Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Passes Away at 69
Former NBA player Joe Bryant, the father of Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently battled a health issue and suffered a massive stroke.
NBA Career and Overseas Success
Joe Bryant, famously nicknamed “Jellybean,” was a first-round pick for the Golden State Warriors in 1975. He later played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets before continuing his career overseas. From 1983 to 1991, Bryant had a stellar career in Europe, notably becoming a star for several Italian basketball organizations. In the NBA, Joe Bryant averaged over 8 points, 4 rebounds, and nearly 2 assists per game.
Coaching Career
Following his playing career, Joe Bryant spent time as a head coach at various levels, including leading the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks from 2005-07 and again in 2011. He also worked as a coach for teams in the United States, Japan, and Thailand.
Family Life
Joe Bryant married Pam Cox in 1975, and they welcomed their son, Kobe, in 1978. Kobe Bryant went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in history. Tragically, Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, along with seven others, died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Kobe was 41 years old, and Gianna was 13.
The Lakers’ 2000 NBA Championship Ring
In a notable event from 2013, Joe Bryant sold a Lakers’ 2000 NBA championship ring, gifted to him by Kobe, at auction. The ring sold for $173,000 through Goldin Auctions. Eleven years later, the same ring was auctioned again by Goldin, fetching $927,200. The winning bid was $760,000, with the rest accounted for by the buyer’s premium taken by the auction house. The identities of the buyer and seller were not disclosed.
The auction began slowly but saw a frenzy of bids on the last day, with 16 bids placed in the final 22 minutes. The nearly $1-million price tag set a record for an NBA championship ring, surpassing the previous high of $705,000 paid for Bill Russell’s 1957 ring.
Legal Dispute Over Memorabilia
This was the third time Bryant’s ring had been sold since the initial auction in 2013. The ring comes with a letter of authenticity signed by Pam Bryant, which has accompanied the ring since it was first sold. Ken Goldin, CEO of Goldin Auctions, emphasized the importance of the original letter of authenticity for maintaining the ring’s provenance.
Back in 2013, Kobe Bryant expressed dismay when he learned his parents were selling the ring and other memorabilia without his permission. This led to a court case and a subsequent settlement allowing Joe and Pam Bryant to auction six items, including the ring, for a total of $500,000. They also issued a public apology for any misunderstanding and pain caused to Kobe.
Family’s Statement and Legacy
In a statement regarding the recent sale, Joe and Pam Bryant clarified they had no involvement and expressed the emotional toll it had taken on them. They asked for privacy and the opportunity to grieve with dignity.
Joe Bryant’s death marks another heartbreaking moment for the Bryant family and the basketball community. His legacy includes a significant impact on the game both as a player and a coach, as well as being the father of a basketball legend.
