Bob Myers asserts players shouldn’t be allowed to use phrase ‘Mamba Mentality’ - "Not many guys want to take your will”
Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers recently voiced his displeasure with players channeling Kobe Bryant's famous "Mamba Mentality". Expressing his thoughts on the use of the term on the "All the Smoke" podcast, Myers explained why he doesn't like players throwing the term around lightly.
The "Mamba Mentality" is a slogan or phrase that has been attributed to one's approach to any endeavor. Exemplified by LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who came up with the phrase, the "Mamba Mentality" is meant to help people strive for greater things.
The approach was borne out of Bryant's relentless pursuit of perfection. With a tireless need and desire to achieve the pinnacle in one's field, the slogan embodies the dedication needed to do the same.
The slogan has since been used by several NBA players and other known figures as they continue their pursuit of excellence. However, as per Bob Myers, there are some shortcomings in their approach towards the same.
Myers felt quite displeased with people casually throwing the term around. He voiced this displeasure on an episode of the "All the Smoke" podcast. He said:
(from 30:18-32:13)
"When people use the 'Mamba Mentality', you guys don't do that.You're not him. Nobody should be allowed to say that. I'm sorry. There is nobody there like him.
"When people say that, it bothers me and I'm like, I don't pretend like I do that, but I'm like, you don't get to say that. That's not a throwaway line ... I'm sorry, but that went with him. Come up with something else."
Bob Myers continued by highlighting the sheer degree of competitiveness and obsession associated with the phrase. While using Kobe Bryant as a prime example, Myers said:
"Not many guys want to take your will. A lot of guys want to beat you. Not many guys want to take your will and make it, so you know never to try that again.
"Like, how dare you try to beat me? How dare you think you're going to come out here and beat me?' but nobody lives like, that's what I'm saying. That is not normal."
Needless to say, Bryant had a truly unique approach to the game and as Myers mentioned, he is unique.
Since Bryant's unfortunate death in 2020 the "Mamba Mentality" has become more of a symbol for a way of life. While many aspire to live up to it, the task of doing so is certainly not for the faint of heart.
Bob Myers' raised a valid point regarding the "Mamba Mentality"
Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers took a rather drastic take on the use of the "Mamba Mentality" slogan. However, in many ways, his opinion on the matter may be considered valid.
As Bob Myers mentioned, several players tend to throw the term around lightly. While considering the implications of the phrase and the work associated with it, Myers may be justified in having such a strong opinion regarding the matter.
While players such as Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker have been closely associated with Kobe Bryant, very few players truly embody the spirit of "Mamba Mentality".
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the fair few who fulfilled the challenges set out by Bryant for him. In this regard, the difficulty associated with living up to the legacy set out by Kobe is quite evident.