Philly Hoops Great Joe Bryant, Father of NBA Legend Kobe, Passes Away

Joe Bryant, the renowned basketball star from Bartram High School, La Salle, and the NBA, has died at the age of 69. Bryant, who was the father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, succumbed to a massive stroke, as announced by La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy on Tuesday.

Bryant’s passing comes four and a half years after the tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, that claimed the lives of his son Kobe, granddaughter Gigi, and seven others.

Standing at 6-foot-9 and known by the memorable nickname “Jellybean” due to his fondness for the candy, Joe Bryant showcased a skill set that foreshadowed the emergence of players like Magic Johnson and LeBron James and of course his son Kobe Bryant. In 1972, he was named Public League Player of the Year and went on to average over 20 points and 11 rebounds per game during his two seasons at La Salle.

BRYANT’S NBA CAREER

Bryant was a first-round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1975, but his rights were sold to the 76ers less than four months later. He spent four seasons with his hometown team, contributing off the bench for the Sixers’ 1976-77 squad that reached the NBA Finals.

Following the 1982-83 season with the Houston Rockets, Bryant experienced greater individual success playing professionally in Europe, particularly in Italy. Eventually, he and his family returned to the Philadelphia area, settling in Wynnewood.

Throughout Kobe’s childhood and his illustrious career at Lower Merion High School, Joe Bryant and his son shared a close bond. However, their relationship grew strained as Kobe embarked on his Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers, seeking more independence from his family. Joe Bryant had made no public comment about his son’s death.