LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- While Kobe Bryant's farewell tour has resulted in endless flattery, a comment from Tracy McGrady could be the best compliment.
McGrady, who took part in Friday's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, said that the retiring Bryant is the best player he ever played against.
"Playing against Kobe in his prime, in my prime, there's no doubt that he's the best player that I ever faced," McGrady told ESPN.
McGrady also played against Michael Jordan during a 16-year player career. McGrady, 36, made seven All-Star teams during his career. Bryant is competing in his 18th All-Star game Sunday in Toronto.
"The drive, the competitive nature that he displayed for 20 years," McGrady told ESPN. "He was always one of the guys that I looked forward to competing against because he brought the best out of me."
McGrady averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. After being selected No. 9 by Toronto in the 1997 NBA Draft, McGrady played for Orlando, Houston, New York, Detroit, and Atlanta.
Bryant has averaged 25.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 20 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers. He also has five NBA titles. Jordan averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists pre game in 15 seasons for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He trumps Byant in titles, winning six rings.
