The 1996 draft class is widely considered as one of the best in the history of the NBA. Some of the players that were part of it became all-time greats, such as Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant, among others. While a lot of high praise and accolades have been given to their batch, The Black Mamba had a very interesting and unique description for them.

During the press conference before the start of the game on Monday between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, Bryant called his draft class “a bunch of misfits.” However, he made it known that they shared a certain passion for the game of basketball, which made them become who they all turned out to be.

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Kobe Bryant had the most success from his class, as he won five championships, the MVP Award, and named an All-Star 18-times. He represented them well and had the longest career in the NBA, having spent 20 years in the league, all with the Lakers.

More than the awards and all they achieved as professionals, Bryant and his contemporaries forever raised the bar for greatness, especially the Lakers legend with the work ethic and competitiveness he showed throughout his career, which will serve as inspirations for the next generations to emulate.