Natalia Bryant (R), the oldest daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, and her mother Vanessa Bryant at the Class of 2020 Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala as part of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame (HOF) Enshrinement Ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S., May 14, 2021. /CFP
A special exhibition to honor the late Kobe Bryant, who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2020 on Saturday, announced John Doleva, president and CEO of HOF.
The Black Mamba will become the second player in NBA history for whom HOF did this – the first one was Michael Jordan. The exhibition will be toured by Kobe's wife Vanessa.
"The family had time to think about what they wanted to do. [It's] about Kobe's accomplishments but also about what Kobe was after he left the Lakers, after he left basketball," said Doleva at the press conference on Friday.
Inductees of the Class of 2020 pose for a group photo at the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala as part of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S., May 14, 2021. /CFP
Doleva worked with Vanessa, trading card company Panini and other sides to create the exhibit. "It almost feels to me like it is the what's next, what could have been next, for Kobe. So it looks backward, looks at the present and has a hint of the future, which I think is fantastic. I think it's going to be the most talked about and enjoyed exhibit at the Hall of Fame," said Doleva.
Kobe's oldest daughter Natalia appeared at the press conference for his father wearing the orange HOF jacket. Jordan will present Kobe for his enshrinement on Saturday. Vanessa prepared a statement at the press conference.
"Kobe is honored to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. I look forward to celebrating Kobe's legacy and offering my remarks at the enshrinement ceremony tomorrow. On behalf of our family, we appreciate the continuous love and support from fans all over the world," said Vanessa.
Kobe, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are the three most prominent inductees of the 2020 Class.
"Your greatest competition brings the best out of you, and that's what he always did. You always had to be at your best and bring your best from start to finish if you were playing against him or any of his teams, and I think that's what I appreciate about remembering playing against him and being on the court with him. [He was] a fierce competitor and always demanding more of him and his teammates than probably was possible. But he wanted to win that much, he wanted it that much, and it was an honor to share the court with him," said Duncan at the press conference.
"You can go through the list of NBA greats and I couldn't pick two better players, not just that, but two better people, to go into the Hall with. Both of them are class acts and unbelievable players. I'm very privileged, if I'm being honest. Ever since I stepped in the league, it's been like a dream, and this is no different. I'm honored," said Garnett.
Inductee Tim Duncan of the Class of 2020 poses for a portrait during the Class of 2020 Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala as part of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S., May 14, 2021. /CFP
Like Kobe, Duncan spent his whole career in one team - the San Antonio Spurs - and won five NBA Championships for the team.
"Throughout my time, throughout our time there, what incredible teammates I've had there and teammates I hope to be doing this for in the coming years. The city of San Antonio was the perfect place for me. The city, the fans, the organization, all the way down the line, and I'm honored to represent that here," said Duncan.
Inductee Kevin Garnett of the Class of 2020 poses for a portrait during the Class of 2020 Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala as part of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S., May 14, 2021. /CFP
By contrast, Garnett has played for three teams – the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets – in his career. Having arrived at TD Garden in summer 2007, he led the Celtics win their 17th title in franchise history.
"It meant everything, man! You come into the NBA wanting to win, and losing is part of it. Doesn't mean you have to accept it. Going to a storied franchise like Boston gave me life, gave me breath, gave me purpose, and the players that you're playing with actually make the experience monumental, make it magical. The city was waiting for something big or something different to happen versus where it was, and when you win, you just never look back. The fan base in Boston was over the top. ... The fan love in Boston was another level, but I learned to embrace it. My only regret in any of this was I should've come to Boston a little earlier. Other than that, it's magical," said Garnett.
Meanwhile, KG is undoubtedly the greatest player in Timberwolves history.
"Nothing is with regret. I think everything I learned in Minnesota I was able to carry to Boston and make myself a better player and a better teammate. I had a better relationship with [Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck] because of the situations and stuff I went through in Minnesota. Minnesota took a chance on me. I don't have any regrets. I thank Glen, I thank Kevin, I thank Flip Saunders for blessing me with the opportunity to be drafted and giving me the canvas to come out here and give me the chance to actually come out here and show the world. Kevin McHale was a great teacher. Having great teammates like Sam Mitchell and Terry Porter, that kind of gave me bearings. So no, I don't regret none of that. Without [Minnesota], I don't know if I'm the same player going to Boston, you know? So no, I don't regret anything. If anything, thank you," said Garnett.