Former NBA forward Joe Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has died, according to the La Salle basketball program. He was 69.
Nicknamed "Jellybean" for his springy style of play around the rim, Bryant played in the NBA from 1975-83, mostly as a frontcourt player in reserve. He was the No. 14 overall pick out of La Salle in the 1975 NBA Draft. His career began with the Philadelphia 76ers, before being traded to the San Diego Clippers. His final season was spent with the Houston Rockets.
Bryant played eight more seasons in Italy following his NBA run.
"We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant," the school said in a statement. "Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed."
Bryant backed up Hall of Famer Julius Erving and George McGinnis during the 76ers' run to the NBA Finals in 1976-77, playing both forward positions. He finished his career with averages of 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds, his best season coming in 1981-82 with the Clippers (11.8 points on 48.6% shooting).
He played at least 81 of 82 games in four of his eight NBA seasons, never appearing in less than 61.
Bryant was traded by the 76ers to the Clippers for a 1986 first-round pick. That pick later became Cleveland Cavaliers center Brad Daugherty.
Kobe Bryant became one of the greatest players in NBA history, all 20 of his seasons being spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, at the age of 41.
Joe Bryant's cause of death was not provided.
Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played 606 NBA games with the Sixers, Clippers and Rockets and eight more pro seasons in Italy. Bryant -- the 14th overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft out of LaSalle -- was Kobe Bryant's father. https://t.co/Bale3IEqzP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2024
(This article originally appeared on Hoops Wire and was republished with permission.)
