NBA Draft pick has unique name inspired by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Toronto Raptors first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter’s name is inspired by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, with NBA fans playfully placing high expectations online.

Ja’Kobe Walter would be named after Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant(Getty)

The 19th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ja’Kobe Walter, is named after two of the NBA’s greatest players: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

This nod to basketball royalty sets high expectations for the young player as he embarks on his NBA career as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Walter came into the draft as one of the more unique dressed prospects. He wore a stunning purple blazer embroidered with intricate designs, complemented by a black shirt and pants. His outfit was completed with a diamond-encrusted platinum chain that read “Wubbs,” his nickname and Instagram account, where he has amassed 29,000 followers.

When he was selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, an intriguing detail about Ja’Kobe Walter’s first name emerged: it’s a unique fusion of the names of two basketball legends, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. His parents, Eddie and Sabrina Walter, chose the name to symbolize basketball greatness. For NBA fans online, the name represented their dreams and hopes for their son, anchoring him to the legacy of these legendary figures.

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His father, Eddie, became a basketball legend himself, after leading the way at Birmingham-Southern from 1994 to 1996. Nicknamed “The Web” for his innate ability to make steals, he racked up 194 steals to become the program’s all-time leader, a record that stood until 2013.

Eddie’s Baylor University is clearly a family affair, as attributes were shared throughout Ja’Kobe’s selection process. However, his offensive abilities separate him from his father. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Walter made waves during his college basketball career at Baylor University. In the 2023-24 season, he was named a Big 12 Freshman and earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Third Team.

Walter showcased his all-around game, averaging 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. His dynamic play and impressive statistics caught the attention of NBA scouts and solidified his reputation as one of the most promising guards in college basketball.