The basketball world is in mourning after Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, tragically passed away at the age of 69.
Bryant, a 6-foot-2 forward, enjoyed a lengthy playing career that included stints with the 76ers, Clippers and Rockets.
He also worked as a coach for decades, joining teams in the United States, Japan and Thailand.
According to the The Philadelphia InquirerJoe Bryant, nicknamed ‘Jellybean’ because of his sweet tooth, recently suffered a massive stroke.
His death comes four and a half years after his son, then just 41, and granddaughter Gigi were among those killed in a helicopter crash.
Joe was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 1975 NBA draft, but the team sold his rights to Philadelphia a few months later.
The forward enjoyed four seasons with his hometown team and helped the 76ers reach the NBA Finals in 1977.
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