Joe Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Has Died at Age 69

Source: Focus On Sport / Getty

Former NBA player — and father of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant — Joe Bryant, has died at age 69.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently battled a health issue … and suffered a massive stroke.

Joe — famously nicknamed “Jellybean” — was a 1st-round pick to the Golden State Warriors in 1975. Bryant also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets before taking his talent overseas.

In the NBA, Joe averaged over 8 points, 4 rebounds and nearly 2 assists a game.Joe married Pam Cox in 1975, together they welcomed their son, Kobe, in 1978 — who eventually became one of the greatest players to ever touch a basketball.

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After his playing career, Joe spent time giving back to the game, as a head coach. Bryant had two stints in the WNBA. as he led the Los Angeles Sparks from 2005-07 and 2011

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Joe Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Has Died at Age 69 was originally published on ronernbphilly.staging.go.ione.nyc