Kobe Bryant’s father and former NBA player Joe passes away at age of 69

Joe Bryant's passing comes four and a half years after his son Kobe and granddaughter Gigi tragically died

Kobe Bryant’s father and former NBA player Joe passes away at age of 69

Kobe and Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant, the father of the late Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. Joe Bryant, nicknamed “Jellybean” due to his love for sweets, had a long and varied career in basketball where he played for several teams, including the 76ers, Clippers, and Rockets, and later coached in the United States, Japan, and Thailand.

The former basketball player and coach had a stroke recently, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Joe Bryant’s passing comes four and a half years after his son Kobe and granddaughter Gigi tragically died in a helicopter crash.

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He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975 but was sold to Philadelphia, where he spent four seasons and helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 1977. After his playing career, Bryant transitioned to coaching, starting with a girls’ team at Akiba Hebrew Academy near Philadelphia. He then went on to coach teams in various cities, including Las Vegas, Boston, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Bangkok. 

The basketball world is mourning the loss of Joe Bryant, a beloved figure in the sport. His legacy as a player and coach will be remembered, and he will be deeply missed by his fans and the basketball community.

NBA world reacts to the death of daddy Black Mamba

The NBA world is in mourning following the passing of Joe Bryant, the father of the late Kobe Bryant. Tributes have poured in from across the league, with fans paying their respects to the former player and coach. 

Here are some of the reactions:

His legacy extends beyond his own playing career, as he inspired a new generation of players, including his son Kobe, who went on to become one of the all-time greats. As the news of Joe Bryant’s passing spreads, it is clear that his impact on the game of basketball will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

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