Joe Bryant dies at 69.
Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, father of the legendary Kobe Bryant, has died at 69.
NBA star and father.
A former NBA star, Joe left an indelible mark on the sport, mirroring his son’s extraordinary career.
Joe Bryant’s career spanned several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets.
Nickname ‘Jellybean’.
Nicknamed ‘Jellybean’ for his love of candy, Joe stood at an impressive 6 foot 9 inches.
This made him three inches taller than his iconic son, Kobe.
First-round draft pick.
Joe was a first-round draft pick, 14th overall, joining the Golden State Warriors from La Salle University.
Joe’s illustrious career.
Joe’s career, both on and off the court, is nothing short of illustrious.
From 1975 to 1991, he dazzled fans with his prowess, then extended his legacy through coaching from 1992 to 2015.
In 1975, he married Pam Cox, sister of former NBA player Chubby Cox.
Together, Joe and Pam had three children: daughters Sharia and Shaya, and their son Kobe.
Jersey numbers revealed.
Joe’s jersey numbers, 22 and 23, contrasted with Kobe’s famed 8 and 24 for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Starting with the 76ers, Joe’s NBA journey took him to the San Diego Clippers and then the Houston Rockets.
After his NBA stint, Joe played overseas, dominating the Italian league for nine years before a final year in France.
Transition to coaching.
Upon retiring from playing, Joe began coaching at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Pennsylvania.
He later returned to La Salle as an assistant coach, where his own NBA journey began.
Pausing for Kobe.
Joe paused his coaching career when Kobe entered the NBA, dedicating his time to supporting his son’s budding career.
Kobe Bryant’s legendary career.
Kobe Bryant, known as the “Black Mamba,” had a legendary NBA career, spending 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He won five NBA championships, earned 18 All-Star selections, and became the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer.
His relentless work ethic and iconic moments, including an 81-point game, cemented his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest players.
Joe resumed coaching in 2003, mentoring players until his retirement in 2015 after a stint in Japan.
Impressive stats revealed.
Joe Bryant’s stats speak volumes: 5,252 points, averaging 8.7 per game.
He also grabbed 2,441 rebounds, an average of 4.0 per game, and made 1,049 assists, averaging 1.7 per game.
Influence beyond court.
Joe’s influence extended beyond the court, as he navigated the pressures of being a sports figure and a father.
His presence at Kobe’s games showcased a father’s pride and unwavering support.
Kobe often spoke of his father’s impact, crediting Joe for his early interest and dedication to basketball.
Joe’s guidance and example undoubtedly shaped Kobe into the player and man he became.
Cause of death revealed.
Tragically, his death comes after suffering a massive stroke, as revealed by La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy.
This heartbreak arrives four and a half years after the untimely death of Kobe and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash.
Another loss for Bryant family.
The Bryant family’s loss is profound, with Joe’s death marking another somber chapter following Kobe and Gianna’s passing.
Remembering Joe Bryant.
From the streets of Philadelphia to the heights of the NBA and beyond, Joe lived a life full of remarkable achievements.
His death at 69 brings to a close a legacy rich with history and contributions to the sport he loved.
Rest in peace, Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant – a true legend on and off the court.