NBA: strong emotion for the enthronement of Kobe Bryant in the Hall of Fame
Michael Jordan and Vanessa Bryant at the induction of Kobe Bryant into the NBA Hall of Fame, May 15, 2021. AP - Kathy Willens
Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow
5 mins
Kobe Bryant, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers basketball player, was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 15.
Died in a helicopter crash in early 2020, the "Black Mamba" was worthily represented by his widow, Vanessa Bryant, and his lifelong idol, Michael Jordan.
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In the basketball galaxy, the NBA Hall of Fame is unmissable.
It is the Hall of Fame of the Orange Ball in North America, where only its tallest and brightest representatives can enter.
In view of his career, there was no doubt that Kobe Bryant would be there.
Passionate about good words, the winger should have made a speech at his height.
The tragedy of January 26, 2020
decided otherwise.
That day, the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant (41), his daughter Gianna (13), along with seven other people, crashed near Calabasas, California, killing all of its occupants.
Thus died prematurely one of the greatest basketball players of all time, leaving millions of fans and an entire family clan orphaned.
"He proved you that you were wrong"
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Hall of Fame induction ceremony had to be postponed until Saturday, May 15, 2021 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Were inducted three retired players from the prosecution in 2016: Tim Duncan, five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Garnett, giant of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics (a champion's ring with the latter), and therefore
Kobe Bryant, five-time NBA champion and double Olympic champion
.
The legendary Los Angeles Lakers winger is no longer in this world, Vanessa Bryant, his widow, represented him.
Dressed in purple, one of the colors of the Lakers, she was accompanied by Michael Jordan, the idol of the late Kobe Bryant.
“Her Majesty” remained silent, as expected.
Only Vanessa Bryant spoke.
Dignified and solid despite the palpable emotion, the wife of the one nicknamed "Black Mamba" delivered a memorable speech. She spoke of the Kobe she knew: the husband, the father, the insatiable champion, the sportsman attentive to the fans ... Vanessa Bryant portrayed him in the sky, certain that "
he is laughing
" in looking at her on this stage to praise her.
She also spoke of her husband's thirst for victory, and the adversity he faced throughout his 20-year NBA career: “
He would thank everyone who helped him get there, including those who doubted him and those who worked against him and told him he couldn't achieve his goals.
He would thank them all for motivating him to be here.
After all, he proved you wrong.
"
► To read also: Kobe Bryant in ten emblematic dates
See this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant)
“You are a real champion.
You are one of the greatest.
Kobe.
Bean.
Bryant.
"
Right alongside Vanessa Bryant, Michael Jordan could not hold back a tear when it turned to him to thank him for his presence and repeat how Kobe Bryant had set him up as a model.
In the audience, “
Kobe!
Kobe!
Kobe!
Kobe!
Have sounded several times.
Earlier in the evening, Kevin Garnett also greeted the one who was one of his fiercest opponents, Lakers-Celtics rivalry requires, as well as Tim Duncan.
“
Our battles were epic.
I expected them.
It is an honor to be in the Hall of Fame with you.
Congratulations Vanessa, I love you all.
"
Under the eyes of her children Natalia (18 years old), Bianca (4 years old) and Capri (soon 2 years old), Vanessa Bryant long thanked the one who wore the numbers 8 and 24 at the Angelinos: "
Thank you for being the best. husband and the best father possible.
(...) Congratulations, darling.
All your work and sacrifices have paid off.
(...) You succeed.
You are in the Hall of Fame now.
You are a real champion.
You're not just an MVP (best player of the season).
You are one of the greatest.
I am so proud of you.
I love you forever and ever.
"
To conclude this moving evening, Vanessa Bryant simply said: “
Kobe.
Bean.
Bryant.
The full name of a giant who left too early but still more engraved in the basketball legend.
#MambaForever x # 20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/fQAJGSnaDk
- HOF Basketball (@Hoophall) May 16, 2021
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