It’s been a handful of days since a fatal helicopter crash claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, yet the news is still rippling throughout the NBA world.
In days since Bryant’s tragic death, players and teams have been doing what they can to honor his legacy. Several players from the Warriors have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the passing of Bryant. Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell and Stephen Curry have all posted emotional messages reacting to Bryant’s sudden death.
In the Warriors’ first game since the loss of Bryant, both the 76ers and Golden State paid tribute by starting the game with an eight and 24-second violation. Against the Warriors, 76ers center, Joel Embiid wore Bryant’s No. 24 instead of his No. 21.
Following the Warriors game in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia, swingman, Alec Burks changed his No. 8 jersey to No. 20 with respect to Bryant.
During the Warriors matchup with the Boston Celtics, Curry had a courtside interview with TNT reporter, Allie LaForce, and was asked about Bryant. Before getting to basketball, Curry spoke about Bryant, the father.
There’s not a lot that you can say about how much Kobe meant on and off the floor — Then you see the pouring of videos and just the way he embraced his kids every chance he could, the way he shared his career and love with each every single one of them — I mean, honestly, this whole situation sucks — You pray for the family through this whole process that they feel comfort and support the best that they can — It hurts, as a father, knowing the hole that he’s not able to fill anymore, and, obviously, for Gigi, too — I know the whole NBA family and the whole world, really, has their back.
Curry told LaForce he “idolized” Bryant on the court when he was growing up.
That’s one of the toughest parts of the week, as I was coming up in the game he was a guy that we idolized — imitating his moves out on the court and anytime he was on TV, you wanted to watch and lock into what he was doing — he was always about greatness and you appreciate that so much.
Curry and the Warriors will have the chance to honor Bryant at Chase Center when they return to San Francisco on February 8 to host the Los Angeles Lakers.
