He's known Kobe since Kobe was growing up in Philadelphia and Aaron was a college player at Temple. They've known each other for several years, they have a mutual respect for each other.
The other aspect about Aaron McKie is anyone you talk to around the NBA, he is the consummate professional, he is a leader, a standup guy who brings a big defensive presence to the court. He?s solid all the way around on and off the court. They just don?t make them like Aaron McKie.
I think the fit kind of makes sense. Coach Jackson has had a lot of success with big, veteran guards in his career and Aaron fits that mold.