Remembering Joe "Jellybean" Bryant | Father of Kobe Bryant | 1955-2024

*Description:*

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Joe Bryant, who spent eight seasons in the NBA with three different franchises, passed away at the age of 69 on July 16, 2024.

Joe Bryant’s alma mater, La Salle University, announced his death, and reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer indicate he had recently suffered a massive stroke. Joe Bryant was a beloved figure in the basketball community, remembered fondly for his contributions both on and off the court.

Joe Bryant was drafted as the No. 14 pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1975, although his rights were sold to the Philadelphia 76ers before his rookie season. He played for the 76ers, the San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points over 606 games. His international career took him to France and Italy, where his family, including Kobe, spent formative years.

La Salle University released a heartfelt statement honoring Joe’s legacy: “Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, shared her condolences on Instagram, reflecting on their brief yet sweet interactions and expressing how much Kobe loved his father.

Joe Bryant’s legacy extends beyond his playing career; he had numerous coaching stints across Italy, Japan, Thailand, and with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, coaching in the same city his son played for many years.

Arn Tellem, Kobe Bryant’s former agent and vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons, also shared his sorrow: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant and join the basketball community in mourning a true Philly hoops legend.”

Join us in remembering the life and legacy of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.

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