Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant Passes Away at Age 69
Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, father of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69 from a stroke. De La Salle University in Philadelphia, where Joe was both a former student and coach, announced his passing on Tuesday. Joe, nicknamed 'Jellybean' during his playing days, had a notable career in basketball both in the United States and Europe.
A Storied Basketball Career
Joe Bryant was a first-round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1975 and later played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets over an eight-year NBA career. He was a versatile small forward known for his mid-range shot and athleticism. After his NBA career, Joe spent eight years playing in Italy, where he became a beloved figure, before finishing his playing career in Mulhouse, France.
Transitioning into coaching, Joe Bryant led the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks for three seasons in the mid-2000s. His influence extended beyond his own career, playing a significant role in the development of his son, Kobe Bryant, who became a five-time NBA champion and an 18-time All-Star.
A Complex Father-Son Relationship
Joe and Kobe Bryant's relationship was marked by both conflict and reconciliation. The tension began when Joe and his wife Pamela did not attend Kobe's wedding to Vanessa in 2001, causing a rift that lasted several years. The relationship remained strained, culminating in a lawsuit in 2013 when Joe and Pamela attempted to auction off Kobe's memorabilia without his permission.
Despite these challenges, there were signs of reconciliation before Kobe's untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2020. Mutual friends noted moments of affection between the father and son, suggesting that they were working towards mending their relationship. Joe and Pamela were present at a tribute for Kobe and his daughter Gianna following their tragic deaths, sitting in the front row with the rest of the family.
Joe Bryant's legacy in the basketball world is significant, both for his own achievements and for the role he played in shaping one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His passing marks the end of an era for the Bryant family and the basketball community.
