# @unapologeticallymemphis on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DW4FPOuEV2e
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/63720919-unapologeticallymemphis-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/c94acf1ac3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-08T15:50:25.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Unapologetically Memphis (@unapologeticallymemphis) — https://gondola.cc/unapologeticallymemphis

## Caption

This is not Kobe slander. Just a film showing Penny was him before the injuries ‼️#LLKobe

🎬 bbalhghlts
•
Real ones know Penny was Kobe before KOBE

Penny Hardaway had a few possessions in the late 90s where he made a young Kobe Bryant look like he was still downloading the NBA. Penny at his best was a nightmare matchup. Six foot seven with guard handle, smooth pace, and the ability to see over defenders while keeping the ball low. That combo messed with Kobe’s defensive timing.

On those plays, Penny didn’t rush. He used hesitations and long strides to get Kobe leaning just enough, then glided into the lane or rose into a soft jumper. No wasted movement. Kobe was aggressive defensively, always trying to pressure the ball, and Penny used that energy against him. One shift of pace and he was by.

It wasn’t domination for a whole game. It was moments where craft beat intensity. The kind of sequences that stick because you don’t often see Kobe get put on the back foot like that. Penny’s control and size forced him to adjust instead of dictate.

Those clips are a reminder of how special Penny was before injuries slowed him down. For stretches, he made even elite defenders look like they were chasing shadows.

## Stats

- **Views:** 10,576
- **Likes:** 1,870
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 55

## Tags

llkobe

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