Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant shared that throughout the team’s Finals run, he has drawn his deepest inspiration from the memory of his late uncle, NBA icon Kobe Bryant.
Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant has opened up about a source of inspiration that runs far deeper than basketball itself, revealing that during the team’s intense and emotional push toward the Finals, his late uncle, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has been the driving force behind his focus, motivation, and resilience. In a season filled with challenges, pressure-packed moments, and the highest stakes of his career, Thomas Bryant says that the memory of Kobe—his work ethic, mentality, and personal influence—has been at the core of his performance on and off the court. For Bryant, this Finals run is more than just a chance at a championship; it is a tribute to a man whose legacy continues to shape him daily.
Bryant spoke with an unmistakable mix of pride and emotion as he recounted what Kobe meant to him, not just as an athlete, but as family. To the world, Kobe was the Black Mamba, the relentless competitor who redefined what it meant to be obsessed with greatness. To Thomas, however, Kobe was also his uncle—a guiding figure who gave him advice in moments when life felt uncertain and encouraged him to dream bigger than his circumstances. Thomas remembered childhood moments watching Kobe’s games, not from a fan’s perspective, but from the vantage point of family gatherings, phone calls, and real conversations where Kobe’s words carried weight. Those lessons were never just about basketball; they were about discipline, self-belief, and refusing to let setbacks define you.
During this year’s playoffs, Thomas Bryant said there were nights when the pressure was so intense that he found himself mentally replaying Kobe’s voice, reminding him to “stay locked in” and “play every possession like it could be the one that decides everything.” He admitted that the Finals stage is unlike anything he’s ever experienced—every possession is magnified, every mistake analyzed, every moment heavy with consequence. Yet, he credits Kobe’s influence for helping him keep his composure in hostile arenas, for giving him the courage to step up when the game is on the line, and for teaching him how to see beyond the noise of the crowd.
Thomas explained that Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” wasn’t just a catchphrase—it was a way of life that demanded relentless preparation, deep self-awareness, and an unshakable confidence rooted in hard work. Growing up, Thomas saw that mentality up close. He remembers being struck by how meticulous Kobe was, even during offseason training. “It was never just going through the motions,” Thomas recalled. “Every drill had purpose. Every rep had meaning. He taught me that greatness isn’t an accident—it’s the result of showing up every single day with the same hunger you had when nobody knew your name.”
The Pacers’ Finals run this season has been anything but easy. The team faced injuries, stretches of inconsistency, and fierce opponents who tested them in every round. Thomas Bryant’s own role has shifted throughout the season—sometimes starting, sometimes coming off the bench, always ready to adapt. He says that adaptability is something Kobe drilled into him early on: “He told me, ‘Control what you can control. You may not always get the minutes you want, but when your number is called, you’d better be ready to make an impact.’ That stuck with me.”
Even off the court, Bryant feels Kobe’s influence in how he approaches life and leadership. In the locker room, Thomas has become a quiet but steady voice of encouragement for younger teammates, pushing them to prepare like pros and believe in themselves even when the odds seem stacked against them. He says that’s part of honoring Kobe’s legacy—passing down lessons and helping others chase their own greatness. “Kobe didn’t just inspire me; he challenged me to inspire others,” Thomas said. “That’s how his impact lives on.”
The emotional weight of playing in the Finals while carrying Kobe’s memory hasn’t been lost on Thomas. He admits there are moments, like during the national anthem or in the final seconds of a close game, when he can almost feel his uncle’s presence. “It’s like he’s watching, reminding me that this is exactly what all the sacrifices were for,” Bryant said. “When I’m out there battling, I’m not just playing for myself, my teammates, or the city—I’m playing for him.”
Kobe’s tragic passing in January 2020 shook the basketball world to its core, but for Thomas, it was a deeply personal loss that left a void he says will never fully be filled. In the days and weeks that followed, he leaned heavily on the advice Kobe had given him over the years, using it as both comfort and guidance. He began keeping a small list of Kobe quotes in his phone—lines that spoke to resilience, focus, and purpose. Before big games, he still reads through them, letting the words center him. “He’d say things like, ‘Leave no stone unturned’ or ‘Rest at the end, not in the middle.’ I repeat those to myself when the pressure’s on,” Thomas said.
As the Finals have progressed, Thomas has found that fans have begun connecting with his story on a deeper level. Many have shared how Kobe inspired them in their own lives, even outside of sports. This connection has only fueled Bryant’s determination to play with passion and heart, knowing that every time he steps onto the court, he’s carrying not just his uncle’s memory, but the spirit of millions who were touched by Kobe’s legacy. “It’s humbling,” he said. “People tell me they see a little bit of Kobe’s fire in the way I play, and that’s the highest compliment I could ever get.”
The Pacers organization has also embraced Thomas’s tribute to Kobe. Coaches and teammates alike recognize that his motivation is deeply personal, and they’ve rallied around him as the team pushes toward its ultimate goal. Head coach Rick Carlisle praised Bryant’s work ethic, noting that his intensity in practice sets a tone for the entire squad. “Thomas shows up ready to work every single day,” Carlisle said. “You can tell he’s fueled by something bigger than himself, and that’s contagious.”
When asked what a championship would mean to him personally, Bryant didn’t hesitate. “It would mean everything,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “It would be proof that all those lessons, all that hard work, all that belief—it was worth it. And I know my uncle would be proud.” He paused for a moment, then added, “I’d dedicate it to him. No question.”
Thomas has also found ways to honor Kobe publicly during games. On certain nights, he wears custom sneakers bearing Kobe’s initials or quotes. He’s been seen flashing a small “24” on his wrist tape, a quiet nod to the number that defined much of Kobe’s career. These gestures aren’t for show; they’re personal reminders that no matter how high the stakes, the core values Kobe instilled in him remain constant.
Off the court, Bryant has been involved in community outreach programs that echo Kobe’s commitment to inspiring the next generation. He has spoken at youth basketball camps about the importance of discipline and perseverance, sharing anecdotes from his time with Kobe that illustrate how greatness is built through daily habits. “I tell them the same thing my uncle told me: talent gets you noticed, but work ethic keeps you there,” he said.
As the Finals edge closer to their conclusion, Thomas Bryant remains laser-focused on the task at hand. The Pacers are in uncharted territory, and every player knows that the margin for error is razor-thin. For Thomas, the stakes feel even higher—not just because of the championship on the line, but because he sees this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to honor his uncle’s legacy on basketball’s biggest stage. “This is where you find out who you really are,” he said. “Kobe lived for moments like this. And I want to live up to that.”
In many ways, Thomas Bryant’s journey through this season has mirrored the lessons Kobe lived by: face adversity head-on, stay true to your preparation, and never let fear dictate your choices. Whether the Pacers ultimately hoist the trophy or not, Bryant knows that he has already honored his uncle in the most meaningful way—by embodying the mindset and values that Kobe spent his life preaching. Still, there’s no denying that lifting that championship trophy would be the ultimate tribute.
Thomas admits that there will be a moment, win or lose, when he looks up at the rafters and thinks about Kobe. “I’ll thank him for everything,” he said quietly. “For the lessons, the love, the belief. I wouldn’t be here without him.”
For Thomas Bryant, this Finals run is more than just a chapter in his basketball career—it’s a personal mission, a heartfelt dedication, and a living testament to the influence of one of the greatest players the game has ever known. And as he battles in the paint, fights for rebounds, and puts his body on the line for every loose ball, he knows he’s not just playing for Indiana. He’s playing for family. For legacy. For Kobe.
