Since the devastating death of Kobe Bryant in a fatal helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of his daughter Gianna and seven others, players across the league have been paying tribute to the “Mamba.”
There has been an outpour on social media, with many players sending emotional messages regarding the fallen NBA legend. Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell have all used their social media platforms to honor Bryant.
On the court, teams have been taking eight and 24-second violations as an ode to Bryant’s two jersey numbers he wore in his career. On Tuesday, in their first game action since Bryant’s passing, the Golden State Warriors traveled to his hometown of Philadelphia for a contest with the 76ers.
The 76ers and Warriors followed suit with the rest of the league, taking an eight and 24-second violation to start the game. However, it wasn’t the only attempt at honoring Bryant.
Joel Embiid suited up in Bryant’s No. 24 jersey against the Warriors. The No. 24 is retired from 76ers Hall of Famer, Bobby Jones, yet Embiid received permission to wear the jersey against Golden State.
"He was one of my favorite players. I think it’s certainly appropriate that Joel wore the number."
When Joel Embiid made the call, Hall of Famer Bobby Jones was more than happy to help honor Kobe Bryant.
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— brianseltzer (@brianseltzer) January 29, 2020
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 29, 2020
Golden State won’t have the chance to honor Bryant in San Francisco until February 8, as they are currently riding a five-game road trip. When Golden State does return to the Bay Area, they will host Bryant’s former team, the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center.