It all started when Kobe Bryant was getting drafted into NBA in 1996. Originally he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets but many are unaware of this fact. According to sources, Kobe Bryant’s draft in the Boston Celtics was almost decided but it couldn’t happen. He was selected to be drafted as the 6th pick but some circumstances didn’t allow it to happen. However, he was drafted by the Hornets and then immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“With the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets select… Kobe Bryant.” ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/qdNpPzlftz
— SLAM Rewind (@SLAMRewind) June 20, 2019
Playing for 20 seasons with the Lakers, Kobe‘s career reached great heights. From winning several NBA achievements and honors to playing internationally, he got it all. Apart from his on-court achievements he is widely popular worldwide and a great family man.
However, let’s take a look in detail at what led to their decision of Kobe to get nearly drafted by the Boston Celtics before the Charlotte Hornets.
How close was Kobe Bryant to joining the Boston Celtics?
Kobe Bryant was very close to getting drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1996 in the 6th pick, according to ESPN. It was Kobe’s predraft workout held at Brandeis University and led by Celtics assistant coach Dennis Johnson that was quite acclaimed. Red Auerbach who became the Head Coach later and Rick Weitzman, scouting director, thought of him as an amazing player.
Apart from this, his chances increased during an interview during the workout with M.L. Carr, who was the Celtic’s head coach at that time. Carr considered the interaction as one of the best with Kobe.
However, in the workout, Kobe wore a Celtics t-shirt and shorts. But for Kobe wearing it was uncomfortable and also he didn’t quite like the color. “I don’t know if it’s the mythology of the Celtic green or whatever, but they bring out the practice gear and you open it up and the shorts are there and it’s like the green glows. It’s like a different kind of green.” – he said.
However, his thoughts on the Celtics were quite positive at that time. “If anything, I understand the history of this franchise and this franchise has done a lot of amazing stuff. So I was quickly able to move by that.” – he said.
However, his draft was questioned as he just completed high school in Lower Merion and was not quite experienced. Players like Moses Malone and Darryl Dawkins in the 1970s and Kevin Garnett in 1995 apart from Kobe are the only players to come directly after their high school.
Nevertheless, the Celtics instead picked up Antoine Walker. Thus, Kobe Bryant got drafted by the Hornets leading to his trade to the Lakers.