Cool Dad Job: Basketball Coach

Last Cool Dad Achievement: Leaving a legacy.

After Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash on TK, the NBA great was memorialized more for his role in his daughter’s life than for his successes on the court. Bryant courted controversy over the years and settled a sexual assault case out of court. That can’t be denied or ignored. It also can’t be denied or ignored that Bryant because a role model for young women looking to compete at the highest levels and for other NBA dads. His death was a tragedy not because he was already a great man, but because he seemed to be on the verge of becoming one. 

Look around a Black Lives Matter protest and you will find the number 24. Bryant inspired. Did he shoot too much, sure, but you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Kobe hit plenty.