Every NBA team’s greatest draft pick of all time
By Dre Elder
Basketball fans last saw Kobe Bryant on the court uttering, “Mamba out!” Kobe had just finished dropping 60 points during a vintage performance against the Utah Jazz in his final game. It was a fitting end for Kobe’s iconic 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. One that almost began on a different coast.
The Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant 13th overall in the renowned 1996 NBA Draft. Then, the Hornets infamously traded him to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac on draft night. Charlotte believed Divac filled an immediate roster need. Dave Cowens coached the Hornets at the time and recently spoke with the Boston Globe about the team’s thinking.
"“We had Glen Rice, Dell Curry, and Muggsy Bogues, some guys who could play a little bit from the backcourt, and we were looking to try to win right away. We needed to get a big."
Well, the Hornets’ philosophy ultimately worked out alright for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant quickly developed into one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. He became the youngest player ever to start an All-Star Game in 1998. More accolades poured in once Kobe became a permanent starter for the Lakers in the 1998-99 season. And by the turn of the millennium, Kobe Bryant was a certified superstar.
Kobe’s talents were undeniable but his personality was polarizing for most of his career. He was largely condemned for his famous feud with Shaquille O’Neal. Legendary coach Phil Jackson once described him as “uncoachable.” Kobe produced like few others in NBA history despite the constant criticisms.
Kobe Bryant made 18 All-Star teams, 15 All-NBA teams, 12 All-Defensive teams, and won five championships. Kobe’s career will go down as one of the most decorated of all-time.