In a statement released Sunday evening, the Dallas Mavericks and Mark Cuban honored Kobe Bryant and his legacy to the NBA in a unique way. Dallas will retire the number 24.
The statement reads in full:
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.
“Kobe’s legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.
“Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere.”
This is the fourth number that the Mavericks have, officially or unofficially, retired as a franchise. The others are Rolando Blackman (22), Derek Harper (12) and Brad Davis (15). And as we’re all well aware, the Mavericks will at some point (and perhaps as soon as this season) retire Dirk Nowitzki’s 41.
On a personal note, we weren’t planning to write anything today and I’m not sure if we will write anything else. But please go give some love to our friends’ coverage at our sister site Silver Screen and Roll as their community processes this inexplicable loss.
