Tracy McGrady on Kobe Bryant: ‘He’s the best player that I ever faced’

Former NBA-great Tracy McGrady said Friday that Kobe Bryant is the best player he ever faced.

Former NBA-great Tracy McGrady said Friday in an interview with ESPN that Kobe Bryant is the best player he ever faced.

“Playing against Kobe in his prime, in my prime, there’s no doubt that he’s the best player that I ever faced,” said McGrady, who also played against Michael Jordan.

McGrady, a seven-time All-Star during his 16-year NBA career, continued his high praise for Bryant, who will retire at the end of the season.

“The drive, the competitive nature that he displayed for 20 years,” McGrady continued. “He was always one of the guys that I looked forward to competing against because he brought the best out of me.”

• NBA All-Star Weekend predictions

Bryant will make his 18th All-Star Game appearance on Sunday in Toronto.