Steve Freeman/NBAE through Getty Photographs
Chosen with the thirteenth general decide
Earlier than you go up in arms about Kobe Bryant going after Antetokounmpo on this rating, simply know that he’s third right here as a result of there was quite a lot of expertise accessible after Bryant was chosen, together with three All-Stars (considered one of them a two-time league MVP) within the 4 picks instantly following Kobe. Alternatively, the Antetokounmpo draft had three All-Stars complete: Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert and Victor Oladipo, who was not on the board the Milwaukee made its selection. If the Lakers had missed on Bryant, there’s an excellent probability they might have gotten a star with one of many picks after him, Peja Stojaković, Steve Nash or Jermaine O’Neal. The identical can’t be mentioned for the Bucks had they not drafted Antetokounmpo.
Both method, initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the thirteenth general decide within the 1996 draft, Kobe noticed his draft rights get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers the evening he was chosen by Charlotte in alternate for large man Vlade Divac.
The remaining, as they are saying, is historical past, as Bryant would embark on the second-greatest profession the NBA has ever seen from a capturing guard, successful league MVP as soon as, bringing L.A. 5 championships, successful one Finals MVP, incomes 11 1st Staff All-NBAs and making 18 All-Star appearances whereas successful two scoring championships over his 20-year profession. Bryant additionally ranks fourth all-time in NBA historical past in factors scored (33,643) and owns a mess of Lakers franchise data.
The Lakers, led by Jerry West on the time, had been enamored with Bryant after working him out pre-draft and had been finally capable of land the then-high college through draft-night commerce with Charlotte. With a legacy just like the one Bryant laid down in Los Angeles, there’s no query he’s among the best draft picks in NBA historical past.
Gamers chosen proper earlier than him: Samaki Walker, Erick Dampier, Todd Fuller, Vitaly PotapenkoPlayers chosen proper after him: Peja Stojaković, Steve Nash, Tony Delk, Jermaine O’Neal
