The NBA announced on Thursday that Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan will present Kobe Bryant at his posthumous induction into the NBA Hall of Fame. Bryant was inducted as part of the 2020 class but the ceremony was delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The ceremony will take place May 15th.
Jordan, viewer by many as the greatest of all time, was notoriously a hero and a shadow that Bryant chased throughout his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe, in many ways, imitated Jordan, learning his moves and almost mirroring them as he created his own path.
Bryant won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, arguably becoming the greatest player in franchise history. To younger generations, he is viewed by many as a Jordan-esque idol and muse.
Kobe tragically passed away in January of 2020, alongside his daughter Gianna and several others in a helicopter crash, before learning of the news that he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside all-time great rivals Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett as well as long-time friend and WNBA star Tamika Catchings. Jordan was among several to give an extremely emotional eulogy at a service for Bryant at Staples Center soon after his passing.
Kobe famously listed Jordan as well as their shared longtime coach Phil Jackson as people he wanted to present him at his Hall of Fame induction. And while it won’t happen how any of us envisioned and while there are many bittersweet feelings, it’s great to know that he will have that wish fulfilled.
