Former NBA player Joe Bryant — the father of Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant — has died at 69 years old.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently battled a health issue … and suffered a massive stroke.
Joe — famously nicknamed “Jellybean” — was a first-round pick to the Golden State Warriors in 1975 … and played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets before heading overseas.
He had a stellar career in Europe from 1983-1991 … most notably becoming a star for several Italian basketball organizations.
In the NBA, Joe averaged over 8 points, 4 rebounds and nearly 2 assists a game.
Following his playing career, Joe spent time as a head coach at every level … and led the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks from 2005-07 and 2011.
Joe married Pam Cox in 1975 … and they welcomed their son, Kobe, in 1978, who eventually became one of the greatest athletes to ever lift a basketball.
Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, as well as seven others, died in a tragic helicopter accident in January 2020. He was just 41 years old, and Gigi was 13.
