Joseph "Jellybean" Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Dies at 69

Former NBA Player and Coach Leaves Behind Legacy of Basketball Success

Joseph "Jellybean" Bryant, the father of the late former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. The news comes as a shock to the basketball community and beyond, as Joe Bryant was a respected coach and mentor to countless players throughout his career.

Bryant's death comes just three years after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of his son Kobe, his granddaughter Gianna, and seven others. The elder Bryant had been a constant support for his son, both on and off the court, and his loss is sure to be felt deeply by the Bryant family and the entire NBA community.

Bryant played in the NBA for eight seasons, most notably with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a skilled scorer and rebounder, and he helped the 76ers reach the NBA Finals in 1977. After his playing career ended, Bryant transitioned to coaching, where he led the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks to the franchise's first championship in 2001. He also served as an assistant coach for the Lakers during Kobe's playing days.

Bryant's legacy will undoubtedly be tied to his son's accomplishments. Kobe Bryant is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and he led the Lakers to five NBA championships. Joe Bryant played a pivotal role in his son's development, and he will be remembered as a great father and a true basketball legend.