At the time he was cast as Brons peer and even better in some peoples eyes. That said I dont think Karl was being serious. I think it was a misguided attempt at motivation. I think that actually revealed the shortcomings of both men. Karl obviously didnt know how to talk to people and overrated his own self. Like if Phil or Pat says that it might get the desired response. Melo took that shyt to heart but not in the right way. A Kobe or Mike or Bron or Duncan takes that as a challenge and does everything in their power to prove dude wrong and is actually thanking him for it 20 years later.
nikkaS ACTING DENSE.
ITS VERY CLEAR WHAT KARL WAS ATTEMPTING TO DO.