Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce said Kobe Bryant was never the face of the NBA. This is an outrageous and misguided take by Pierce.
Pierce needs to understand his role in the league’s history. Stop mentioning Kobe and Miami Heat great Dwyane Wade and trying to compare yourself to them.
Bryant’s Unrivaled Reign as the NBA’s Icon
Kobe was the face of the league after Michael Jordan and before Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James. It is not even close.
Look at ratings, winning, jersey sales, and international appeal. Most players today cite Bryant as their idol when they were kids.
The Mamba’s Cultural Grip
Kobe wasn’t just the face of the league on the court — he was everywhere. From entering the NBA straight out of high school to the day he retired, he dominated commercials, TV shows, endorsements, and the whole culture.
And even though people mention MJ, Shaquille O’Neal, or AIlen Iverson as faces of the league, the truth is players and fans wanted to be like Kobe. His influence hit different.
