Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, a former NBA player and father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. His passing was confirmed by his alma mater, La Salle University.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Joe suffered a massive stroke recently, which ultimately led to his death. Coach Fran Dunphy of La Salle was quoted in the announcement.
Joe Bryant began his NBA career in 1975 with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was initially drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the 14th overall pick, but his rights were sold to Philadelphia before the start of his rookie season. During his eight-year NBA career, Joe also played for the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points across 606 games.
Following his NBA stint, Joe enjoyed a successful international career, playing in both France and Italy. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, taking on roles with various teams in Italy, Japan, Thailand, and even the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
Joe Bryant’s death comes just four and a half years after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of his son Kobe Bryant and his granddaughter Gianna. Kobe was 41 at the time, and Gianna was only 13.
Read also: 7 facts to remember why Kobe Bryant will always be a legend
La Salle University, where Joe played from 1973 to 1975 and later served as an assistant coach from 1993 to 1996, expressed deep sorrow over his passing. The university described him as a cherished member of the Explorer family who will be greatly missed.
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was a local basketball icon, whose legacy on the court transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his first four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975-79.⁰⁰Our condolences go out to the Bryant family ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/BdzMoabuty
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 16, 2024
Joe’s contributions to basketball extended far beyond his playing days. Kobe often credited his father with imparting valuable knowledge about the game, teaching him how to view, prepare for, and execute on the court from a young age. Despite their strong bond, the relationship between father and son became strained as Kobe’s fame grew. This tension was highlighted by a legal dispute in which Kobe accused his parents of attempting to auction some of his memorabilia without his consent.
Nicknamed “Jellybean” for his love of candy, Joe remained largely out of the public eye following the tragic accident that took his son and granddaughter’s lives. He never publicly commented on the incident and was rarely seen in public thereafter.
Joe Bryant’s legacy in basketball, both as a player and coach, along with his influence on his son Kobe’s illustrious career, will be remembered and honored by the basketball community and fans worldwide.
