Toronto Raptors first-round draft pick Ja’Kobe Walter’s name draws inspiration from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant with NBA fans playfully placing high expectations online

The 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ja’Kobe Walter, carries a name inspired by two of the NBA’s greatest players: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

The 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 arrived at the draft as one of the most uniquely dressed prospects. He wore a striking 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 handle, where he has garnered 29,000 followers.

Upon his selection 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 this name to symbolize basketball greatness. To NBA fans online, the name represented their dreams and hopes for their son, anchoring him to the legacies of these legendary figures.

His father, Eddie, became a basketball legend in his own right, having blazed his trail at Birmingham-Southern from ’94 to ’96. Dubbed “The Web” for his innate ability to get steals, he racked up 194 to become the program’s all-time leader, a record that held strong until 2013.

Eddie’s Baylor University clearly run in the family, as the attributes were shared throughout Ja’Kobe’s draft process. However, his offensive abilities separate him from his father. Standing at 6-foot-5, Walter made waves during his college basketball career at Baylor University. In the 2023-24 season, he was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the third-team All-Big 12.

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

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Walter played college basketball with Baylor ( Image: Getty Images)

The Baylor guard admitted that he had no idea the Raptors would select him since he didn’t participate in pre-draft workouts with the team. However, he believes destiny took control, leading him to where he belongs.

During his post-draft interview, Walter spoke highly of the Raptors’ key players, including Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Reflecting on what being drafted into the NBA feels like, he shared his excitement and gratitude, saying it’s a dream to join such a talented roster and contribute to a storied franchise.

“I’ve prayed so many times for this moment right here a long time,” said Walter. “I consider myself somebody willing to sacrifice my body and do whatever it takes to win.”