Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Kobe’s Father & Former NBA Player, Dies at 69

Kobe Bryant’s incredible career was inspired by his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, who passed away at 69 this Tuesday.

Tributes and Memories

The basketball world is mourning Joe’s death, although the cause hasn’t been announced. Clubs and teammates are sharing their memories. La Salle University said he “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”

Joe’s friend and coach, Fran Dunphy, mentioned that Joe had recently suffered a massive stroke.

Remembering Joe "Jellybean" Bryant (1954-2024)

— NBA History (@NBAHistory)

Life After Kobe’s Passing

After Kobe died, Joe stayed out of the public eye. But Kobe always praised him as “a great basketball mind” who taught him how to view, prepare for, and play the game from an early age.

Joe and his wife Pam were married for nearly 50 years. They attended the memorial service for Kobe and Gianna in Los Angeles after they tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

Vanessa Bryant shared her condolences on social media: “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.”

A Philadelphia Icon

The Sixers remembered Joe as a local icon who impacted many institutions like Bartram High School, La Salle University, and during his NBA stint with them in the late ’70s. They expressed their condolences to the Bryant family.

Fans feel deeply connected to these heartfelt tributes.

A Role Model On and Off The Court

Many considered Joe an ultimate role model. Doug Young recalled how Joe influenced him as a JV coach at Lower Merion: “He made basketball fun and made us all want to be better – he believed in us.”

Standing six-foot-nine, “Jellybean” played eight years in the NBA with teams like the Sixers, Clippers, and Rockets. He averaged 8.7 points and 4 rebounds over 606 games; notably part of Philly’s team that lost to Portland in the 1977 NBA Finals.

Detroit’s vice chairman Arn Tellem said: “I’m deeply saddened by Joe’s passing… Our friendship opened doors for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA.”