Mark Cuban Announces Mavericks Will Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant With Incredible and Eternal Gesture
By Scott Rogust
NBA players, coaches, and executives found out the heartbreaking news of Kobe Bryant's death on Sunday afternoon. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas.
Even with the tragic news, it was business as usual for the NBA, despite everyone being emotionally distraught over the loss of the Los Angeles Lakers icon. Tributes circulated throughout Sunday's game action in the form of shot clock violations, jersey changes, and emotional tweets.
But Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stepped things up by saying that the franchise will forever retire the No. 24 in memory of Bryant.
Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban announces that no player in Mavericks history will ever wear No. 24 again in tribute to Kobe Bryant
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 27, 2020
It truly speaks volumes to how much Cuban respected Bryant, even though he was a Western Conference rival. Would the rest of the league consider something like this?
Bryant was a true innovator of the game, as evidenced by his 20 years with the Lakers. He was a vicious competitor, with an undeniable clutch gene that surfaced when it mattered the most. His five NBA Titles and two Finals MVP Awards are evidence of that.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says that no player will ever wear No. 24 for the organization again ? pic.twitter.com/UQLCDvGInl
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 27, 2020
Cuban paid the ultimate respect to Bryant by retiring his number. Best believe the Mavericks won't be the only team to do so.