Tim Duncan, five league titles with San Antonio, and Kevin Garnett, a ring with Boston, were inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
Although these two immense basketball players have marked the history of the game, it is probably not their consecration that we will remember when we remember the ceremony of the 2020 class, postponed due to the health crisis and relocated to Uncasville (Connecticut).
But rather that of Kobe Bryant, who left on January 26, 2020 in a helicopter crash with eight other people, including his daughter Gianna, 13.
Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, the former American star was the center of the prestigious ceremony, which took place in front of an audience of NBA celebrities.
And whose climax was the poignant speech of his wife Vanessa, supported by the legend Michael Jordan, present at his side to introduce one of the greatest players in the history of the Lakers.
Official.
🏆🏀 (3/3) # 20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/7GzwsFm8CB
- HOF Basketball (@Hoophall) May 16, 2021
"I would like so much that my husband is there"
“He admired you.
It means so much to us ”, thanked Vanessa Bryant to the address of Michael Jordan, very moved.
“I wish my husband was here so much.
He and Gigi deserve to be there to see this.
He would have a long list of people to thank who inspired him and empowered him to enter the Hall of Fame.
Family, friends, mentors, the Lakers, teammates and opponents, ”breathed the one who now takes care of her daughters Natalia, Capri and Bianka, who are also present.
Vanessa Bryant on why Kobe left it all on the floor for his fans.
đź’śđź’› # 20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/fY4URLOq4t
- NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2021
“I always avoided praising my husband in public because I felt like he was getting enough from his fans all over the world and someone needed to bring him back to reality. Right now, I'm sure he's laughing in heaven because I'm about to congratulate him on his accomplishments on one of the most public stages ever, ”she smiled before concluding. still trembling voice: “He once said to me: 'If you have to bet on someone, bet on yourself'. I'm glad you bet on yourself because you excelled. You are one of the greatest of all time. "
Los Angeles Lakers player for twenty seasons, Kobe Bryant won with his franchise of always five league titles (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010), had an MVP coronation (2008), and had eighteen selections for the All-Star Game. Nicknamed "Black Mamba", Bryant is also two-time 2008 and 2012 Olympic champion with Team USA.
