Joe Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Dies at 69 After Suffering Stroke
Joe Bryant, the father of legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke. According to Mike Sielski of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Bryant’s death was confirmed on July 16, 2024.
Known as "Jellybean" due to his love of candy, Bryant was a former NBA player and coach who played for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. He was the 14th overall selection in the 1975 NBA Draft and went on to play 606 games in his NBA career, averaging 8.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
After retiring as a player, Bryant went on to coach for parts of three decades, including a return to his alma mater, La Salle, as an assistant coach for three seasons, as well as taking charge of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks for parts of three seasons.
Bryant’s death comes four years after his son, Kobe, and granddaughter, Gigi Bryant, along with seven others, died in a helicopter crash in California. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, with many paying tribute to his legacy as a player and coach.
La Salle Men’s Basketball tweeted, "We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant. 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."
