For whatever reason, we want our NBA champions to have what we call “a killer’s instinct.” Michael Jordan epitomized it. Kobe Bryant followed suit. Kawhi Leonard might have got there for a minute.
In what other world would we enjoy this? Where else would Jordan be lauded for berating — even punching — teammates, calling them “fat,” “stupid,” “losers” and “garbagemen,” declaring, “I’m going to ridicule you until you get on the same level with me.” Fans of the Chicago Bulls booed the deceased architect of a six-time champion before his widow for little reason but the way Jordan portrayed him.
Bryant’s legacy is more complicated. We hardly know the real Leonard, whose public image reflects a basketball-playing robot. Is this what we should really be championing in the name of a killer’s instinct?