Why 24?
With the 2020 draft coming up, it will have been 24 years since the 1996 NBA draft class. The loss of Kobe Bryant was probably one of the most shocking things to have ever happen in sports. The last thing I could remember is Kobe congratulating Lebron James on passing him on the all-time scoring list not even 5 days before the accident.
I remember where I was and what I was doing when he passed. On a Sunday morning, notifications were off for some reason, and I got a text from my mom saying Kobe Bryant died. Just waking up from my slumber, with the television on, searching through the channel with disappointment. It was unreal. With the draft coming up I thought it would be appropriate to write this article and how Kobe ties into the New York Knicks so you’ll see the number 24 often. That is why the title is 24/24/24
Kobe Bryant: How Did We Get To It?
Lost in the archives of Knick history is that 24 years ago the Knicks had their worst draft class ever. We’re talking close to the New York Jets 2014 draft bad. The Knicks had 3 first-round draft picks at 18,19 and 21. But, the ’96 draft was one of the best draft classes in the history of the NBA. We’re talking 3 future MVPs, 64 combined all star selections, and 30 All NBA selections. The Knicks got none of those. They got the 18th pick from the Spurs for Charles Smith (Yes, that Charles Smith) and they got the 19th pick from the Heat via Pat Riley being the first to “Take his talents to South Beach” without telling the Knicks to their face.
I know the Knicks tried to trade up and it didn’t work (the year was 1996 the Knicks were relevant, they put in effort back then.) I’d love to know who they weren’t willing to give up to move up. The Lakers only gave up a big that averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds a game that year for Kobe. So I don’t believe that it wasn’t hard for the Knicks to move up. KOBE’S FIRST NBA POINT WAS AGAINST THE KNICKS!
Continued…
To reinforce my theory, John Starks and Charles Oakley would get traded a few years later and both of them played ok. Both put about 12 points a game (12+12=24/24/24). They made the playoffs but they lost to the Bulls… again. Since the start of the ’90s, the Bulls played the Knicks four out of six years in the playoffs. The only time the Knicks won was in 1994 when there was no Michael Jordan. Continually thinking that no significant changes could beat the Bulls was not the best idea, so that is why they are still paying for it in 2020.
I find it hard to believe the Knicks couldn’t pull off a deal to move up to at least draft Kobe, Steve Nash, Peja Stojaković, or Jermaine O’Neal. They certainly would have helped the Knicks in the 1999 finals because no one on that roster could shoot beyond 15 feet (not named Houston.) The Knicks made and played in the finals with a Heisman winner, the only man to ever punch Kobe Bryant, a guy who couldn’t shoot, a city in Texas, Marcus, a guy who played a grandma ( which is ironic because his back was turning into one), and Chris Dudley. Enough said.
What Actually Happened To the Picks?
With the 18th pick, the Knicks drafted John Wallace out of Syracuse. Wallace played the most games out of the three draft picks (128.) Even though he had two different runs with the team. His first run lasted one season with stats that really aren’t worth mentioning. In 2000 he had his second run, and he also had stats that aren’t worth mentioning.
John Wallace looks like a cornerstone due to his longevity compared to the next two guys. Their run was so short that I do not have enough to talk about for them. Walter McCarty only lasted 35 games, yet somehow Dontae’ Jones played even LESS games. In fact he never PLAYED for the Knicks. I had to look Dontae’ up thinking he could’ve been injured, but I could not find evidence, so he was THAT BAD. They both got traded to Boston during the season and Jones lasted 15 games before he got cut.
Kobe Bryant: Where We Are Now
Hopefully this draft the Knicks can draft a good player that can play offense and defense. They need two-way players! I’m not entirely sold on anyone in this draft. If you ask Me I’d say, Wiseman. He’s got the potential to be a star. He just needs to stay disciplined on defense and work on his footwork and get stronger. His jump shot needs to improve as well. He is pretty raw but he is the way to go. The last time we drafted a 7’0 stretch guy in the lottery that was athletic and can score and rim protect it worked out pretty well.
Oh, and by the way former Knicks coach Derek Fisher was the 24th pick in that draft class, playing with Kobe who became number 24 the Black Mamba, 24 years ago. 24/24/24. He’s everywhere. Thank you, Kobe Bryant.
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