Kobe Bryant’s late daughter, Gigi, was just officially drafted into the WNBA after the organization made her an honorary first pick of the 2020 season. Her mom, Vanessa Bryant, shared a heartbreaking photo of her honorary professional jersey to mark the occasion.
Vanessa Bryant shared the photo on her Instagram account where she also posted a video thanking the organization for such an honor.
During the official broadcast of the draft, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the league’s tribute to Gianna and two of her teammates, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, who passed away in the tragic helicopter crash.
“While it brings us pain not to see their dreams come to fruition. I’m grateful and proud to announce them tonight as honorary draft picks,” the commissioner said.
After the announcement, a video played of recorded messages from each of the girls’ families, including Gigi’s mom Vanessa Bryant.
Vanessa, who was wearing one of Kobe’s sweatshirts, said, “Thank you so much for honoring my GiGi and selecting her to be an honorary draft pick this year.”
She continued, “It would have been a dream come true for her. She worked tirelessly every single day. She wanted to be one of the greatest athletes of all-time, just like her daddy. So thank you, thank you for honoring my little girl.”
Vanessa was overwhelmed with emotion as she added, “Kobe and GiGi loved the WNBA. This is his sweatshirt. Thank you. I want to congratulate all of this year’s draft picks. So congratulations, work hard. Never settle. Use that Mamba Mentality.”
As you can imagine, it is a huge deal for the victim’s families knowing that each girl had aspirations of playing in the WNBA, before each their lives were tragically cut short.
As we reported, all three of the basketball stars were killed in the fateful helicopter accident that also claimed the life of Kobe Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant is suing the company which owned the helicopter, Island Express, claiming the pilot should have never flown that fateful morning after seeing just how bad weather was at the time.
The case is ongoing.
