https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id...t-almost-became-new-jersey-net-1996-nba-draft There was a show on NBATV, i think, that was called "What if". What if Kobe was drafted by the New Jersey Nets. It was a short analysis of what could have been but still fascinating. Obviously, i am happy it went the way it went, but there is a lot of wonder on how different it would have been had New Jersey not fallen to the bluff. No doubt, Calipari was the coach. But would Kobe have grown tired of him eventually? My instincts say, yes, but that's just one of the fascinating parts. The others are, New Jersey becomes a perennial contender. The Nets end up winning multiple titles, no doubt. Since Kobe would be the man from the start, he is reeling scoring titles and stats up the ying-yang. The Nets never leave New Jersey. They build the big arena in New Jersey and never move to Brooklyn. Kobe would be bigger than The Sopranos in New Jersey. Here's the big one. The New Jersey Nets would finally overshadow the New York Knicks? I think so. I love reading stuff like this. Kobe is on record saying he would have played for the Nets had they drafted him. I mean, why not? It was 90 min away from where he played high school ball. He would have played right away instead of having Leslie Neilsen sit him down for an entire regular season, only to use him in the most important games where he shoots 4 air balls. Kobe had shots at being a Net, a Bull and a Clipper. Pretty crazy stuff.
Never thought I would ever say this about a C bag, but damn, I don't think I could not cheer for him with talk like this.
Amazing how much respect and gravitas Kobe’s interactions with players in the league carried and still are used for motivation and inspiration.
He sure would johnnyboy! Russ is Mamba approved!!! Honestly that’s what I come back the most to in this amazing trade, how pleased Kobe would be.
Stumbled into this gem today following Mac McClung video. Bodes well for the kid making our G league roster.
Somewhere Bryant confronts Stern and tells him..."Even if you were still there, you can't forever hold down my old team!"
This video was awesome, thanks for sharing it. Some of these stories I hadn’t heard before, and when it was over I wish it had gone on for another half hour, it flew by.