with his endless scoring ability and knack for absorbing contact.
Bryant's comments came all the way back in 2011, when Harden was still coming off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's proven Bryant to be pretty spot on with his assessment since joining the Rockets and transforming into an MVP-caliber player.
Tyson Chandler said that after a lockout pickup game in 2011, Kobe Bryant pointed to James Harden and said, "He's going to be the next one after me."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 27, 2019
While Harden has proven his dominance is just about every statistical measure, he still has one platform to conquer: the NBA Finals. Now reunited with Westbrook, the superstar tandem will both be looking to get earn their first rings.