What If Kobe Bryant's NBA Journey Began in 1984: A Different Career Trajectory
Kevin Garnett's entry into the NBA in 1995 marked a significant change in scouting practices, as he broke the league's longstanding rule of requiring at least a college underclassman to enter the draft. Up until then, from Spencer Haywood in 1971 to Garnett in 1995, only four players had opted to go directly from high school to the NBA.
Among these players, two were granted 'hardship' exemptions and had mixed career trajectories. Notable among amateur players making this leap was Moses Malone, who entered the NBA directly from high school, though his early career was a blend of success and controversy.
The 1984 Draft: A Golden Era for Fans
The 1984 NBA draft holds a special place in the hearts of many basketball fans. A roster of future Hall of Famers graced the first 16 picks, including Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Vladimir “Big Game” Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.
However, not all players drafted in this era had fulfilling careers. Sam Bowie and Sam Perkins, notable mentions, were among those who did not quite live up to expectations. Assuming Bryant's eligibility, he would have been a top 10 pick, potentially landing in one of the most competitive teams: Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Bullets, Clippers, or Sixers.
Kobe Bryant's Potential Impact on His Draft Year
If Bryant entered the league in 1984, he would have hit the floor at the age of 19 or 20, depending on the specifics of his draft declaration. Hypothetically, Bryant would have performed at a level comparable to his third year in the league with the Lakers. He would be expected to contribute 20 points per game (PPG), along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Interestingly, the 1998-1999 campaign with the Lakers was a brief but impactful period for Bryant. Though the Lakers managed only a strike-shortened 31-19 season with Bryant as a starter, their 4th place finish in the Western Conference was respectable.
The draft class of 1984 was filled with talent, and teams like the Clippers and Grizzlies, then based in Vancouver, had just 9 and 8 wins respectively. In such a crowded landscape, Bryant would have had to compete against solid, albeit not elite, teams.
The Path to Championship Glory
Winning an NBA championship would have been significantly more challenging for a young Bryant in 1984. Establishing a contending team typically takes much longer, and even with legends like Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls were a formidable one-and-done team in the playoffs for several years. Bryant's eventual success with the Lakers in the 2000s was greatly influenced by the development of his partnership with Shaquille O'Neal, which propelled them to multiple championships.
In the Western Conference, the Lakers had already established a formidable presence with a three-peat under Phil Jackson. To break through in such a landscape, Bryant would have needed to find a lucrative destination away from Los Angeles and compete with other rising stars to build a championship team.
Conclusion
In the 1984 draft, Kobe Bryant would have had the opportunity to make his mark in a different way. The path to winning a championship would have required strategic moves, potentially involving free agency and developing key partnerships. The Los Angeles Lakers' championship trajectory, which Bryant would later embark on, would have been a challenging but potentially more direct route to success, given the established team culture and strategic planning.