April 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace (15) subs for shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) as leaves the game in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center. Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon. He under went surgery April 13 and is expected to miss six to nine months. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Jackson’s new book will be launching next Tuesday, in which he does something he has rarely done in his active coaching career – compare Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. You can find some of the quotes from the book here. Judging from what Jackson says in his book, he clearly looks at Jordan as a superior player, but he turned to Twitter to clarify.

Listen friends of bball; don’t get hung up on words. I was most fortunate to have the chance to coach two of the greatest gds. EVER MJ/Kobe

— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) May 17, 2013

The comments in Jackson’s book have been talked about ever since the LA Times leaked some of the quotes, with Jordan and Bryant fans debating them. While it is clear that Jackson was leaning towards MJ in a lot of ways, he obviously still appreciates everything that Kobe has accomplished and he acknowledged that through Twitter.

What do you think about Jackson’s comments and do you agree? Let us know in the comment section down below.

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@VytisLasaitis

Apr 5, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Phil Jackson court side at game between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Phil Jackson has had the pleasure to coach two of the best shooting guards of all-time in Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. While he would rarely compare the two as a head coach, he is not shy with the comparisons in his new book.

While the book is yet to be released, the LA Times have gotten hold of a copy and shared some interesting quotes. Judging by the quotes that are offered, it is very clear who Jackson prefers. Here is a little teaser:

“Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe. He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around,”

“No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender. He could break through virtually any screen and shut down almost any player with his intense, laser-focused style of defense,”

“Michael was stronger, with bigger shoulders and a sturdier frame. He also had large hands that allowed him to control the ball better and make subtle fakes.

“Jordan was also more naturally inclined to let the game come to him and not overplay his hand, whereas Kobe tends to force the action, especially when the game isn’t going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns. Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game.”

Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success is to be released on Tuesday, May 21st. Other than comparisons of the above-mentioned players, Jackson shares other pivotal moments and interesting stories about his illustrious coaching career.

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@VytisLasaitis