Kobe Bryant passed away in 2020 in a tragic helicopter crash. He lost his life on January 26, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others. He is an NBA legend and an inspiration to the world in ways more than one. The Black Mamba often emphasized working as hard as one possibly can, to make sure they achieve their goals. The influence he had on the game was almost second to none.
The impact a player has on the game determines their induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. There are still many legendary players who have not had the honor despite their massive contributions to basketball. But what about Kobe?
Kobe Bryant was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 after his horrific death
Kobe’s induction into the HOF took place in 2021, a year after his death in Calabasas. Vanessa Bryant, his wife, accepted the award on behalf of the 5x NBA champ. If that was not already a sight that fans had been waiting for, the great Michael Jordan was also present on the night.
She started her speech by thanking Jordan and said, “Last February, I called Michael and asked him if he would introduce Kobe tonight, and he graciously accepted. Thank you for being here. Kobe admired you. This means so much to us.” As Vanessa said, Kobe admired the Chicago Bulls legend for the entirety of his career. Bryant had played against His Airness multiple times but the NBA world is aware of the respect they had for each other as opponents.
“Kobe would thank all of the people who helped him get here, including the people that doubted him. After all, he proved you wrong.” Vanessa Bryant said
Michael Jordan cracked a big grin at that part of the speech pic.twitter.com/q54J2vmN6a
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 15, 2021
Despite being present on the stage for the memorable event, Jordan did not deliver a speech on the day. It certainly looked like Jordan was just there to support Vanessa, who was going through such a difficult time. When Vanessa said that Kobe proved all of his haters wrong, Jordan could even be seen with a huge grin. This could indicate that he knew what Kobe achieved during his legendary career, and agreed with what Vanessa said.
Bryant is still an NBA icon, and will be for many years to come. He has left behind a legacy that will be hard to stamp over, no matter how many players arrive on the scene.