He deserves it all.
Just three months after the tragic passing of NBA phenom Kobe Bryant, it was announced that he will be joining this year’s list of inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, The Washington Post reports.
Joining Bryant as inductees are legendary NBA players Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and WNBA star Tamika Catchings. The announcement was originally scheduled for the NCAA’s Final Four weekend but with games halted due to the pandemic, the selections were broadcast on an ESPN special instead.
Bryant spent two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a five-time NBA champion, an 18-time NBA all star, the 2007-2008 MVP, and twice led the league in scoring. In 2017, the Lakers retired both of his jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, spoke to ESPN about the induction saying, “It’s an incredible accomplishment and honor, and we’re extremely proud of [Kobe]. Obviously, we wish he was here with us to celebrate. It’s definitely the peak of his NBA career, and every accomplishment he had as an athlete was a stepping stone to be here. We’re incredibly proud of him.”
“All of us can trust that this basketball Hall of Fame honor is one Kobe would, and will, deeply appreciate. The highest of congratulations to you, dear friend. This one is so well deserved – for all the hard work, sweat and toil. Now, a part of you will live in the Hall with the rest of the all-time greats, where your legend and spirit will continue to grow forever,” said Rob Pelinka, Lakers General Manager and Kobe’s longtime agent.
Despite mass closings, tickets for the August 29th induction ceremony are still on sale. The ceremony has yet to be postponed or canceled and tickets can be purchased here.
Congratulations Kobe! You are greatly missed.
Photo Courtesy of NBA