The world of basketball is in mourning after Joe Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant, tragically died at the age of 69.
Bryant, a 6ft 10in forward, enjoyed a lengthy playing career which included spells 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 Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe Bryant – nicknamed ‘Jellybean’ because of his sweet tooth – recently suffered a massive stroke.
His passing comes four and a half years after his son – then only 41 – and his 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, only for the team to sell 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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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk