- Kobe Bryant got a reality check during his rookie season
- Kobe got his a** handed to him and even had to face trash talk
- This didn’t last long as Kobe figured out his weakness
Kobe Bryant’s name shines brightly as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the court. A fierce competitor with an unquenchable thirst for improvement, Bryant’s journey to basketball immortality was marked by numerous challenges and pivotal moments.
Among these moments, Kobe Bryant once candidly reflected on an encounter with Nick Van Exel during his early years in the league. In an episode of Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, Kobe revealed how Nick busted his a** in his rookie days:
“Nick, the Quick was getting me in practice and you know, he knew saying you reach, I teach, you reach, I teach and he was hitting me with that little bop stuff and it drove me crazy.”
“My first time getting out there and playing, Nick went at me pretty hard.”
“It took me about a week to figure out he couldn’t go right and then I had to.”
Not a lot of players have managed to teach Kobe a lesson after that. Van Exel played with Kobe for two seasons before being traded to the Nuggets.
How Good Was Nick Van Exel?
Nick Van Exel was a talented and dynamic point guard during his NBA career. Known for his flashy style of play, deep shooting range, and playmaking abilities, Van Exel made a significant impact on the court.
His career averages were 14.4 points, 6.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1994 and participated in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge multiple times.
Van Exel was a versatile scorer who could shoot from beyond the arc and drive to the basket effectively. He had a knack for creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ball-handling skills and court vision allowed him to distribute the ball and rack up assists.
One of Van Exel’s standout skills was his three-point shooting. He was known for his deep range and ability to hit clutch shots from beyond the arc. His scoring ability made him a threat in late-game situations.
While Van Exel never reached the level of superstardom, he was a key contributor on multiple teams throughout his career. He played a significant role for the Lakers during the mid-1990s, helping the team reach the playoffs and earning a reputation as a clutch performer.
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