CJ McCollum: “I Think It’s A Little Premature To Call Devin Booker The Next Kobe”

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CJ McCollum is a big admirer of Devin Booker's game, but that doesn't mean he agrees with the notion that the Phoenix Suns young star is the next Kobe Bryant.

Several media members have given Booker this unofficial title, and it seems like some fans bought into that. However, CJ wants people to pump the brakes on this; Devin is having a great season, but it's still early to put him next to one of the greatest players of all time. 

In a recent episode of his Pull Up podcast, McCollum praised Booker for his performances this season but made it clear it's still premature to be calling him the next Kobe. 

Via Yahoo Sports:

"I'm a huge Devin Booker fan," said McCollum.

"But I think it's a little premature to call him the next Kobe," he added.

"I think you need to allow him to continue to solidify who he is, what he is because he is special in his own right and to compare him to Kobe is just an unjust and unfair situation that you're putting him in."

The Portland Trail Blazers star admitted that the similarities are there, but Book is creating his legacy rather than trying to emulate what Kobe did during his incredible career. 

"I think there's a lot of similarities in their games: how smooth they are, how dedicated to their craft, obviously Book can score at three levels, he plays in Kobe's shoes, he looks up to Kobe and he has that same work ethic, that same tenacity.

"And he's positioned to potentially win the championship as a young star in this league so I respect his game and how he attacks it."

Comparing young to old stars is something common around the league recently. Trae Young, another young star making his way through the playoffs this year, has been compared to Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving. Now Book is getting the tag of 'the next Kobe .' Nevertheless, not everybody is happy with that. 

Book, Young, and more young players have a long career ahead. Time will tell how great they turn out to be, and if we need to talk about the Kobes or the Books or the Youngs as the greatest in their position. 

Devin is trying to lead his Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, and a victory against the Clippers tonight will put him in a very comfortable position to reach his goal.