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Basketball legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away back in January. However, he is always close to his fans’ hearts and minds. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame planned to induct him this year, but the Coronavirus pandemic put a dent in those plans. Fans will have to wait until 2021 to see it happen.
Organizers planned the annual event for August in Springfield, Massachusetts. Now, it will take place from May 13-15. Other members of the Hall of Fame class of 2020 include Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and WNBA star Tamika Catchings. Coaches Kim Mulkey, Rudy Tomjanovich, Barbara Stevens, and Eddie Sutton will also be inducted.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is home to many other great names such as Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal.
Almost immediately after Kobe Bryant’s death, the Hall of Fame Chairman Jerry Colangelo announced plans to induct him.
“When people talk about the greats of all time, it’s pretty difficult to say who was No. 1, and who’s 2, and who’s 3, but there are four to five names that always get mentioned, we know that. Kobe’s right there with everybody,” said Colangelo.
“Ironically, I have a meeting in Dallas on Wednesday with the committee to go through the candidates,” he continued. “Obviously, the result of whatever names come out of that, he was going to be a first-ballot guy. There’s no doubt in my mind. He’s going to be honored. He’s going into the Hall of Fame.”
Hardly Anyone Saw Kobe Bryant’s Death Coming
The world seemed to stand still on the morning of January 26. Lockdown measures weren’t even a thought on anyone’s mind. But many people still remember where they were when they heard Kobe Bryant died in a horrible helicopter accident. As the day went on, more details came to light. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was on the helicopter too. Seven additional people, including the helicopter pilot, died that day.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant left behind several grieving family members and friends. Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, survives, along with three of their daughters: Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 17-month-old Capri.
Although the Black Mamba may be gone, he certainly isn’t forgotten. Fans frequently mention Kobe on social media. TMZ even recently reported that many people named their pets after him this year.
5 years ago, today Kobe Bryant announced his retirement.
Miss you, every day Kobe. 🐍💜♾ pic.twitter.com/mwiiTTDjnF
— Lake Show (@LakeShowFamily) November 29, 2020
An Attempt To Return To Normalcy
No one can ever take away the pain of losing Kobe and Gianna Bryant. But even so, Vanessa Bryant is trying to make life as normal as possible for her daughters. The family recently took a trip to Disney World — but they wore masked and practiced social distancing. Dealing with a global pandemic on top of Kobe and Gianna’s deaths can’t be easy, but the family is doing their best.
What are some of your favorite memories of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments.