Kobe Bryant Has Major Presence During NBA 75th Anniversary All-Star Game
Monday, February 21, 2022 at 04:58PM By Barry Janoff
February 21, 2022: More than two years after his untimely death, Kobe Bryant played a significant role during the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season All-Star Game in Cleveland on Feb. 20.
The WNBA said that Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns 12-time All-Star guard, was named the inaugural recipient of the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award “for his significant contributions to the advancement of girls’ and women’s basketball, and advocacy for the WNBA.”
The WNBA and Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant presented Paul the award prior to the NBA All-Star Game
After the All-Star Game, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was named MVP and awarded the redesigned Kobe Bryant MVP trophy (renamed after Bryant beginning with the 2020 All-Star Game).
“It’s very special,” Curry said when presented with the award. “It has a very special meaning — honoring Kobe, Gigi and those were lost two years ago. I’m very humble and very blessed.”
Bryant was an 18-time All-Star who won a record-tying four (Bob Pettit) Kia All-Star Game MVP awards.
“Thank you (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver and the NBA for the Kobe Bryant Trophy All-Star Game MVP No. 1,” Vanessa Bryant posted to her social media platforms before the game.
At halftime of the game, the NBA honored the 76 members (due to a tie in voting) of the 75th Anniversary team, which includes Bryant.
According to the NBA, 45 of the 76 players were in attendance, including 18 of the 29 forwards (five are deceased), eight of 16 centers (five have passed away, Bill Russell chose not to attend due to COVID concerns) and 19 of the 31 guards (five, including Bryant, are deceased).
Bryant appeared via a photo on the overhead scoreboard.
He also plays a large role in NBA 75th Anniversary marketing, including a segment in the campaign’s anchor spot, “NBA Lane,” in which a school bus driven by actor Michael B. Jordan and filled with kids learning about NBA history stops in front of wall with artwork dedicated to Bryant.
“Some things are bigger than basketball,” says Jordan.
Behind the bus is a car driven by Devin Booker of the Suns, who salutes the Kobe memorial.
The WNBA said the annual Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award “honors the late Kobe Bryant, a devoted supporter of the WNBA and women’s basketball, and his daughter Gianna (also known as Gigi) and highlights Kobe’s legacy as a coach and mentor and Gigi’s inspirational, relentless commitment to playing at the highest levels of the game.”
Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, along with daughter Gigi and seven others.
The WNBA will make a donation to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact for underserved athletes and boys & girls in sports founded through the vision and loving memory of Kobe and Gigi Bryant.
“I have seen first-hand Chris’ appreciation of the WNBA and the game at every level for women and girls, especially in Phoenix and North Carolina, and his ardent support of our game strongly reflects the legacy of Kobe and Gigi,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said via the league.
“The league is proud to name Chris as the inaugural recipient of the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, as he serves as a leader and role model for other professional athletes around growing the future of the game for young girls and all fans.” 
Photo: NBAAccording to the WNBA, Paul is a “devoted fan of the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury, has consistently demonstrated a unique level of support, attending games throughout the regular season and playoffs while also using his public platforms to highlight the on-court successes and stories of WNBA players as well as their leadership in the community through their fight for social justice.”
The league said that during WNBA tentpole events such as WNBA Draft and All-Star, “Chris can be found showing his support for rookies entering the league and WNBA veterans.
“He also supports the youth girls’ game through camps and the CP3 Basketball Academy, with a mission of using basketball to enhance young athletes’ aspirations, disciplines and life skills.”
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