Kobe forced Shane to completely change his defense | Knuckleheads Podcast | The Players’ Tribune

Shane Battier talks about facing Kobe Bryant and the legendary battles they had over the years. He remembers the first time they played in the NBA and how truly great Kobe was.
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[@bibs8962]

shane's explanation shows how well he understands defense and its smallest details

[@philipcallado5693]

3 time National Defensive Player of the Year at Duke even before he entered the league. Defensive genius.

[@SRT_DRE]

Miami signing Battier literally transformed LeBron into a defensive wizard. LeBron used to ask him why did he always need the assistants to put together a folder on players stats before he played them. He told LeBron he likes to know where on the floor players are good and bad so he can defend them better. LeBron started to borrow those folders from Battier and he learned how to defend on a statistical level. Ever since that season, LeBron has been an ultra great defender. There’s a little nuggets that if you’re a Heat fan and been a Heat fan since the LeBron era you’d know. That’s another reason why he still works for the Miami Heat as the head of the analytics department.

[@goodenergy8217]

Hey numb skull…your the worst kind of analytic

[@bryanchrisjoseph5526]

Damn man ... the sit-down interview between Kobe & Shane would've been epic! The breakdown of their battles would've been an encyclopedia full of details.

[@murph6253]

Big facts!

[@rafag5018]

Bro, your comment made me instantly sad.

[@andydufresnejr]

I see Kobe joking about how Shane never once had him in any situation while going through film and Shane letting it slide lol

[@stephenholliday9536]

💯. Bro picture him and kobe just talking defense on a coaching staff.... shitttttt

[@MBAMentality]

Let it go

[@KidBakz]

Even Kobe himself said Shane was one of the best defenders he ever played against. Good times

[@DubboU]

I think Tony Allen and Shane Battier were the only 2 defenders Kobe acknowledged.

[@frappexd_2959]

@@DubboUi think bruce bowen as well

[@andrewtenorio3871]

Bruce was great as well

[@jonb2756]

​@@DubboUhe once said that Eric Snow was the best defender he faced in the early 2000's.

[@D4NK1]

My favourite defenders are also the ones I score the most against

[@lamambanegra9]

Shane is a class act. MUCH respect to one of the best defenders the NBA has ever seen.

[@74205gb]

81st Like #MambaForever

[@luisvilla799]

No he ain’t dude doesn’t shake hands with commoners

[@Hasani751]

He was one hell of a defender!! That battle between him and Kobe in 2009 was epic🔥👏🏾

[@frankhortoniv3739]

Yes it was epic! I remember those days

[@JamaalMills]

He was fighting every pick and screen he was all heart

[@espectrodelayautja6320]

Wasn’t a battle. Kobe cooked dude. Entertaining yes.

[@MrRed-yj3my]

Battle? 😂 Kobe cooked him. There was no battle at all.

[@ejmontgomery5]

It’s simple barbecue chicken lol

[@MrFruscianteFan]

Shane is so friggin smart and polished. Could listen to him all day.

[@R-EVLMNKY]

Kobe knows what Shane is doing 👌👍😊👍 Mamba Forever! My GOAT!

[@L4-295]

I hate that my kids will never really know Kobe for what he really was. He was absolutely incredible at his peak.

[@kingposse1]

What would your kids learn from Kobe

[@kenjordan954]

​@@kingposse1 He talking about just watching him play basketball. Some of you just be begging to troll or hate. Do something else with your time. Go to the gym, take a walk, meditate or read a book. Do something else besides being a hater each and every day. It's clown behavior.

[@kingposse1]

@@kenjordan954 it’s a question ! Get out your feeling queen ! Damn and I wasn’t even talking to you ..maybe you should follow your own advice

[@russelljohnson437]

@@kingposse1I mean how to be successful you live in a normal house he went to the nba out of high school. So would you rather me take advice from you ? Bro there’s always somebody like you talking on the internet go to work

[@kingposse1]

@@russelljohnson437 you need a basketball player to tell your kids how to be successful ..ok cool

[@Handle4139]

At 5:35, when Shane says Kobe recognized his false humility, well Kobe was actually able to recognize it from reading Bill Russel’s autobiography. In his book, Bill talked about how unstoppable Wilt Chamberlain used to be, and so he would try his best not to aggravate or bother Wilt because he know that if he tried to stop Wilt or talk smack, then Wilt would become motivated and start trying to beat Bill. That’s what allowed Bill to eventually get all those rings, and Wilt never realized that Bill was actually playing a mind game with him. But Kobe was able to recognize it

[@noneyabeeysnass8283]

Perhaps. But back in those days, the championship team would get the first pick in the draft so the Celtics literally kept stacking their teams with talent to defeat Wilt.

[@PTO_Finesse]

@@noneyabeeysnass8283that’s actually wild af. Makes way more sense why some teams have more banners than others.

[@TellTheNations]

@@noneyabeeysnass8283ayooo I didn’t realize that was the case what a TRIP. Folks were STACKING that’s crazy

[@RussellMonstarWestbrook]

Did Kobe tell you that’s where he got that knowledge from? Where’s the source?

[@theinktician]

With all due respect to Mr. Russell and your knowledge of the situation, I don't see Kobe reading that so early into his career. Perhaps after the 2010 chip or 2007. I'd also say this is something you can get from intuition. Eliter defenders are prideful in their craft. Pride is the heart of defense - the driving force of the effort you give. As humble as a defender make act after the shot, you can always see the pride in their defense

[@ArmandoKozomara]

Shane is a good dude. I love hearing him talk about Kobe and their battles. Boy, i wish they could've sat down and talked on a podcast. Miss you so much Kobe!!

[@JP-jd8wr]

His mindset as a defender is exactly how it should be. Take notes young hoopers.

[@gseric4721]

Hurts to see the pain in Shane's eyes at the end. Really wish they could have sat down and talked after their retirements.

[@davidt6161]

Shane was such a great defender. Won at every level of basketball. Such a professional & class act.

[@devingu9841]

It's so tragic Kobe left us way too soon before the talk between legends and legends. I really want to learn how these players would break down their game and really reveal what they were thinking. RIP Kob

[@jaymoney6233]

Great defender, Shane didn’t shy away from any challenge!!!!

[@sean24833]

He scored 56 in 3 quarters on Memphis in 02 during shane rookie year. That was when shaq was suspended for his fight with brad miller.

[@selfmade8884]

Definitely need battier to do more podcasts. He’s insightful and gives great answers.

[@Mamby]

I love that stories like this keep coming out about Kobe’s greatness. And to see how much respect he gets from players who played against him.

[@charliedcho]

Shane has always been a class act guy. Underrated player.

[@GiriRam]

That rockets team with him and Ron and T-Mac and Yao was so loaded and epic!! Man miss Kobe so much

[@JamesKlass79]

Him and Artest on opposite wings on defense is crazy

[@228allday]

​@@JamesKlass79crazy work

[@Mike1122.]

The gauntlet Kobe’s lakers had to go through from 2008-2010 was crazy; Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Utah, etc.

[@vongSTAA]

I miss that team so much. Dont forget Scola too

[@alexboche1349]

That 2009 Lakers Rockets series was one of the most intense series I remember as a Laker fan. Shane's team had so much heart!

[@LifelsGreat]

Great times….

[@lacosa24x]

I’m a cavs fan and Bron fan and loved kobe and always liked the lakers cavs and lakers I always watched man I remember that series I wish we had Bron vs kobe in the finals

[@jacobbxd]

2009 rockets and nuggets were no joke was some fun matchups vs the lakers. it truly showed why kobe was the best player in the league that year that whole playoff run.

[@javee-th5no]

Wow. Shane sounds super educated! Love how he keeps it REAL! PROPS TO HIM.. R.I.P. DA GOAT KOBE!

[@daindigokid]

Lol no he doesn’t. He sounds like a white guy who doesn’t use any slang or AAVE.

[@iamwillshepherd]

He certainly sounds educated. He articulates his points like all of my colleagues who are all incredibly educated (stem grads from Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Cal, Stanford, Oxford, McGill, Peking university). My colleagues come from Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America and they carry themselves like this guy. If you really think he sounds white, just goes to show you living in a bubble. A person’s race has nothing to do with how they speak, but their education level and social class certainly do.

[@javee-th5no]

@@iamwillshepherd..Facts!

[@rastachip]

DUKE

[@cial67]

No goat would shoot 6-24 in game 7 of the Finals 🤡😅

[@MillzTheAthlete]

What Shane lacked in speed and atheletism, he made up for with intelligence. He understood his strengths and weaknesses and was able to carve out a roll for himself in the league.

[@geetee4037]

Battier is the legend and the nicest guy you'll ever meet. I was fortunate enough to have a night out in Memphis with him and other Grizzlies and he was so down to earth and up for a laugh. The Hurricanes made it a bit messy! He is great to listen to and any kid looking to learn and watch a true role model should search out and watch Battier's games.

[@Kevon420]

This is why people love and remember Kobe. He was meticulous in his approach to basketball and life, and he remembered and respected his peers, teammates, and opponents. You gotta love a guy who lives life to the fullest and doesn’t forget each person along the way.

[@JHMoonCompilation]

A mental game within a game. Fascinating and sad to not be able to talk it through years after in a chilled, private set up

[@MarcAndrewII]

I think he’s talking about the 56 in 3 quarters game vs the early Grizzlies. 42 percent off the dribble for a long two is actually a good percentage too. 44-45 percent on jumpers is EXTREMELY ELITE.

[@Brownflash]

Yup! 2002. Shaq was suspended for almost killing Brad Miller in Chicago lol. Frobe dropped 56 in 34 minutes, sat the whole 4th. He almost outscored the Grizzlies by himself. I remember that game.

[@BeefPapa]

It's under the league average compared to all overall shots. But those shots Kobe was taking I doubt anyone else would've scratched 40.

[@LakeShow-2481]

Especially at the volume & level of difficulty. He wasn’t attacking close outs & getting wide open dribble pulls. 42% when ur shooting the typa of shots Kobe was taking is crazy. I don’t like how Shane under player that wit no context.

[@johnsilveira459]

@@BeefPapaprolly cuz not all deep 2 point shots are the same

[@Lobothemainman23]

@@LakeShow-2481 He's not. Its a bad shot for the league average percentage. You don't get extra points because its harder.

[@Ridikuluzt]

Shane Battier gives great insight! You can tell Shane developed a lot of his defensive prowess from being challenged by Kobe and the battles he had with him. I’d like to hear more from Battier on this battles with Kobe. Shane Battier, awesome player and awesome guy!

[@KEIMOTHERAPY.]

This lowkey made me shed a tear bc although he never spoke to Kobe outside of the arena still the statement in the end is just as intimate within the context of having admiration of one’s approach to the game

[@BG-mn6di]

💯

[@paulflores5475]

Game respects game 🔥

[@michaela5811]

Crazy, Kobe went through defenders like doug christie, ginobili, byron russell, sprewell, steve smith, artest, battier, bruce bowen, ray allen, ruben patterson, grant hill, shawn elliott, paul pierce, prince, tony allen, finley, raja bell, dante jones, mikael pietrus. Kobe was just different man

[@QuestionEverything562]

Iguodala had a game against Kobe where he got Kobe to shoot 7 for 27 for just 17 points. The Lakers lost because of his bad performance. Kobe felt this game hard and told Andre he was gonna get him for 50 in the next game. Kobe scored 48 and got the win in the very next meeting against Iggy's 76ers. Kobe would have gotten 50, too if not for recieving a gash that cut his head in the 4th qtr. Jackson never put him back in because the Lakers were blowing up the 76ers.

[@avengingsylph]

I havent seen this man since NBA 2K13 when my roommate was a Heat main and I was always with the Lakers. Great memories!

[@phillyzoe]

That was a hell of a breakdown R.I.P to the Mamba 🐍

[@hoodie5004]

He talks so good and clear , i could listen to him talk ball or anything on a podcast or something. It’s a good listen. Mans articulate

[@jefferrrson1x]

Rip Kobe. Miss him so much. Love Battier man. Nothing but respect. Pure class.

[@TeezyfolKKz]

This attention to defense has been sorely missed in the game now. Maybe we wouldn’t see so many 30pt scorers

[@christmasboy07]

Agreed.. I be wondering why its been very hard for me to watch the past 5-6 years and its the defense .. The lack of resistance/competitiveness I feel when watching

[@FireAngelChris]

You would be seeing the same scoring the 3 ball & spacing has change the game. Also it’s some terrific defenders still in the game today.

[@cottonmather8146]

Attention to detail? You mean when you could sag off of non-shooting threats like Lamar Odom and Ron Artest, and send extra help on Kobe? Or you didn't have to worry about random role players like Malik Monk being able to pull the trigger on 3 consistently if you go under a screen on the pick and roll? It's not surprising why there's so many high scorers. Stars have more space than ever because you actually have to worry about the rest of the team beating you

[@cottonmather8146]

@@christmasboy07 Every team that's won has had a top defense in the league. There's no "lack of resistance". It's called having to worry about 4 other players being able to shoot 40% from 3, and trying to defend MVP caliber players (Curry/Jokic) one-on-one. That's why the Celtics lost in 2022 and Lakers got swept despite both having elite defenses

[@FireAngelChris]

@@cottonmather8146 Although the rules favor the offensive players people refuse to admit the game has change because of the offensive talents,the threat of the 3 ball & the spacing of the floor. Defense still exist,lol we see it every playoffs.

[@sshaxy860]

People don’t understand how rare it was for someone to score 63 points let alone in 3 quarters. He did that in record lowest scoring/pace eras of all time. That would be equivalent to 80 point in 3 quarters today! See how crazy that is!?

[@samblazer07]

Stop it

[@sshaxy860]

but its true. kobes stats are snubbed due to the pace in the era he played in. His shooting percentage is real but the impact he had on the games is underrated and much more impactful than most players today@@samblazer07

[@100yearsofwealth]

Much respect for Shane Battier... such a respectful and respectable guy... new generation could learn something from him.

[@ef_danielsan]

Shane is as well spoken as anyone I've come across. I imagine him to be the CEO of a Fortune 500. Well respected with a degree from Duke to boot.

[@hotTopichub850]

This was a fantastic clip. Thank you guys 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🥺🥺🥺

[@AbubakerDawood]

I love the idea when some credit speaks of Kobe Bryant's legacy spoken 😢❤

[@ZachDaHater1]

I used to call Shane Battier "The Cure to Kobe". He was definitely one of the best defenders on Kobe and he even wrote a book on his defensive gameplan against him. Now that's dedication! 🤣

[@hapjoy16]

Kobe Bryant RIP stories are the best, I swear each one I am just totally tuned in... It has gotten to the point if I dont see one in my algorithm I will go search one and watch just to get his stories back in rotation... I really miss him, so sad NBA just hasn't felt the same for me knowing he isnt here on Earth... It will always be a shock for me when I think about it, in those moments! #8/#24, GiGi, and all those who perished that day 🙏🏿

[@thebossrozayy]

From a Houston Rocket fan Shane Battier Salute OG You were a dog seriously

[@noraodonnell2999]

I was a Mavs fan in the early 00's, so I got to see Kobe play from time to time, but never with the kind of regularity I wish I could claim now. I'm only *really* discovering him now, after his passing, and stories like this hit hard.

[@andydufresnejr]

hands down my favorite defender ever beside olajuwon. he had the combo of being a great one on one defender but also knowing when to use his team and play team defense. absolutely no ego and it shows from the gem he drops around 2:50. he didn't play kobe straight up, he played kobes ego. people dont understand how great defenders are actually great psychologists. he wanted to be embarassed the flashy way because that gave kobe the least chance the be successful. and he absolutely had no ego after getting scored on no matter how hard he played because he knew the job wasn't to stop him from scoring but to limit his scoring. you also see how shane explains when he reads about himself in kobes book, even though they never spoke outside the court, hearing that he knew shane was just being humble about his ability to guard him, and the meta mind game between them. thats just competition in its purest form. god i miss that era.

[@FortyNightsMusic]

This is BRILLIANT defensive strategy. A real understanding of the game, the player, and HOW THE PLAYER THINKS. This is the kind of detailed approach that Kobe would appreciate. Incredible insight.

[@john1023va]

Hell of a story. Glad he is able to share it.

[@JerryRevolution]

Always loved Shane. Didnt know he was this humble and polite.

[@philipleung4258]

This was the best part of the entire podcast to me. Absolute gold. ⭐

[@lorenzo6777]

It’s amazing to see someone great at what they do and completely rely on humility to do it

[@LaSplasher]

Always got love for Shane! hell of a defender and all the great scorers in his time respect him 💯

[@slimyoung7364]

Dope story by Shane one of dukes finest. I like the way he breaks down everything in detail piece by piece not alot of players tell their stories like that they just kind of skim through, I appreciate all the Kobe stories from everybody. An wow I can't believe Shane an kobe never had run ins or a conversation outside the court that's kind of bitter sweet. You can clearly tell if Kobe an Shane had a sit down it would be a very interesting conversation with Shane being who he is an Kobe's growth throughout the years as he got older an retired as well as them being competitors it would of been dope. Kobe we miss you man it's some years now since you've been gone an everybody in the world has to continue on in this thing called life but not to many days pass by of us not being still shocked an hurt that you not here anymore. 🙏

[@069lilsane2]

This interview gave me a whole new level of respect for shane such a down to earth peaceful man💯

[@realmaninca]

What a amazing piece of content. Wow, well done, gentlemen. I moved to LA in 96 for graduate school, the same year Kobe moved to LA, I immediately became a fan, he was one of a kind. Gone to soon. Miles was one of my favorites, it just seemed like he was a kid having fun when he busted into the league. Keep up the good work. C.M. is unusually candid. #respect

[@manrose3485]

That's great insight.... Thanks for letting us in

[@takingchances4689]

LOVE & MISS YOU KOBE .. LOVED THE BATTLES BETWEEN HIM AND SHANE AND MANY MORE GREAT DEFENDERS HE WENT UP AGAIN REST UP KOBE 🐐🙏🏽

[@joejones3333]

Shane was a champion at all levels, which is a rare feat..great player and one of the smartest guys who has played. Shoutout to Mr. Basketball c/o 97💯

[@aldrintan8230]

The "He's right" killed me lmao

[@chrislevi1079]

Country Day Legend!! Shane's been a class act ever since high school. He was never a showman. All business. Highly intelligent.

[@markbernabe1661]

Kudos Shane..RIP Kobe..we miss you

[@EmptyNesters24]

Dang..much respect Shane, humble and truly a class act.

[@nbarealtalker]

It’s great hearing these high IQ players talk about their mental strategies against Kobe. Because you just know they’re also gonna tell you how Kobe took it to a whole new level with them. Kobe was probably the greatest mental assassin the game has ever seen.

[@thegod625]

Heart felt story right here 4sure... RIP Kobe!!

[@MusicMakesAdiff23]

Class act. Love hearing Shane, Tony Allen, Artest n raja bell talk about guarding Kobe

[@jwil757]

That’s awesome! Shane was a hell of a defender weather he wants to say it or not

[@250miles2]

I love this story. Really, after hearing it (again), the takeaway for me is, if you have a positive experience with someone, and some years have passed, it's okay to reach out to the person to discuss it. Don't wait too long to call an old teacher/professor/pastor, etc. and thank them for the moment you both shared. You may never get the chance again.

[@elevated_engineering6515]

Love hearing deep basketball analysis from guys like Shane.

[@marcusrangel8250]

This is great shoutout Shane man long live the legend #24👑 💜💛

[@ddel8991]

Love and respect

[@luckylefty2405]

i love hearing the stories about kobe

[@jamesball5743]

The best interviewers listen, great job fellas!

[@tkeung]

Battier just pure class, love your bro and personality man

[@dcamazin]

Thats a awesome interview

[@marktruss9368]

Great video! That was deep

[@jaimegarnica4960]

Respect to Shane I loved there battles I hated him when we played the Rockets but now I have nothing but respect.

[@Ontiming2023]

Yea Shane was so humble he always down played his defense which is why I like him he’s so humble an Kobe seen it an called it out an gave him credit he said you are a good defensive player which is why I also liked when Kobe retired he was so at peace now he could say ok nobody could stop me but these 3 guys gave me the most difficult times that helps a lot because these guys take pride in there jobs that really is humble of Kobe to give them that validation

[@bjdadon333]

I always appreciate those who play the gane within the game. Something most fans don’t understand. Mind game is everything

[@jongoodman7448]

#31 remains my favorite Duke player. Man never took a play off, was a true student/athlete, and did more things with and without the ball than anyone who’s ever played there. Hands down, pun intended, the best all-arounder to wear the uniform.

[@kirbyaugustine761]

Humble, modest and a consummate professional too

[@fernandogalindo8997]

This is soooooooo good!

[@hopiamongo8119]

Absolute fan of Shane... lockdown defender and no showboating needed. A good shooter too.

[@tonysoto8949]

Shane was one of the few Dukies that I actually liked. Class and hard worker which was rare for a snobby Dukie

[@je5406]

Him and the Alaskan assasin were a problem.

[@lorenzo6777]

No love for JJ?

[@legin3030]

This is so dope!!

[@dangerkadung]

That was a beautiful story ❤

[@tristanralphgalay3670]

I’ve always loved battier’s game. He does just what his team needs. That memphis grizzlies team with rookie Pao Gasol and mike miller under hubie brown was special, and later to the rockets who IMO would have won at least 1 chip if it wasnt for yao and t-mac injuries. Even to his last stint in miami, this man has a high basketball IQ. Love hearing from him in this podcast ❤

[@paulflores5475]

Wow I have goosebumps goodness

[@heroicIV]

Much respect to Shane Battier!!!

[@takagomez8181]

Mad respect to Shane. Seems like such a humble guy too

[@coolrunnings9506]

Love ❤️ this

[@jaysilence3314]

Shane one of my all time favourite players because of this metality.

[@4realGTFOH]

This is a fkn awesome story. Amazing

[@juanfor1341]

The first ever show I ever watch before the new ones came along. Def one of the real OGs.

[@DatNiz410]

Warriors poetry…. salute

[@lovethick]

Great Video 👍

[@amoney514]

Kobe my fav player

[@aaronbishop6476]

Respect.

[@bryannogaki3465]

Awesome point he made on his frame of mindset of how he defended the great players. It truly is a battle of wit and ego. Basically, he's saying you can get your 50 points but one, you're going to have to work for that 50. And two, you're going to have to score that 50 in a way that is not comfortable for you. Interesting perspective

[@Chris_Foxx]

That was literally poetry in a story

[@rayluo4665]

5:31 Love it. BTW, Shane also mentioned the same topic in another interview, with a shorter but more memorable line, "he knew I knew he knew, I knew he knew I knew". Classic!

[@michaeldavis6607]

Shane was drafted by the Grizz. He was a favorite and we relied on him so much

[@ikey1119]

Miss Bean. He was one for the ages.