Bryant's greatness was a site to behold

Sometimes there are events that leave you speechless. 

I heard the news before my son’s flag football game in Napa, CA. The

next thing I know, a parent of my son’s teammate, while looking at her

phone utters, “Kobe Bryant died!” The first thing I thought was, “It

can’t real.” However, as soon as I looked at my phone, I saw confirmation

of such. Suffice it to say, I was stunned beyond belief as I’m sure I speak

for many. 

On Sunday, a helicopter crash that killed nine people near Calabasas, CA,

which is about 30 miles Northwest of Los Angeles. The victims included

NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna, long-time

Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife (Keri) and

daughter (Alyssa). Gianna and Alyssa were teammates at the Mamba

Academy. As a player, Bryant was known as “Black Mamba.”

The helicopter was a S-76 and the area in which the crash took place

indicated low clouds and limited visibility. The crash ignited a quarter

acre brush fire. Bryant regularly traveled by helicopter during and after

his NBA career. 

Bryant played all 20 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers

after having entered the league straight out of high school. Bryant led

the Lakers to five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star.

Bryant was selected to the All-NBA team on 15 occasions, 12-time

All-Defensive team member and was the 2008 NBA MVP. He led the

NBA in scoring twice, ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list in the

regular season and is fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list.

Bryant was the first guard in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons. 

While my heart goes out to all nine victims, and their families, in the

crash, as a sports fan, the focus keeps coming back to the 41-year old

Bryant. His passing sent shockwaves, especially around the NBA.

For openers, I spent Bryant’s entire career rooting against him because

I am a San Antonio Spurs fan. Bryant’s Lakers were a frequent nemesis

to the Spurs and much of the Western Conference. The Lakers are a

polarizing team in that you either strongly like them or strongly dislike

them. Though I would into the latter category, Bryant never ceased to

amaze and I had nothing both respect for his spectacular talent and drive

to be great. 

Throughout the NBA on Sunday, teams paid tribute to Bryant by having

voluntary 24-second shot clock violations. Bryant wore the No. 24. 

Though many people bristled at the constant comparisons to Chicago

Bulls legend Michael Jordan, his game and competitiveness were

comparable. So were his achievements. Both were incredibly strong,

could drive to the basket, and could drill any jumpshot whether it was a

3-pointer or a fadeaway over a defender. Speaking of defense, like Jordan,

he was a menace.

When I think of Bryant highlights, it’s hard for me to pick out one

specifically because he did so many amazing things. However, I continue

to marvel at how he entered the NBA straight from high school out of

Lower Merion High (Philadelphia). At the time, players bypassing college

and going to the NBA was becoming en vogue as Bryant became the sixth

player to do such. 

Bryant was originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded

to the Lakers, who were looking to trade center Vlade Divac to free up

salary cap space to sign Shaquille O’Neal.  

I remember vividly how Bryant entered the league as a skinny 17-year old

kid but as he added strength, he looked like an NFL running back. 

What is easy to forget about Bryant’s career is that although he led the

Lakers to the aforementioned five NBA titles, there were many peaks and

valleys. From 1996-1999, his career was defined by adjusting to the NBA.

In those years, the Lakers flashed brilliance only to be eliminated in the

postseason by the Spurs and Utah Jazz. From 2000-2002, the Lakers put

together one of the greatest runs in NBA history in winning three straight

titles. At times in that stretch, they were scarily dominant. 

From 2003-2008, Bryant continued his scoring rampage but on the court

ended with postseason losses to the Spurs and two NBA finals drubbings

at the hands of the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. In 2009-2010,

the Lakers were back on top with finals wins over the Orlando Magic and

Celtics. Though Bryant did not equal Jordan’s six championship rings, he

pressed through more postseason disappointments and injury plagued

seasons before retiring after the 2013 season. 

Even more than his on the court brilliance, Laker fan or not, you had to

respect his drive and determination to be the best. He was frequently tabbed

“the next Jordan.” At which point I say, “What’s so bad about being the

first Kobe Bryant?”

The biggest injustice to Bryant’s passing is that he had an incredible 20-

year run as a professional athlete but will not get to enjoy a similar amount

of time as a father. As a 47-year old father of three kids myself, that is

immutable. 

Bryant’s passing is also a reminder that life is life and basketball is

basketball. As fans of the latter, it’s important to appreciate greatness when

you see it.