Joe Bryant, the father of the late Kobe Bryant and a former NBA player himself, has passed away at the age of 69.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently suffered a massive stroke, which was a result of a health issue he had been dealing with.
Joe had a notable NBA career, being a first-round pick in 1975 and playing for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. He averaged 8 points, 4 rebounds, and nearly 2 assists per game.
After his NBA career, Joe played in Europe from 1983-1991, becoming a star player for Italian basketball organizations. He then transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks from 2005-2007 and 2011.
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Joe is survived by his wife, Pam Cox, whom he married in 1975, and their son, Kobe, who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident in January 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
The basketball community will remember Joe Bryant as a talented player and coach, as well as a devoted father to one of the game’s all-time greats.
