Kendall Gill discusses Nets' decision against drafting Kobe Bryant
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 2:43 PM
Last updated May 31, 2026
Kendall Gill, a former guard for the Brooklyn Nets, shared insights on the team's missed opportunity to select Kobe Bryant during the 1996 NBA Draft. Gill elaborated on the behind-the-scenes discussions that led to the decision not to draft Bryant. The Nets instead went with another player, missing out on what would become an iconic NBA career. The revelations add a new layer to the history of the team's draft decisions and Bryant's legacy as one of the NBA's all-time greats.
- •Kendall Gill reveals details about Nets' draft strategy in 1996.
- •Nets had the opportunity to draft Kobe Bryant.
- •The team chose a different player instead.
- •Bryant went on to have a legendary NBA career.
- 2:43 PMYahoo Sports — Kendall Gill explains Nets almost taking Kobe Bryant in 1996 NBA Draft
"The Brooklyn Nets could have taken Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA Draft and former Nets guard Kendall Gill explains what happened behind the scenes.
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