January 26, 2020, remains a day of profound sorrow for basketball enthusiasts worldwide. On this day, Kobe Bryant, often considered the greatest basketball player after the incomparable Michael Jordan, boarded a helicopter with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, en route to a basketball game she was set to participate in. Tragically, the helicopter crashed in California, resulting in the death of all nine occupants, leaving the sports community in deep mourning. Kobe was scheduled to coach his daughter’s team at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks. Following his retirement in 2016, the Los Angeles Lakers legend frequently spent time on the court, teaching young players the sport he loved until his final moments.
Approximately one year and ten months after the devastating crash, Abu Dhabi welcomed the NBA for groundbreaking pre-season games, providing fans and aspiring players in the region the opportunity to witness global icons in action and interact with both past and present stars in fan zones. Since the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2022, many basketball legends have participated, yet the void left by Kobe’s premature passing is still keenly felt by fans in the UAE. Derek Fisher, who won five NBA titles alongside Kobe, believes that fans and young players can still draw inspiration from the greatness of his ‘best friend’.
“There are countless Kobe memories, making it difficult to choose just one or two,” Fisher told the Khaleej Times during a Zoom interview from the US. “What I cherished most about being his teammate for an extended period was witnessing his relentless dedication to his game every single day of his life. He was undeniably one of the greatest basketball players ever, but he never ceased working on his craft, constantly seeking ways to grow and improve.” Fisher, who will engage with fans during the pre-season games between the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets on October 4 and October 6 in Abu Dhabi, asserts that Kobe’s most significant legacy was not his legendary scoring ability, but rather his unyielding desire to push boundaries, setting him apart from ordinary athletes.
“Many people, upon reaching a certain level in their fields, become complacent, thinking, ‘This is what we’ve achieved, this is what we can do.’ But Kobe was never satisfied,” Fisher explained. “He always aspired to get better, and this is what made Kobe truly special. He constantly looked for ways to further enhance his skills. I believe this is what distinguishes great individuals, athletes, and teachers in life. They never stop striving, and that’s precisely what Kobe did on a daily basis. This is a lesson we can all learn from.”
Having highlighted what young players can learn from Kobe, Fisher shared the advice he offers to aspiring athletes. “The most crucial advice I often give is the importance of seizing the opportunities that come your way in life,” he said. “If you genuinely follow or love something, it shouldn’t matter how many minutes you get on the court or the position you play. What matters is maintaining focus on the task at hand. There will always be aspects of life beyond your control, but you can always control what is within your reach.”
Fisher believes that these pre-season games in Abu Dhabi will inspire many young players to dream big and aim for the NBA in the future. “One of the most significant outcomes we’ve observed is the development of emerging talents and the creation of opportunities, placing the game in a position where people can see it,” he said. “There is now the chance to see these global stars live and be inspired by them. For basketball fans, this is an incredible gift, a blessing.” Fisher expressed his excitement about being part of the NBA pre-season games in Abu Dhabi as a global basketball ambassador.
“It will be my first time in Abu Dhabi, so I’m eagerly anticipating meeting people, interacting with fans, taking photos with them, and discussing the sport. I’m very enthusiastic,” he said. “In my life and journey, it’s a fantastic experience to connect with fans across the world for an extended period. During my playing career, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the globe as I do now. Basketball is, and always will be, a lifelong passion for me, continuing until I am no longer here. So, thankfully, we have this opportunity to come to Abu Dhabi, spend time in the UAE, and hope this wonderful sport continues to grow and thrive.”
