Not just to develop Kobe, but also because the Trail Blazers currently don't have a good perimeter defender.
Nick Van Exel and Riddle already not being blown out is considered good luck.
Van Exel has a lack of innate conditions; too thin and short, and in college, he didn't properly practice defense as the main offensive player.
Riddle has an attitude problem; the fact that he consistently trains and isn't late is already a miracle, Bird is not expecting more from him for now.
In the absence of better trade resources, tapping into internal potential is the most realistic method.
Kobe Bryant and Alon Magee both have good defensive potential.
Although Bird hasn't spelled it out, his actual intention is to show through rotations and playing time: whoever's one-on-one defense is better gets more time on the court.
