I can see your point in wanting a pure playmaker on the second unit, but we have plus passers at every other position. We have Dyson, Jalen, Porzingis, NAW, Kennard, and even OO is a pretty good passing center. When you take into account Kobe's ability to leverage a defense, I think what he does fits with those guys.
I remember reviewing his scouting videos and he was like in the 90th percentile coming out of college as a pick and roll ball handler in scoring and passing I believe. He was also one of the best finishers once he got to the rim. We are lacking rim pressure on this team.
I'm not trying to say he's the de facto back up. I'm saying there is not enough evidence to make sweeping conclusions about his game either way because he hasn't been healthy.
I just want to see what he can do before completely giving up on him. If he plays 60+ games this season and is Malcom Delany ( @kg01 ) out there then by all means bring out the pitchforks.