KOBE BRYANT’S INDUCTION INTO THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME DELAYED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

May 26, 2020 10:03am

Daily Mail has reported that there could be a delay in inducting Kobe Bryant into the Basketball Hall of Fame due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Boston Globe. 

Bryant was tragically killed in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter and seven other people in January. 

He was due to be inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame on August 29, although that date may now need to be pushed back.

The CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame John Delova said there are ‘so many variables’ around making a decision over the event, however one should be made this week. 

‘We want to have all that information by month’s end and decide what our action plan is going to be,’ he said. 

‘It’s a wonderful three-day event for us, but it’s in a little in flux because of the coronavirus.’  

If it is pushed back, the ceremony may take place from October 9 to 11, but could even be as late as spring next year. 

The pandemic has caused havoc with sporting events and social gatherings, and the usual venue at Symphony Hall in Massachusetts has a capacity of 2,611. 

Instead, it will take place at the Mass Mutual Center, a venue with a much higher capacity to allow for better social distancing.

Bryant, regarded as one of the top stars to ever play the game, spent 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships.

He was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2007-08, a 15-time All-NBA selection, 18-time All-Star and 12-time All-Defensive team member.

He was named MVP of the NBA Finals twice and was the All-Star Game MVP four times.