Kobe Bryant’s dad has passed on. Kobe was an ace on the basketball court, but his skills and athletic affinity came from one man, his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, who also played basketball. Joe Bryant played for eight seasons in the NBA with three different franchises.
His alma mater, La Salle, announced his death on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Kobe Bryant’s dad’s death reminded the world of how much has been lost to death.
When Did Kobe Bryant’s Dad Die?
Kobe Bryant’s dad passed away on July 16, 2024. His alma mater announced his death on Tuesday via a news release. The school wrote, “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.”
The release continued, “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.”
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The late Joe was 69 when he passed on, and his death comes after a massive stroke he recently had. Nobody saw the demise coming, and it feels like people are not just mourning Joe’s demise; they’re mourning Kobe’s all over again.
What Happened to Kobe Bryant?
Joe is one of the many parents who had the unfortunate fate of burying their children. His son, Kobe, and his granddaughter, Gianna, died along with seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The accident happened in Calabasas, California, as the group was heading to a basketball tournament. Joe and Pam Bryant, who had been together for nearly a half-century, had a complicated relationship with Kobe.
However, all the frosty feelings became nonexistent with his demise. They were in the front row for the memorial service in Los Angeles about a month after Kobe and Gianna died.
Tributes For Joe Bryant
After Joe Bryant’s death was announced, tributes started pouring in online and offline. On Tuesday, Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, shared a short tribute via her Instagram Story. She wrote: “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing.”
She continued, “We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.” Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem and Kobe Bryant’s former agent also shared a heartwarming statement.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant and join the basketball community in mourning a true Philly hoops legend,” he said.
“Our friendship opened the door for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA, a memory I’ll always cherish. Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose warmth touched everyone he met.”
What Did Kobe Bryant’s Dad Do for a Living?
Joe Bryant was an American professional basketball player and coach while he lived. Since his demise, many have wondered if Kobe Bryant’s dad played in the NBA, too. The answer to that is yes. He played in the NBA, and he was good too.
The elder Bryant was Golden State’s No. 14 pick in the 1975 draft, but the Warriors sold his rights to Philadelphia before his rookie season. He played for the 76ers for four years, then for three years with the San Diego Clippers, and one for the Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points in 606 games.
Joe went international after that, with stops in France and Italy. He spent years in Italy, a time that reportedly shaped Kobe Bryant. During their time there, his affinity for basketball woke up, and it was also when he became fluent in Italian.
Joe and his family moved back to the Philadelphia area when Kobe Bryant was 13. Afterward, he became a high school star and was drafted four years later. After retiring as a professional player, Joe eventually became a coach.
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He had several coaching stints, including for teams in Italy, Japan, and Thailand. He also had stints with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, meaning he coached in the city where his son played for several years.
How Much Is Kobe Bryant’s Dad Worth?
With the years he spent as a professional player and his stints as a coach, it is not surprising that Kobe Bryant’s dad, Joe, amassed up to $5 million in net worth.
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