Basketball Star, Coach And Dad To NBA Legend Passed Away At 69

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Basketball star and father to the late Kobe Bryant, Joe Bryant, has passed away. He was 69. Bryant has played in the NBA for 8 seasons for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. He was 69.

Recently, Bryant had a massive stroke. 

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, was born on October 19, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He was a former professional basketball player and coach, best known as the father of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. His career in basketball spans across playing in the NBA and international league. In addition, he was well known as a coach.

Bryant grew up in a sports-oriented family in Philadelphia. His athletic talent was apparent early on. He became a standout player at John Bartram High School. His performance there earned him a scholarship to La Salle University. His impressive college career caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection in the 1975 NBA Draft.

Joe was selected 14th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. In Philadelphia, he played alongside stars like Julius Erving, his role was more of a supporting player. 

Bryant’s NBA statistics were modest; he averaged 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game over his career. 

In 1983, Bryant took his talents overseas, a move that would significantly impact his life and career. He played in Italy for several teams. Playing in Italy, Bryant became a star, known for his scoring ability and leadership on the court.

After retiring as a player, Joe Bryant went into coaching. He started his coaching career in Italy, where he served as an assistant coach and later head coach for various teams. His knowledge of the game and international experience made him valuable.

Bryant returned to the United States and continued his coaching career in various capacities. He had a notable stint as the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks from 2005 to 2007.

Tragedy struck on January 26, 2020, when Joe’s son, Kobe Bryant, passed away.  Kobe, the legendary NBA player, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The accident claimed the lives of nine people, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna. The incident sent shockwaves around the world.