Photo Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Real legends never die.
Amid the news of the untimely passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, it was announced today that he is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Bryant will be first-ballot enshrinement for the 2020 Class and will be placed without a vote.
A spokesperson for The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame said, “The Hall of Fame joins the rest of the basketball world in mourning the untimely passing of Kobe Bryant, a nominee for the Class of 2020 and an icon of the game. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Bryant Family and all of those affected by this tragedy. We look forward to announcing our Finalists at NBA All-Star Weekend and revealing the full Class of 2020 at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in April.”
During his 20-year career, Kobe won 5 NBA Championships, played on 18 All-Star teams, he was the league MVP for the 07-08 season and he is no. 4 on the NBA’s all-time points list. Bryant will be inducted alongside Tim Duncan, as well as Kevin Garnett. Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo said the 2020 class is, “expected to be arguably the most epic class ever with Kobe, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Kobe will be honored the way he should be.”
RIP Kobe, RIP Gigi, we miss you!
Bryant will be part of standard Hall of Fame screening process on Wednesday, with finalists in February at All-Star break and formal inductees at the Final 4 in April. https://t.co/OYFMwFIJxD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2020
