The Nets had worked out Kobe Bryant three times, and fell madly in love all three times. John Calipari and Nets general manager John Nash dined with Kobe's parents, Joe and Pam, the night before some lucky NBA team would hire the Bryants' high school wonderchild. Joe and Pam told the Nets' officials they wanted Kobe in the Meadowlands, close to their suburban Philly home.

Calipari and Nash agreed: They would have selected Kobe with the eighth pick.