Since the sudden death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant in a fatal helicopter accident that included his daughter Gianna and seven others, there has been a tidal wave of emotion pouring over the NBA. Games scheduled have featured honors like chants of “Kobe” and 24-second violations as tributes to the late NBA star.
For the Golden State Warriors, the team has yet to play a game since the passing of Bryant. However, when the team does take the court for the first time since the tragedy, it will take place in Bryant’s hometown.
On Tuesday, the Warriors will start a five-game road trip in Philadelphia against the 76ers, the first home game in Bryant’s hometown since his death.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, both teams have already been in contact regarding ways to honor Bryant during the game.
Off the court, members from both the 76ers and Warriors have paid their respect to Bryant via social media. Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell and Stephen Curry have all posted messages regarding the loss of Bryant.
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons have each checked in with their tributes to the Philadelphia native. Tuesday, both teams will get their chance to honor Bryant on the court.
Bryant, a product of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia and a noted Philadelphia Eagles fan, will rightfully have a significant presence during the Warriors tilt against 76ers, on Tuesday.
After Golden State ends their five-game road swing, they’ll host Bryant’s former team, the Los Angeles Lakers in the Warriors’ first game back in the Bay Area.
