|
The Kobe/Vlade deal for Charlotte actually worked out good for both teams. Charlotte had the 13th pick and they knew Kobe had no interest in playing for them. I find it amazing that a kid on the border of the lottery would demand to play in a big market and it shows how unprofessional Kobe was a the the time. Anyway, Charlotte drafted Kobe knowing they could deal him and they did for Vlade Divac. Divac played several good years in Charlotte and he is still a top 10 center in the league. Charlotte choose not the resign him (bad move). Overall, a center like Vlade is well worth the 13th pick. The real fools here were the 12 teams ahead of Charlotte who could have selected Kobe.
Also, Charlotte ripped off LA later. Glen Rice for Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell was a terrific trade for Charlotte and LA let Glen walk right after it. Jones went on to be an all star and to demand the maximum. Of course, Charlotte then ripped off Miami by sending Jones and Anthony Mason to Miami for Jamal Mashburn and PJ Brown. Mashburn has outplayed Jones since then, while Mason is in Milwaukee and PJ Brown is starting and playing good ball. Elden Campbell is also a top 10 center in the league.
That's your little history of Charlotte trades. Of course the Miami trade where we gave up Mourning for Glen Rice and some role players was horrible.
|