This is Kobe Bryant’s last year in the NBA, and he’s leaving a somewhat mixed legacy of greatness and failure. To be sure, he will go down as one of the best #2 BEARs to have played the game, alongside Tim Duncan, Clyde Drexler, Scottie Pippen, Joe Dumars, Kevin Johnson, and many more. Remember, Jon Niednagel was big on Bryant before he ever came into the league, having attended his private workout, and Niednagel’s team was going to select him, but something went awry late in the process. Jerry West (#6 BEIR) and the Lakers had the same ambition and were able to sneak just in front of them, having a prized big man to deal as bait, Vlade Divac. Though it’s hard to fathom now, few saw the high upside in Kobe at the time. In fact, many experts thought otherwise, but Niednagel went on record that he would be very surprised if Bryant didn’t become a perennial All-Star (not only due to his youth, size, athleticism, but especially his #2 inborn design and having those other assets).

Many thought Niednagel was nuts for his lofty expectations, but once again Brain Typing proved true. And by the way, if everybody saw Kobe’s greatness back then, why did he slip to number-13 in the draft? Anyone who falls beyond 5, much less 10, is just another player, not a franchise or big deal.